Politicizing the Workspace in Laila Halaby’s Once in a Promised Land

This study investigates the politicization of workspaces in Laila Halaby's novel Once in a Promised Land, with an emphasis on the post-9/11 American context. By closely analyzing the protagonists' experiences in their professional settings, the study argues that an inflated sense of patriotism infiltrates the workplaces in the novel. This significantly influences the career paths of employees, especially those of Arab descent. Utilizing Henri Lefebvre's concept of social space, this article examines how the firm and the bank become arenas for surveillance, censorship, and discrimination. These dynamics reflect broader societal tensions. The article reveals how Halaby's narrative challenges the idea of the American Dream by highlighting the intricate interactions between personal expression, societal structures, and professional experiences within a politically charged context. By examining the spatial and social dynamics of these workspaces, this study sheds light on how global events and national sentiments reshape fundamental aspects of daily life, especially for marginalized groups. Moreover, the article contends that Halaby's work provides a subtle critique of the extensive effects of unchecked patriotism and systemic discrimination in professional settings. It calls for a reevaluation of the concepts of belonging and professionalism in modern America.