The Muslim Prom Queen and Me

THIS summer, I've traded in my usual hijab for a turban. The biggest consequence of this is not physical. It's a matter of perception: I am no longer immediately identified as Muslim. I could just be protecting my hair from the outside elements or protecting the outside elements from my uncooperative hair. I could just be from some obscure African country — and coincidentally, I am. Or I could just be a little too obsessed with Zadie Smith.