The communication was intended to not just shed light on this serious issue, but more importantly, encourage Iranians and their counterparts of middle easterners and south asians decent as well as other nationalities globally, to open their minds and hearts, so that we all evolve as a human race.
SHOW NOTES:
Why make the podcast now (2:00)
This conversations needs to happen (2:49)
How Iranians have ignored racism (3:45)
Iranian judgement based on race (8:11)
Having to prove yourself against stereotypes (11:44)
Why racism is not just a black and white issue (13:23)
Introducing Tehran (16:56)
Tehran explains racism to Iranians (18:23)
How racism has affected Tehran (21:27)
Where racism stems from (25:30)
The issue with Iranians being listed as caucasians (27:04)
Every minority faces racism (29:02)
Racial tension in Iran (30:02)
Farsi as a language of equality (33:00)
How to still appreciate a culture that has hurt you (35:29)
Tehran’s message to bad Iranians (36:48)
How to talk to racists (38:24)
How people ignored COVID (41:08)
Why assessment of character is wrong (43:20)
How to address the issue of Iranian racism (46:17)
Jasmine’s experience with race (49:06)
Racism in America (50:25)
How we are changing the world (53:17)
How comedians provide social commentary (54:42)
Lack of Iranian support for African Americans (57:59)
What you can do to fight racism (1:00:35)
Reflection (1:04:33)
QUOTES:
“If you have been raised in an Iranian family, and if you were to look yourself in the mirror and look at your family, you are going to have to accept the fact that we have been incredibly racist, at the very least incredibly prejudiced, growing up.” (3:56)
“Even then, when it was brought to our attention that it was offensive, we still didn’t hear the whole truth. It’s as if everything was just swept under a fancy Persian rug.” (7:49)
“This is not a white person versus black person kind of thing. I feel like a lot of us have been sitting not even on the sidelines, but on the bleachers having our popcorn and waiting for things to die down. But we should be getting off the bleachers, getting off the sidelines, we should be players in this game, that the goal is that all win. We all win by eradicating racism.” (15:49)
“Racism is part of America’s globalization. Unfortunately racism is such a part of America, to the point that when we are out there protesting racism, people think we are protesting America itself.” (25:37)
“The three most dangerous words ever written are ‘we the people.’” (29:38)
“Iran is not its government. Iran has, and always will be, its people.” (32:30)
“Originally, before it all, there were three simple principles: good words, good thoughts, good deeds.” (34:38)
“Comparison is the thief of compassion.” (37:44)
“Accountability will always feel like an attack when you’re not ready to accept responsibility.” (39:41)
Tragedy is a close up lens, it’s a microscope, while comedy is the long lens, it’s a telescope.” (55:56)
“Have these conversations, I know they’re uncomfortable. Be uncomfortable. It’s okay.” (1:01:28)
“The most important thing you can do is you can be the change. So many people want to change the world. So few people are simply willing to change themselves.” (1:02:02)