A young practicing Muslim woman was harassed on social media for being a conservative.
In an interview with Red Alert Politics‘ Assistant Editor Siraj Hashmi, Virginia College Republican’s newly elected chair, Nadia Elgendy, explained why she is a conservative.
“My parents are small business owners they own a dental practice in Springfield, Virginia, and just hearing about the tax burdens and how it impacted our family I think really spoke volumes to my ideology down the line,” she told Hashmi. “Even though my parents are Democrats, I think they instilled those values in me.”
Elgendy said she did not think President Trump’s executive order on immigration was targeting Muslims. Shortly after the interview was published and shared on Facebook, Elgendy began to see a backlash from individuals who were shocked that she is a practicing Muslim who holds conservative views.
“This paints a picture of a child playing politics (which I’m sure she’s not, blame the writer playing journalist),” one commenter wrote in an attempt to blame Hashmi for interviewing her.
“What utter garbage,” another person commented.
Other users told Elgendy and the people who support her views they were close-minded, misleading, and “childish.” Elgendy told Red Alert she understands the Muslim community’s concerns over Trump’s immigration order, but she does not think it should be called a “Muslim Ban.” She added she does not believe identity politics should affect her views.
“My job is not here to be the ‘token Muslim’ and only comment on the ‘Muslim issues,'” Elgendy told Red Alert in a follow-up interview. “Personally, my religion or gender has and never will weigh more than the work I have put towards making the Republican Party of Virginia and more inclusive and proactive organization for millennials. I was not elected because of my identity. I was elected because of my capability to make the GOP better. The feedback I have received since my election has been incredibly warm, which only reaffirms my gratitude towards my friends and colleagues in the Republican Party of Virginia.”
