Riz Ahmed reveals brother's account with racism

'Just another example of everyday racism,' the Emmy-winning actor wrote


Entertainment Desk May 08, 2019
Ahmed starred as Changez in 2013’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist. PHOTO: FILE

The Emmy-winning British-Pakistani actor Riz Ahmed on Tuesday shared an account highlighting the racism his brother faced on a recent trip to Australia.

The Night Of star took to Twitter to give an insight into the “everyday racism” when his brother, Kamran Ahmed, a psychiatrist, encountered the same at Manila airport.

Riz retweeted Kamran’s post which read, “Man behind me: Hurry up! We can’t wait all day. Me (going fast as others): I can’t go faster, learn some manners."



It continued, “Man: I’m an English gentleman, we invented manners. Me: I’m English too, that’s got… Man (sarcastic): Really? #racism rears its ugly head again.”

The Star Wars actor captioned the tweet, saying “My brother is a psychiatrist writing on mental health, music, racism… landed in Australia and this is what happens to him. Just another example of #everydayracism.”

https://twitter.com/rizmc/status/1125667322885222400

However, this isn't the first time an Asian actor has spoken up about racism.

“A lot of people were like, ‘Go back to India,'” another Pakistan born actor, Kumail Nanjiani once told the audience as a host on Saturday Night Live. “I’ve never been to India. Are you just hoping I’ll have an awesome vacation soon?” Nanjiani told the audience that it’s remarks like that bug him the most.

“My problem with most racism is the inaccuracy,” he asserted.

“Do the research, put in the work. You will see the benefits. For example, if a guy tells me to ‘Go back to India,’ that guy is an idiot. But if someone tells me to ‘Go back to Pakistan, which was part of India until 1947 and is now home to the world’s oldest salt mine, then I’d back my bags.”

“An informed racist,” Nanjiani concluded, “is a better racist.”

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.

COMMENTS (2)

Khanum | 5 years ago | Reply Race batting is every where be it west or even in East . Problem is how much one takes it personally and whether there is potential for altercation. It’s best to be aware of your surroundings and try to stay away from situations which can lead to confrontation. It’s a fact a brown person is not recognized as English don’t matter if he /she is born in west .
Sami | 5 years ago | Reply Honestly brown people calling themselves "english" - I am not sure
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