DeepSummary
The transcript is about Yasmin Elhadi, a Muslim teenager in Alabama who decided to run for senior class president a couple of months after 9/11. Despite facing potential backlash for being a hijab-wearing Muslim, she embraced her identity in her campaign, wearing a costume with tinfoil chains and rapping her entire speech by weaving together popular songs and addressing different demographics.
Yasmin's unorthodox campaign strategy was a big risk but ended up paying off. Her rap performance received a standing ovation, and even her opponent Mike Green conceded that she deserved to win. Her campaign demonstrated her refusal to compromise her Muslim identity and normalized the headscarf as a symbol of leadership.
After winning in a landslide, Yasmin's father, who had initially asked her to remove her hijab after 9/11 out of fear, expressed immense pride in her for staying true to herself. Her victory showed that she could embrace her identity while still being accepted by her peers.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Embracing one's identity unapologetically can lead to meaningful societal impact.
- Creative and bold approaches can overcome significant odds.
- Challenging assumptions and stereotypes normalizes underrepresented identities.
- Displaying humility and recognizing others' worthiness builds bridges.
- Immigrant/refugee experiences fundamentally shape senses of identity.
- Pivotal historical events can drastically alter personal circumstances.
- Family support is invaluable when defying conventions and facing adversity.
- Representation and normalization of diversity fosters broader acceptance.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I said, well, other people have used my religion in ways that I don't sanction.“ by Yasmin Elhadi
- “Mike didn't have to do that. Like, I feel like he, in his heart of hearts, actually felt like I maybe deserved to win, which was huge and unexpected and very big hearted of him.“ by Yasmin Elhadi
- “I was born in Cairo in 1985 and my mom is egyptian, but my dad isn't. My father is libyan and my father was in the Gaddafi regime. He saw how bad it was and he morally abstained against that government. He sought asylum in Egypt.“ by Yasmin Elhadi
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Episode Information
Snap Judgment
Snap Judgment and PRX (paloma.orozco@prx.org)
5/2/24
In sweet home Alabama, from the heart of Libya, comes a renegade candidate with a boombox and a head scarf. The cheerleaders, the geeks, the dweebs and the freaks are about to send a message the country needs right after 9/11.
A very big thank you to Yasmin!
Yasmin is a comedian and storyteller. You can follow her on Instagram @yasminelhahahady or TikTok @yasmin_elhady. She first told a version of this story at Story District in Washington, DC.
Produced by Justin Kramon, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot
Season 15 - Episode 19