Who Is Zeitoun's Credibility?

Very recently, it may have come to your attention that an assigned novel in AP Language and Composition, Zeitoun, has been come into question on its credibility. The riveting narrative, written by award-winning author Dave Eggers, Zeitoun depicts the struggle of a man, Zeitoun, and his family after the catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina and life during the War on Terror. According to several news articles, it is known that Zeitoun has been arrested and charged for domestic violence and stalking against his now ex-wife, Kathy. Although it is not confirmed by Eggers himself that he was aware of these crimes, it is implied in local news articles. Hence, the novel is in controversy on whether it is still a good influence for students at Mills High School. …show more content…
Though Zeitoun consistently abused his wife, and it is horrifying to hear, it has nothing to do with the discriminatory acts by the government towards him. Zeitoun was a Muslim man, and that is all the government saw, not the crimes he committed at home. Thus, Zeitouns domestic violence charges are highly irrelevant I the real message of Eggers’ novel. If students are not allowed to read the novel in class, they will miss the message on the horrifying government’s Islamophobia toward Muslim families. Learning about Islamophobia, and specially it’s impact on Muslim families, becomes an eye opener in students and creates a lasting (and shocking) impact on them. It can inspire students to fight for change, against discriminatory acts, in society. Zeitoun powerfully demonstrates its purpose of Islamophobia in the government, regardless of his the man’s