The Daily The Freshmen: Rashida Tlaib, Part 2
May 14, 2019
In this engaging discussion, Representative Rashida Tlaib, a progressive Democrat from Michigan, delves into her journey as one of the first Muslim women in Congress. She reflects on her outspoken views regarding Israel, politics, and the complexities of her Palestinian identity. Tlaib addresses accusations of anti-Semitism and the journey of rebellion she faced growing up in a multicultural family. With nuance, she shares her vision for justice and the one-state solution, emphasizing the intersection of her personal experiences with political challenges.
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Childhood Translator
- Rashida Tlaib, eldest of 14, served as her mother's translator until age 12 due to her mother's limited English.
- She vividly recalls an incident at Sears where she defended her mother against a cashier's disrespectful remarks about her broken English.
Immigrant Hardships
- Tlaib's mother immigrated to escape poverty and the Israeli occupation, but she underestimated the hardships in the US.
- Tlaib's family relied on food assistance programs, and she didn't fully grasp their poverty until later.
Third Parent
- As the eldest of 14, Tlaib acted as a third parent, handling responsibilities like homework assistance, dinner preparation, and household chores.
- This heavy responsibility often left her working on her own schoolwork late into the night.