Lecture Notes: Personal Reflection on Identity and Racism in Post-9/11 America

Introduction

• The speaker shares a personal story about their family's experience following the 9/11 attacks.
• Emphasis on the generational and cultural divide between the speaker and their immigrant father.

Key Events

• 9/11 Reaction: Speaker's father advises not to reveal being Muslim or discuss politics.
• Phone Threat: The family receives a threatening phone call, causing fear and anxiety.
• Vandalism Incident: Their car windows are smashed, and the speaker is injured retrieving their backpack.
• Father's Reaction: The father's calm demeanor contrasts with the speaker's anger.

Generational Differences

• Father's Perspective: Believes in enduring racism as part of the immigrant experience in America, referred to as the "American dream tax."
• Speaker's Perspective: Born in the U.S., feels entitled to equality and justice, as promised by American ideals.

Cultural Reflection

• Immigrant Experience: Struggle to prove loyalty and patriotism as immigrants; feeling of constantly needing to audition for acceptance.
• Racism Encounter: First experience with racism as a child, leading to a wish to blend in and avoid scrutiny.
• Identity and Privilege: Discussion on the privileges associated with being white and how it affects life experiences.

Personal Anecdotes

• First Love and Racism: A childhood crush ends with a racist comment, highlighting early encounters with racial prejudice.
• Desire for Whiteness: A childhood wish to be white to avoid questions and challenges.

Parental Expectations

• Father's Rules: Strict focus on academics, discouragement of social life, and pressure to pursue a medical career.
• The Lie of Med School Fun: Rejects the notion that medical school is enjoyable, reflecting on the sacrifices made for career expectations.

Conclusion

• The narrative reflects on the struggle between accepting the status quo and pushing for change.
• Highlights the ongoing internal conflict and societal challenges faced by immigrants and their descendants in America.