Can you name any Islamic characters on western TV? Okay, Abed from Community. And that guy from Lost. Also that one guy on Bones. Any others? If you’re particularly well-versed in television and TV lore, then you might be able to think up a handful of supporting characters, maybe a dozen cameos, and a few bit-parts might come to mind, but how many regular characters on television are Muslim? The answer is very few.

When I was young, I had a nightmare about a creature living in my kitchen. The creature had three eyes, but no other features on its half-circle face other than dark hair on top of its head. It sat on the floor, moving only by dragging itself around the room. I could not speak if the creature was near me; I could not call out for help from my parents nor could I ask the creature to leave me alone.