The Catastrophic Ending of the Coexistence of Islamophilia and Islamophobia in Disgraced

This study explores the tension between Islamophilia and Islamophobia as depicted in Ayad Akhtar&quots 2013 Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Disgraced. The play scrutinizes the racialization of Muslims in the United States, a phenomenon that has intensified since 9/11. Akhtar presents Amir, who struggles to assimilate into mainstream American society despite his earnest efforts, and Emily, who outwardly appears sympathetic to Islam but demonstrates a conflicted stance on Islamophobia. Although Amir and Emily seem to be a well-matched couple, their marriage unravels catastrophically due to their inability to reconcile and understand the complexities of Islamophilia and Islamophobia. In contrast, Amir’s nephew Abe, who is a victim of Islamophobia, rejects assimilation and reclaims his Islamic identity as Hussain Malik. Through the Amir, Emily, and Abe, the play highlights the persistent struggle against deeply rooted prejudice towards Islam and the lack of significant efforts it. The equivocal attitudes towards Islam are mirrored ambivalent views towards Japan