I Am Fatima

I Am Fatima Parent and Teacher Guide

Racism remains a significant issue in some Arab and non-Arab societies. One troubling aspect is the formation of false concepts in children and young people, such as judging a person’s worth based on their appearance.

The novel I am Fatima addresses this issue through its main character, Fatima, who was born in Tunisia to a black father and a white mother. Like her father, Fatima has black skin.

Throughout the story, Fatima experiences racial discrimination due to her skin color within her mother’s family, at school, and in her social environment. Initially, she tries to confront this discrimination calmly, but its severity pushes her to respond with counter-violence. This radical change in her personality causes her to be ostracized and even fought against by her own mother.

After a series of bitter events, Fatima decides to emigrate to France to be with her father, hoping to escape the racism she faced and start a new life. However, she is surprised to find that racism exists in France in various forms.

Fatima is left with no choice but to confront this discrimination and learn to live with it. She endures more hardships, but through her determination and perseverance, she defies all obstacles. In the end, Fatima creates an initiative called I am here, I am a human being, which emphasizes that humans, with all their differences and unique characteristics, are like a mosaic and that no piece should be separated from the others.

The goal of this initiative is to share success stories of individuals who have faced difficulties and overcame them through determination.

Questions for Discussion

• In your opinion, what is the importance of the role of parents in supporting their children and boosting their self-confidence?
• How were the roles of Fatima’s father and mother represented in her life?
• Was Fatima’s transformation into a violent character justified? If you were in her place, what solutions would you put in place to deal with this problem?
• Fatima’s uncle’s wife left a significant impact on Fatima’s life, and she continued to remember her and what she said for a long time. Can the impact of words stay with a person for this long? And how can one overcome this impact?
• What should Fatima’s mother have done to handle the situation with Fatima?
• Psychological pressures have a significant impact on a person and may lead them to reckless behavior. What are the best ways to deal with them, as happened with Fatima’s mother?
• Are tranquilizers part of the solution? Or are there other better solutions?
• Fatima thought that she would escape racism by living in France, what does the presence of racism in France signify to Fatima’s new life?
• Do you think there are any effective ways to eradicate racism?
• Explain how Fatima’s personality changed after traveling to France and how her father played a supportive role in this transformation.
• How does writing serve as a means of relieving pain and psychological pressure? Have you personally implemented this method in your life?
• What lessons can be drawn from Fatima’s story?
• How would you interpret the progression of Fatima and Christine’s relationship? Additionally, what role does regret and admitting mistakes play in the process of reconciliation?
• Show the importance of forgiveness and tolerance in building positive relationships and overcoming conflicts and problems.
• Positivity and optimism have an impact on achieving success and changing reality for the better. How can people be a source of inspiration for others? Who are the people that inspire you and why?
• In your opinion, who do you think had the biggest impact on Fatima’s life, her friend Christine or Fatiha?
• What role did each play in supporting Fatima?
• Do you think the story reflects the reality of racism in real society? Explain your answer.