Media Representation
This 1978 foundational text by Edward Said explains how the West historically "invented" a romanticized, primitive, and dangerous image of the East to justify colonial conquest.
What is Orientalism?
This small group attacked Hindi/DESI people in the 80s, primarily targeting women.
The Sikh tradition of providing free meals to everyone, regardless of their religion, background, or social status
What is Langar?
For decades, this long-running animated character—voiced by a white actor using an exaggerated accent—stood as the Western media's default, flat caricature of South Asian immigrants.
Who is Apu Nahasapeemapetilon (from The Simpsons)?
These were the only people allowed to be given citizenship in the Naturalization Act of 1790.
What are free white people?
This popular SWANA dip is traditionally made from chickpeas
What is Hummus?
This pop-culture term describes how military thriller series and action video games like Call of Duty routinely treat the SWANA region as a violent, nameless setting for Western military heroism.
What is The Villain Complex?
This 1979 crisis gave rise to an immigrant community commonly referred to as "Tehrangeles".
What was the Islamic Revolution?
This state was home to 11% of the Middle East and North Africa immigrant population
What is Michigan?
Media scholar Dr. Jack Shaheen analyzed over 1,000 Hollywood movies to establish this specific rhyming trio of villainous SWANA themes.
What are Belly Dancers, Billionaires, and Bombers (The Three B's)?
This group of Desi immigrants were counted early on as something they weren't in 1910.
Who were the 2,545 "Hindus"?
This percentage of Middle East and North Africa immigrants held a bachelor’s degree or higher.
What is 49%?
This domestic 2001 surveillance policy directly mirrored Hollywood’s on-screen "terrorist" themes, resulting in the systemic profiling of Sikh, Muslim, and South Asian communities.
What is The Patriot Act?
This industry facilitated Desi/SWANA migration early on into Michigan.
What was the auto industry?
Fruits traditionally eaten during Yalda Night
What are pomegranates and watermelons?