Palestinian American poets, Fady Joudah and Tariq Luthun, discuss the erasure of their identities and the challenges they face as Palestinian Americans. Topics include advocacy for Palestinians, the impact on parents of the conflict in Gaza, and the erasure and dehumanization of Palestinians in the media.
The erasure of Palestinian American experiences and perspectives perpetuates the cycle of violence and hinders a more inclusive understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The demand for Palestinians and their sympathizers to publicly condemn acts of violence overlooks the complexities of the conflict and perpetuates a cycle of oppression.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Peace and Violence in Israel and Gaza
The recent violence in Israel and Gaza has sparked deep divisions in public opinion in the U.S. and revealed the complexities and nuances of the conflict. While there has been robust support for Israel from politicians and institutions, public rallies across the country, including the largest ever rally in support of the Palestinian cause, demonstrate a growing dissent among the American public. Millennial and Gen Z generations, in particular, question the unconditional support for Israel, leading to a generational divide. Furthermore, racial divides exist with a lower percentage of people of color supporting Israel compared to white individuals. This conflicts with the historical consensus of support for Israel by both Democrats and Republicans, highlighting the need to examine and challenge the binary perspective of the conflict.
Palestinian Americans: Overlooked Narratives and Dehumanization
Palestinian Americans often find themselves marginalized and overlooked in conversations surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They are perceived as either instigators of violence or victims of it, reinforcing a dehumanizing narrative. The erasure of their experiences and perspectives perpetuates the cycle of violence, hindering the possibility of a more inclusive and empathetic understanding. Through personal accounts and stories, Palestinian Americans assert their identity beyond the conflict, emphasizing the communal aspects of Palestinian culture, such as enjoying family gatherings, participating in cultural traditions, and finding resilience amidst adversity.
The Burden of Representation and the Politics of Condemnation
Arabs, Palestinians, and those who sympathize with them often face scrutiny and pressure to publicly condemn acts of violence attributed to Palestinian individuals or groups. This demand for condemnation stems from a presumption of guilt by association, requiring individuals to justify their humanity and distance themselves from acts they may have no control over or connection to. This line of questioning overlooks the nuances and complexities of the conflict, preventing meaningful conversations about the underlying issues and perpetuating a cycle of oppression and dehumanization.
Memory, Loss, and the Palestinian Experience
The Palestinian experience encompasses collective memories of displacement, loss, and erasure. Palestinians have been bombarded with violence, resulting in a profound impact on their lives and sense of identity. The destruction of physical objects and the dispossession of land and homes further contribute to the denial of their right to a complete and authentic story. Yet, memories persist through generations, affirmed by cultural practices, allowing Palestinians to preserve their history and maintain a sense of connection and resilience. These memories serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice.
On this week's Code Switch, we hear from two Palestinian American poets who talk about what it's like to be Palestinian American in the U.S. Fady Joudah and Tariq Luthun say the way their stories are told — or aren't told — has contributed to what they see as an erasure of their identities, and often of their humanity.
