Kudos for the article on Muslim prisoner wanting to be buried as per Muslim religious rites/More discussions on difficult topics needed in South Asian communities

Ambreen Ali Ambreen Ali ambreenwrites@gmail.com

Good person for audience interview > ---------- Forwarded message --------- > From: Laavanya Pasupuleti <laavdomph@yahoo.com> > Date: Mon, Dec 11, 2023 at 11:19 AM > Subject: Re : Kudos for the articl

Bilaal Ahmed Bilaal Ahmed bilaal.ahmed@gmail.com

Good person for audience interview

Laavanya Pasupuleti

Hi Ambreen -

One of the reasons why my Dad, sister and I and I cut of ties with the South Asian American community was because the dominant values were one of excessive and extreme focus on materialism, shallowness, and hypocrisy. It is not the wealth or achievements of the community
that is an issue for us, it's that most desis never really evolve or mature beyond the fixation on achievement and material success.
If you look at the positive aspects of America, there are so many opportunities to become a well rounded and wholistic human being
that can engage with life in diverse ways and open up your heart and mind to different dimensions. Most desis (even US raised) never
do this.

We are also a community that has an attitude of condescension and judgement towards anyone that does not conform to a very narrow
definition of success (marriage, kids, high income jobs, living in a blue ribbon school district, expensive cars and huge Mcmansions).
Single? Divorced? Blue collar job? How sad is what many of our people think . Desis can be very demeaning towards people and not give them the dignity and respect that every human being deserves.

That is why your article on the Muslim man who is in prison and wants to be buried as a Muslim should deeply touched my heart.
His inherent dignity and worth as a human being was highlighted. We are all, in my eyes, children of God. God is infinitely merciful and compassionate. If He is, I should also strive to be that way even towards someone in prison.

I hope your publications continues to highlight those who deserve to be heard and seen and other challenging topics our desis shove under the rug.

I have very strong opinions so please excuse. My heart is in the right place. And no community is a monolith. I am trying to heal from many traumas I experienced from our community.

Warm Regards,
Laavanya