Omar El Akkad, an Egyptian-Canadian novelist and journalist, discusses the moral shortcomings of industrialized nations regarding their treatment of Palestinians. He critiques the hypocrisy of land acknowledgments, highlighting how they often perpetuate colonial narratives. El Akkad also addresses the euphemistic language used in media which allows audiences to distance themselves from brutality. Central to the conversation is the tension between activism and journalism, underscoring how societal complicity shapes our understanding of suffering in conflicts.

Omar El Akkad, an award-winning novelist and journalist known for "American War," dives deep into his provocative nonfiction debut, which critiques Western complicity in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He discusses his impactful transition from journalism to fiction, revealing how contemporary crises shaped his writing. The conversation addresses the moral responsibilities of writers and the complexities of language in discussing violence, exploring how liberalism often sanitizes injustice. El Akkad also critiques the narratives of the American dream, highlighting the need for authentic storytelling amidst oppression.