Book Club, Vol. 1: 'Pet' by Akwaeke Emezi

Nikkiesha speaks with Najla Said, a multifaceted Palestinian-Lebanese-Arab-American actress, playwright, author, and activist, known for her poignant memoir ‘Looking for Palestine.’ Najla describes the intricate and painful realities faced by the Palestinian people, especially in light of the ongoing suffering and the recent escalation of violence in Gaza. With the goal of amplifying Palestinian voices, this conversation dives deep into the emotional turmoil and complexity of identity that Najla has experienced, both personally and in the context of her community, as well as how the recent violence has not only impacted her own mental health but has also influenced her sense of belonging and identity. She candidly discusses how, in the past, she often felt compelled to code-switch to make others more comfortable with her identity, a dichotomy that has grown increasingly untenable given the current climate. She underscores the vital importance of expressing truth amidst a sense of denial and gaslighting that she often feels around public discourse on Palestine.

Najla shares her thoughts on cultivating resilience in the face of horrific realities, including the events of October 7, 2023, and how these experiences have shaped her understanding of conflict and identity vis-à-vis her heritage. Through the lens of her upbringing, Najla distinguishes her family's storied past from the narratives constructed around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stressing the need for a more nuanced understanding of this history. Drawing parallels to her father Edward Said’s legacy as an intellectual and activist, she grapples with her identity as an artist recognizable for her own voice rather than merely as her father’s daughter, including the writing of her memoir, ‘Looking for Palestine: Growing Up Confused in an Arab-American Family,’ which originated from a play she’d previously developed.

Najla’s reflections on Lebanon and Palestine serve to highlight the vibrancy of Arab culture that is often eclipsed by narratives focused solely on conflict. She vividly describes the warmth, connection, and shared loves that permeate her family experiences in Lebanon, underscoring the importance of these connections in the face of hardship. She also shares valuable recommendations of Palestinian authors, illuminating the diverse voices that contribute to a fuller understanding of the Palestinian experience.

This podcast is produced by Stereoactive Media.

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https://www.najlasaid.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kittybubble

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0:14 - Introduction to Najla Said

1:20 - Najla's Personal Journey

9:08 - The Impact of October 7th

16:43 - Addressing Anti-Zionism and Antisemitism

20:18 - The Future of Palestinian Generations

24:43 - Identity Beyond Her Father, Edward Said

32:06 - Understanding Her Father's Legacy

37:58 - The Evolution of ‘Looking for Palestine’ from Play to Memoir

45:57 - The Beauty of Lebanon

50:28 - Najla Reads from ‘Looking for Palestine’ About Lebanese Culture

54:32 - Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

56:39 - Outro