Shortly after Osama bin Laden's death was broadcast to the world, Linda Sarsour posted on Twitter, "Osama Bin Laden is dead. Good, now can I get my identity back? 10 yrs is a long time. Can being Palestinian and Muslim be cool again?"
In fewer than 140 characters, the 31-year-old progressive activist from New York summed up the views of many young Muslim Americans. They hope the al-Qaida leader's death, and the pro-democracy uprisings sweeping the Arab world, help erase the suspicion and fear many non-Muslims have viewed them with for nearly a decade.
The Sept. 11 terror attacks dramatically increased pressure and scrutiny on them, their friends and family. Criticizing U.S. policies while condemning terrorism, or even walking out the door in a traditional Islamic head scarf, sometimes brought insults or threats.
Sarsour said in a phone interview that she noticed a change soon after the attacks, when her Brooklyn neighbors suddenly lost interest in getting to know the Muslims on the block. Bin Laden "hijacked our identity" and made
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