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Pax Assadi on Raised by Refugees!

May 18, 2025 / 00:50

This episode discusses cultural identity, experiences of being Middle Eastern post-9/11, and personal anecdotes about growing up. Key topics include the challenges of fitting in, family dynamics, and the impact of societal perceptions.

The guest shares memories of feeling out of place in school and the confusion that arose from cultural differences. They recount how 9/11 affected their identity as a Middle Eastern individual and the subsequent pressure to conform.

Personal stories illustrate the struggles faced while trying to connect with peers, including humorous moments involving their mother and her attempts to introduce them to others.

The conversation highlights the complexities of identity and belonging, particularly in the context of societal expectations and cultural heritage.

TLDR

The episode covers cultural identity struggles and personal anecdotes from a Middle Eastern perspective post-9/11.

Episode

0:50
00:00:00
Oh, what smells like curry? It must be packs. And I was like, do I really rocked me for the rest of the day? I
00:00:06
remember going to school and not understanding anyone and being like, what is going on? But I was born here.
00:00:10
And I remember that thought. I remember that thought going like, what am I supposed to do? 9/11 happened. Being
00:00:17
Middle Eastern of any kind was like really bad. In real life, it was 3 years of pretending to be tongen. There were
00:00:22
definitely moments where the other tongans were like, "Are we sure he's
00:00:25
talking?" Like when we play like a game of league and like they pass me the ball
00:00:29
and like I don't know what like I'm like running around in a circle. My mom will
00:00:33
just walk into stores and just announce does anyone know society and you're like
00:00:39
what are you doing? And she's like here he is. This is my son. Are you proud of
00:00:45
yourself? Am I proud? [Music]

Episode Highlights

  • Cultural Identity Crisis
    Navigating identity in a post-9/11 world is challenging and confusing.
    “Being Middle Eastern of any kind was like really bad.”
    @ 00m 17s
    May 18, 2025

Episode Quotes

  • What am I supposed to do?
    Pax Assadi on Raised by Refugees!
  • Are we sure he's talking?
    Pax Assadi on Raised by Refugees!
  • Are you proud of yourself? Am I proud?
    Pax Assadi on Raised by Refugees!

Key Moments

  • Cultural Confusion00:07
  • Identity Struggle00:12
  • Mother's Pride00:42