Done Saying Sorry

Backlash and guilt from organizing charity shows for disaster relief.

Riffs on getting criticized via Instagram DMs by fellow Muslims for donating to Syrian/Turkish earthquake victims instead of Pakistan floods, being told posting on Instagram Stories instead of the 'grid' isn't real feminism, and feeling like he is expected to be the 'mayor of Muslim disaster.'

Being done apologizing and calling for a Muslim rebrand.

Argues Muslims have spent two decades trying to prove they are safe, comparing shouting 'Islam means peace' on CNN to aliens saying 'We come in peace' before conquering Earth, and jokes that Arabs need new inventions like medical tourism rather than bragging about inventing math.

Being asked about stance on Hamas following October 7.

Describes an acquaintance calling him on October 10 to ask where he stands on Hamas; laments the horrific violence in Palestine and jokes about deflecting suspicion by sarcastically claiming to be a 'Taliban guy' because he hates school.

The 2024 presidential election and Joe Biden.

Explains refusing a request from the Biden 2020 campaign to convince Arab Americans in Michigan to vote, expressing exhaustion with choosing between Biden and Trump, and characterizing Biden's aging demeanor as 'crazy substitute teacher energy.'

Growing up bonded by 'Christmaslessness' and dating Jewish women.

Talks about Rutherford childhood friendships with Jewish families united by not celebrating Christmas, dating Jewish women to resolve the Middle East conflict in bed, and being unnerved by spotting an Israeli flag hanging on a bedroom wall.

The concept of 'the South' being everywhere.

Argues that 'the South' is 25 minutes from anywhere, recalling taking a MAGA-decorated car ride in upstate New York and feeling terrified to speak Arabic on the phone to his mother.