Podcast Summary: Ep. 362 - "Colonialism Is Not an Abstraction" with Omar El Akkad

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Stacks
• Host: Traci Thomas
• Episode: Ep. 362
• Guest: Omar El Akkad
• Release Date: March 12, 2025
• Book Discussed: One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad

1. Introduction to the Episode

Traci Thomas welcomes listeners to episode 362 of The Stacks, introducing Omar El Akkad, an acclaimed author and journalist. Omar’s latest non-fiction book, One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This, delves into his complex relationship with Empire and the West, examining how history is reinterpreted and the narratives we create about our identity amidst ongoing conflicts.

Notable Quote: Omar El Akkad introduces his work:
"This is a book for which the answer to that final question, does it also feel that way? Is going to be deeply polarized."
[05:27]

2. Omar El Akkad’s Orientation Towards the West

Omar discusses his upbringing in Qatar after his family's relocation from Egypt due to political and economic instability. He reflects on his cultural and linguistic alignment with Western norms, shaped by attending British and American schools. This Western orientation became a foundation for his identity, which he began to question deeply following the atrocities in Gaza.

Notable Quote: Omar explains his Western ties:
"I grew up absorbing as much as this is possible... Colonialism is not an abstraction."
[05:27]

3. Themes Explored in One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This

The book serves as both a memoir and a historical critique, focusing on the shameful periods of history surrounding Gaza. Omar grapples with the hollowing out of his Western beliefs and the ensuing moral and cultural vacuum it created. He emphasizes the personal risk involved in confronting uncomfortable truths and the emotional toll of disconnecting from long-held beliefs.

Notable Quote: Omar shares his internal conflict:
"I'm leaving something behind that I've committed the entirety of my sort of moral, cultural, linguistic life to, and I don't know what to put in its place."
[07:45]

4. Personal Reflections on Hope and Despair

Traci and Omar discuss the elusive nature of hope in the face of relentless conflict and systemic oppression. Omar contrasts his initial despair with a newfound belief in individual solidarity. He finds inspiration in the courage of individuals who protest and resist despite institutional failures, drawing parallels to historical figures like Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Notable Quote: Omar reflects on individual courage:
"Showing so much more courage than I ever have in my life. That is a source of deep, deep inspiration for me."
[10:05]

5. Impact of Current Events: Ceasefires and Their Implications

The conversation shifts to recent developments such as ceasefires in Gaza. Omar acknowledges the complexity and skepticism surrounding these pauses in violence but underscores their significance in potentially saving lives. He critiques the Western liberal perspective that often dehumanizes affected populations, emphasizing the inherent value of every human life.

Notable Quote: Omar assesses ceasefires:
"Anything that even provides the possibility that these human beings are not going to be murdered wholesale, even for a brief moment, is worth celebrating on some level."
[32:11]

6. The Tactic of Pettiness in Protecting Empire

Traci probes Omar’s insights on how petty punishments by institutions—such as withdrawing platforms or opportunities—serve to protect imperial interests. Omar explains that these minor repercussions are effective in silencing dissent without invoking severe backlash, thereby maintaining the status quo.

Notable Quote: Omar analyzes institutional tactics:
"Because I think generally people behave according to the worst plausible thing that could happen to them... So you get all of these petty pieces of punishment."
[23:33]

7. Teaching and Influencing the Next Generation

Omar shares how his evolving perspectives influence his teaching approach. He emphasizes fostering individual thought rather than imposing his beliefs, noting that younger generations display greater courage and commitment to justice. This shift inspires him, despite feeling that his own methods remain untouched by his internal conflicts.

Notable Quote: Omar on teaching:
"They don't need my opinions, they've got their own and they're incredibly strong ones."
[26:32]

8. Writing Process: From Fiction to Non-Fiction

Transitioning from novels and journalism to non-fiction essays posed significant challenges for Omar. He describes the process as confrontational, forcing him to engage directly with real-world issues rather than retreating into fictional worlds. This shift demanded new skills and emotional resilience, culminating in a deeply personal and honest narrative.

Notable Quote: Omar discusses his writing transition:
"Fiction is my first avenue of retreat... This was the opposite. I had to walk into the world as it exists."
[44:35]

9. Anticipated Criticisms and Self-Reflection

Omar anticipates both good-faith and bad-faith criticisms of his book. He is prepared for backlash questioning his nonviolent stance and the practicality of his recommendations for Palestinian resistance. Omar maintains that his primary motivation was authenticity, regardless of the polarized responses.

Notable Quote: Omar on criticism:
"I felt the need to say. I felt that staying quiet right now would not allow me to live with myself."
[50:45]

10. Literary Recommendations and Concluding Thoughts

Omar recommends impactful works that align with the themes of his book, such as Minor Detail by Adania Shibley and Recognizing the Stranger by Isabella Hamad. He expresses hope that these books, along with his own, will foster meaningful conversations and deeper understanding of complex socio-political issues.

Notable Quote: Omar recommends literature:
"Isabella Hamad's Recognizing the Stranger... is just a beautiful piece of writing."
[59:10]

11. Final Personal Insights

In closing, Omar shares personal anecdotes about his interactions with the publishing process and the evolution of his book title. He reflects on the profound personal impact of addressing historical and present injustices, emphasizing his connection to his late father and the necessity of confronting uncomfortable truths.

Notable Quote: Omar on his book title:
"The original working title was something like A Glass Coffin... but once that title was suggested, it made perfect sense for the nature of the book."
[43:16]

Conclusion Episode 362 of The Stacks offers a profound exploration of colonialism, identity, and the enduring impact of Empire through the lens of Omar El Akkad’s latest work. Traci Thomas facilitates a deep and engaging conversation that not only dissects the thematic elements of the book but also delves into the personal and societal implications of confronting entrenched systems of power. Listeners gain valuable insights into the struggles of redefining one’s cultural alignment and the enduring quest for authentic representation in literature.

Additional Resources:

• Website: www.thestackspodcast.com
• Book Club Pick: They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South by Stephanie E. Jones Rogers, discussed on March 26.