If the new Ms. Marvel had felt comfortable in her own skin, she wouldn't have achieved the powers she did. Kamala Kahn is a normal girl; except that she's not normal: she's the product of a Muslim family, of Pakistani descent, and an American upbringing that has made her a unique person. Her mother and father desire the ideal Muslim daughter, having high expectations of her and expecting her to be a faithful follower of their religion. Those desires directly conflict with another pressure he faces; Kamala wants to be accepted by the social crowd that is quintessentially American. Her brother and best friend have both embraced their religion wholeheartedly in an act of defiance against the aversion people seem to have towards their differences, but Kamala is trying to distance herself from it. Her family doesn't understand her because she wants to fit in, her peers don't accept her because she's different and she's confused about who she is and who she should be. In her daily life, Kamala feels pressure to play different roles in different contexts to gain the acceptance she desires. This pressure to fit into conflicting patterns becomes part of her, which is why she gains the power to shape-shift. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Kamala's family and social life provide disparate definitions of normality. At home, normal means adhering to his religion and culture. Eat Indian foods and celebrate different holidays. He is expected to dress modestly, abstain from alcohol and promiscuity, and attend meetings in the mosque. These things directly coincide with her desire to be an average American teenager. The object of Kamala's interest in the first scene is not a boy, but a typical American food that is forbidden to her, a BLT. When Kamala asks permission to go to a party, she is told it wouldn't be safe and her father suggests she invite her friend over to do homework and watch movies instead. This is par for the course for his father, who probably had a very conservative upbringing, but in Jersey City on a Friday night, it's not. Sneaking out gives her a feeling of release, but it doesn't last. Moments after arriving at the party, the white boys shame her of her culture (whether intentional or reckless) through rude actions such as tricking her into drinking alcohol and pointing out that she "smells like curry." She betrayed one part of her life, yet was not accepted in the other. Here he realizes that it is impossible to adapt to both worlds at the same time. Kamala fights her identity on a personal level, beyond the culture and social rank that define her. The things that really set her apart make it even harder for her to mold herself into someone else's mold. His mother and best friend don't understand his interest in fan fiction and superheroes; Her friend even calls it her "sad nerd obsession." Kamala also struggles to adhere to her religion when she sees flaws in it. She doesn't wear a headscarf and she and her friend are cynical about the lecture at the mosque. When called upon to speak, Kamala's response is to note that the women are forced to sit behind a partition, which interferes with their concentration. More than a concern about her ability to pay attention, Kamala criticizes the legitimacy of a practice that arguably represses women. In one frame his rain boots are shown and are decorated with puzzle pieces. While it's a fleeting detail, it could be a nod to Kamala's difficulty putting her own puzzle together..