The Good Fight What an Overly Pessimistic View of America Gets Wrong
Jul 30, 2022
Eboo Patel, the founder of Interfaith America and a former advisor on faith to President Obama, shares his insights on interfaith dialogue and civil society's vital role in democracy. He discusses the evolution of faith-based organizations, emphasizing their shift from serving specific groups to broader communities. Patel reflects on his journey moving past critical race theory towards constructive civic engagement, and he celebrates America's religious diversity, advocating for narratives that highlight collaboration over conflict.
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Early Experiences with Racism
- Eboo Patel faced subtle racism growing up, like people mocking his Indian heritage.
- He found that critical race theory initially helped him understand these experiences.
The Play Critique
- In college, Patel critiqued a play about childhood, focusing on negative aspects.
- His professor challenged him to create rather than just criticize.
Building Interfaith America
- Inspired by a woman at a conference, Patel started Interfaith America.
- He realized the power of building institutions for positive change, like Muhammad Yunus's Grameen Bank.
