Ask Me Where I’m From – I Would Instantly (Say) ‘I’m Half Iranian’

This story was created by Shadi Garman for the Feet in 2 Worlds journalism course at The New School.

Meet Arya Aminrazavi and Imani Hamami,  a typical young New York City couple.  Or are they? Arya is half Iranian and Imani is half Yemeni, and their dual identities and Middle Eastern names and heritage lead to all kinds of uncomfortable and sometimes hilarious situations. “I look like a normal white guy,” Arya says, “and then they’ll see my name, and it’s like ‘random security check.'”

In this audio postcard, we’re invited into Arya and Imani’s living room for a remarkably honest conversation about identity, heritage and their future plans together.

Fi2W is supported by the David and Katherine Moore Family Foundation, the Ralph E. Odgen Foundation, the Nicholas B. Ottaway Foundation, an anonymous donor and readers like you.