I still remember the day 9/11 took place. As an eight-year-old, I was horrified that such an act could even occur in the name of religion; a religion that had taught me I could not even harm a spider intentionally. How could these terrorists really label themselves as Muslims when they didn't even know the meaning of the word? Fast forward to several years later, I remember the dread of hearing of another terrorist attack. Not only because so many more innocents had been injured and harmed by another act of horror, but also because of the inevitable blame that would come towards Islam; towards individuals who had no play in such horrors. I can vividly recall stories and memories of the prejudice and fear I and my fellow Muslims have faced because of these events. In all honesty, every time a terrorist attack happens, I have always feared the backlash of what may occur.

Last week that horror came to life when Trump brought chaos to the world. Our worst fears came true. By creating an order to preventing travel to and from seven Muslim nations, Donald Trump specifically attempted to alienate the population based on religion and race, with no factual evidence to back up his claims. Thousands have been affected by the travel band, including Americans themselves who not only have legal right to live in the USA, but have passed all the necessary measures to be citizens of the state. What Trump fails to truly realise is that ISIS and Islam are not unanimous. Muslims are not the problem. Just like Jews were not the problem during the Nazi Hilter reign. In fact, his so-called measures give ISIS more ammunition to recruit in underdeveloped nations, where Education is considered a luxury. I couldn't believe that I was witnessing humanity take a step back into the dark ages.

But then something beautiful and incredible happened. The entire world stood up against Trump and his ideals. Today I've seen so many people standing up injustice. I've seen the world unite to support those affected. Never have I felt more touched and accepted by the entire universe. Seeing the world unite together and defend my fellow Muslims has been one of the most touching experiences of my life. In fact - in these dark times - it gives me hope that we can get through this battle. I'm so proud of humanity. And while the fight against this injustice isn't over, I take comfort in the fact that we are united as one. Thank you humanity. You've not only restored my faith in the universe, but also made me proud to be human. Thank you to every single one of you fighting for equality. I could not be more grateful to be a citizen of this universe. And in some weird twisted way, I would have never been able to witness this without Trump and his crazy antics. Congratulations Trump, you've brought the universe together, and made us realise we all have something in common - our humanity.

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Last year whilst I was surfing across the interwebs, I stumbled across an article by Teen Vogue stating that '48% of millennials believe the American dream is dead'. Now considering the current state of events taking place in 2016 - Trump being elected for President and ruining the universe - it isn't surprising at all of the results. But it got me thinking, what does the American Dream mean in the modern age and our generation? Can its ideals truly exist in our society?

The American Dream signifies a time when people travelled from far and wide across the globe to the promised land. America was the blessed paradise where dreamers could make a name for themselves and secure their families future. Settlers could work hard and create a home in a suburban county, surrounded by a white picket fence. They would work hard and tirelessly towards the opportunity to succeed and stand up for what they believed in. The American Dream is a nostalgic ideal that transcends beyond the nation of its origin. 

Back in the day, things were different. The world was based on national pride. Globalism hadn't conquered the universe yet. In order to be successful, you need to go where success was made. You had to live near where you worked. You would work in an organisation and work your way up the ladder until retirement. That was the norm. Though that principle exists, time has changed. Circumstances have changed. 

People don't dedicate their working lives to one company anymore - they move around and test the waters. Teenagers and millennials alike create careers out of bedroom hobbies, producing videos, written content and audio tracks without the help of the professionals. There are thousands of people who work globally and remotely through the use of technology. We can become the masters of our own invention and sell products directly to an audience, through Etsy, Ebay and other online outlets. The gatekeepers have to prove their value and worth, in a world where access is freely and instantly available at the touch of your fingertips. America is no longer the only go-to for success. Success is not defined by where you came from. It's defined by you and what you value you most in this world. 

Maybe the American Dream is evolving into that we can relate to. It's our generation and the changes we face that determine what that might be. It's evolving into an ideal of what we'd like the world to be. A world where we can live together and also support each other, beyond labels and prejudice hindering our progress. It's a future we hope that we will come to see one day as we continue to fight the circumstances of society. 

So what do you think? What does the American Dream mean to you? Does it still exist? 

I am a Muslim and I am tired. I'm tired of mourning for innocent lives lost in this unnecessary bloodshed, claiming to be in the name of religion. But tell me what greater sin is there in Islam then to take a life of another? If we are not even allowed to harm an ant or a spider in our own homes, how can you even think of harming another human being? How is this act of sin acceptable? The Quran clearly states, 'I made you different from one another so you can learn from each other'. Tell me, by killing humanity, how exactly are you going to follow through with that notion? What did these innocent people, living their everyday lives do, to deserve meeting their deaths? This grief we carry should not be a regular occurrence and yet it is. My ears are numb and my heart is heavy. All because of this plague of terrorism.

