Every person has his or her own unique identity that defines who they are as an individual. Searching for a picture that reflects and symbolizes my identity, I was surprised to find this photograph. At first, I thought it looks really funny and didn’t expect to find something like that. This statue was being transported to some airport. I was surprised to find one image that can perfectly mean so much to me and my family.

Egypt is well-known for its great history and whenever the word “Egypt” is said, people always think of deserts, pyramids and pharaohs. In fact, they are certainly right. Egypt was one of the oldest civilizations and was ruled by pharaohs who are perceived to be God figures and so, their statues are significant symbols of Egypt and its history.

In this photograph, the statue looks like it is walking towards the statue of liberty. This is a huge part of my identity as both, an Egyptian and an American. I was born in Egypt and I was raised there. My dad knew that there weren’t enough opportunities for me and my sister in Egypt and so, without us knowing, he applied for the Diversity Visa Lottery and we were selected in 2008. Before I knew it, I was helping my parents finish papers, visiting the doctor for medical records and finally, embarking on the airplane heading to the United States of America in July, 2009. The picture reflects my movement as an immigrant, leaving my home country and meeting the statue of liberty which symbolizes the land of hope and freedom. For some time, I identified myself as purely Egyptian but I eventually started to declare that I am both an Egyptian and an American. I hold values of both cultures and from this, I had the chance to eliminate the practices I do not like from both and only keep the good ones. There is also one important element that goes in hand. Religion plays a huge role in defining my identity and personality. Whether I identify as an American or Egyptian, I always maintain my identity as a Coptic Christian, in which the Egyptian culture and religious practice may overlap. This might often make it seem like I see myself as more of an Egyptian when in reality, it is just part of following my religion.

The fact that the photograph depicts the statue of liberty particularly other than any other elements of the USA in general reflects that my American identity leans more towards being a New Yorker. I only visited a few other states but I lived the seven years I have been in America in New York and I am not planning to live anywhere else. The statue of liberty also looks like it is welcoming the Egyptian statue to stay in its lands and use its opportunities. This was what we were aiming for when we came: a better life with more opportunities for education and professional careers for me and my sister.

Blood Relations has one of its chapter titles as “Panama Money meets Jim Crow.” This title is very catchy and that’s why I decided to name the photograph and this post “Pharaoh meets Liberty.” Seven years ago, my family and I met Statue of Liberty and became Americans, while still holding on to some cultural values from Egypt.