

TDS Time Machine | Arab American Heritage Month
8 snips Apr 27, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Ramy Youssef, an Egyptian-American comedian and creator of Hulu's 'Ramy,' shares insights about navigating comedy and identity in turbulent times. He reflects on using humor to tell authentic stories amid cultural challenges. Reza Aslan, a prominent Iranian-American scholar, delves into his exploration of Jesus in his latest book, connecting it to today's political landscape in the Middle East. Together, they celebrate Arab American contributions and the complexities of heritage in modern society.
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Bassem Youssef's Comedy Journey
- Bassem Youssef transitioned from a heart surgeon to a political comedian during Egypt's revolution.
- His show broke ground by addressing political issues with humor despite challenges like no live audience and threats.
Media Impact on Public Belief
- Conspiracy media strongly influences public belief, even if the conspiracies are bizarre.
- Both Egypt and the U.S. share media tactics that shape public opinion amid political unrest.
Rami Youssef's Show & Characters
- Rami Youssef created a pioneering Muslim American sitcom showing complex, humanized Muslim characters.
- The character Steve, his disabled best friend, inspired a new series flipping typical disability narratives.