Wajahat Ali on "Go Back to Where You Came From"

Wajahat Ali, columnist for The Daily Beast, and author of Go Back to Where You Came From: And Other Helpful Recommendations on How to Become American, begins his book with humorous responses to “fan mail.”  “Go back to where you came from!” writes one fan, to which Wajahat responds “Fremont, California! I’d love to but I can’t afford the rent. I’m priced out.”  

Wajahat’s book highlights the struggles and triumphs of growing up in a white America with immigrant parents from Pakistan.  He chronicles how his world, like for so many Muslim-Americans, changed overnight after 9/11. He explores the model minority myth, and identifies America’s most dangerous foe, Whiteness, providing commentary and ideas on how the country can band together to invest in hope, and overcome the greatest threats to America.

Wajahat Ali, columnist for The Daily Beast, and author of Go Back to Where You Came From: And Other Helpful Recommendations on How to Become American, begins his book with humorous responses to “fan mail.”  “Go back to where you came from!” writes one fan, to which Wajahat responds “Fremont, California! I’d love to but I can’t afford the rent. I’m priced out.”  

Wajahat’s book highlights the struggles and triumphs of growing up in a white America with immigrant parents from Pakistan.  He chronicles how his world, like for so many Muslim-Americans, changed overnight after 9/11. He explores the model minority myth, and identifies America’s most dangerous foe, Whiteness, providing commentary and ideas on how the country can band together to invest in hope, and overcome the greatest threats to America.