Since I can remember, I have found myself absolutely fascinated by North Korea. In a world where we have unlimited access to information at our fingertips, it baffles me that a nation like North Korea still exists. Kept under the tight-knit reign of the most hated man in the world, Kim Jong Un, civilians are sheltered from outside influence leaving them at the mercy of their nation. It was once a land filled with mystery and complete secrecy, completely isolated from civilisation. But as more and more North Koreans escape the clutches of their nation, the horror that they faced during their time there, is now being shared amongst the general public. North Korea is a living breathing dystopian nightmare novel come to life, where the tightly wound government continues to spread propaganda in full force. It is a place where critical thought is shunned, and the key to survival is obedience and witful tact. After all, the best way to keep it's people loyal is through fear and lack of knowledge. So much more easier to control. 

Dear Hollywood,

I've been watching your films since I was a child. Captivated from the age of five, I've appreciated the art work and cinematography embedded in your feature film productions that inspired a generation. I fell in love with your storylines that taught me emotional integrity, and the appreciation of a good - and terrible - battle scene. I invested into characters' personalities and lives - all created by the talent behind the neon lights. Oh Hollywood, you made me fall in love with the endless possibilities of fiction and inspired me to use my imagination, when the world told me to believe in realistic cynicism.

What do Miley Cyrus, Arianna Grande, Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato all have in common? They were once all children, who dreamed of taking the stage and performing with all their heart and soul to a crowd that would listen. Children who actually managed to reach that dream before they hit their 20s. The teens who have literally grow up in the limelight, and have fortunately, developed successful careers in Hollywood. But they did not make it there un-scarred. 

As these young stars have grow up, they've found it difficult to mature into adulthood and shed their childhood star images. Why? Because that's what people have come to recognise them as - child stars. Individuals who literally embody the essence of childhood - especially those who grew up alongside them, watching them year after year right before their eyes.

Once you're a child starlet - especially a Disney one - you can't really escape. The world has watched you grow up in front of their very eyes, and they are not quite ready to let that image go. Being pigeon-holed in this way makes it very difficult for the world to take you seriously, especially as you attempt to develop as an artist and mature into a young adult. These child stars are almost imprisoned in the image of these roles, which gave them their stardom with no true escape; no light at the end of media scrutiny. The irony! So what do many of them do? The extreme opposite to shed and reject that very image.

I remember in my first year of university, I took a module which discussed how woman in popular culture were either stereotyped to be innocent or promiscuous. There was no 'true' middle ground. When you take a look at the recent examples of Disney/Nick child stars, it's hard to not ignore that theory. Sometimes the only way these artists have found to truly break out of that image, is by crossing the ultimate line defying the image they once held. Rejecting any form of innocence entirely. While I accept that everyone has a right and is granted the freedom of creative personal expression, it's almost like these stars have been unconsciously pushed into making their choices. Would they have presented themselves this way, if they didn't have this stigma held over them? If they were coming into their careers now, would this have been the route - or the even image - they would have chosen?

It's not fair that these young adults are being judged and held accountable for moral responsibility, purely because they reached their fame as kids. The amount of pressure that puts on a young adult who is still trying to figure out who they are is cruel and unjust. But unfortunately it's a system that's hard to change, but maybe discussing it can be the first step forward. Even just acknowledging it can be healthy step towards changing the status quo.

What are your thoughts on the subject? 

Image Source 1 2 3 / Edited by Creative in Arts

The Oscars are known for their recognition on visual storytelling, and for the fashionable attire. It's what journalists and showbiz enthusiasts look forward to every single year. But how many people have been paying attention to what the speakers at the event were saying? Some of the speeches given this year by the winners were absolutely golden. And yet - I haven't heard or seen anything much about them since. So in honour of those incredible speeches from this year's Oscar winners, here's their moment of glory! 

Ellen Page's emotional and touching speech, known as her 'coming out speech' given last week at the Human Rights Campaign's conference, was a significant moment and important reflection on our current society by a world-wide known figure. This speech didn't just address LGBT community, it addressed an important position of society and tackled an issue close to many peoples hearts - the acceptance of one another. But one of the most important messages of this speech that I believe it holds, will become regrettably overlooked, all because of the tabloid obsession over another celebrity's personal relationship endeavours. This message is arguably one of the most important things I learnt from my time at university and growing up in this digital society. It is about the ideals, the world and the nature that Hollywood movies and television create for us to implement in some shape or form into society and our everyday lives.