Third Culture Convos

An expectation for the younger generation is to get married and have kids. Arranged marriage was much more common in the past, and still occurs today, however many men claim to face difficulty in finding a marriage partner when not going down that route. The "modern woman" doesn't seem to fit the "criteria", for some. Is this outdated? Do old perceptions of "marriage material" coincide with the mo...

The Qatar World Cup provided many moments of controversy and criticism. The latest of which is the draping of Lionel Messi with a Bisht, a traditional Arab cloak worn daily by men, or gifted to an individual as a sign of respect and honour, during the trophy ceremony. Western media outlets framed this as "forced upon him" with unsavoury epithets. But what of cultural appropriation in the West when...

The Zionist narrative of the Land of Israel-Palestine promotes the concept that it was a barren wasteland, that Jewish immigrants developed the land and infrastructure from nothing. Is this an accurate description despite historical evidence proving the contrary?  Join Waseem and Rashed as they continue their discussion on this ever passionate and intense conflict.  Hit us up at thirdcultureconvos...

Is the Israeli media experiencing a paradigm shift in their narrative of the conflict, or does it change colours to suit the reality at the time? Are Israeli and Palestinian societies ready to take an introspective look at themselves and their respective flaws that contribute to the endless cycle of retaliatory aggression? Join Waseem and Rashed in their discussion. Hit us up at thirdcultureconvos...

Ahead of their politically charged match against Iran at the Qatar World Cup, the United States Soccer Federation posted an image of the Iranian flag without the "Allah" emblem on social media. Is this an empty show of support or genuine inspiration for the ongoing protests in Iran? Does Corporate Protest have merit or is it baseless ? Join Waseem, MJ, and Rashed as they discuss yet another contro...

In the midst of a shock victory by Saudi Arabia over Argentina in the Qatar World Cup, many controversial topics abound of what FIFA don't want you to hear. Grass roots efforts of social justice are habitually hijacked by corporations, like FIFA only to be promoted when deemed fit by the elites. Hypocritical tactics or forced acceptance? One Love or partial love? Waseem, MJ, and Rashed delve into...

Qatar world cup - Not since the 1936 Berlin Olympics has a sporting event garnered so much controversy beforehand. From a 3rd culture perspective, it makes sense. West is meeting East on a global scale and cultural confusions abound. Waseem and Mj take a nuanced, contextual, macro gander at the various discussions surrounding their favorite football tournament. Hit us up at thirdcultureconvos@gmai...

Meta has announced 11,000 layoffs. Social media, particularly Facebook, played a big part of the millennial third culture experience. This week's third culture conversation includes Meta's role in society, where the Metaverse is headed and similarities and differences between mark Zuckerberg and Elon musk. Business, ethics and social media and technology are the major areas covered by Waseem and M...

Freedom of Speech versus Hate Speech. Who decides and how? Do limits stifle open and necessary debate or protect those who are targeted with hatred from physical and emotional harm? Waseem, MJ, and Rashed discuss the various contradictions and dichotomies associated with Freedom of Speech, and what could be perceived as Hate Speech. Hit us up at thirdcultureconvos@gmail.com with any questions, com...

Civil Activism, Mental health, Christian-Conservative politics; Is Kanye West a proponent for these issues and values or is his influence a blight on millions of people? Have his outlandish remarks and actions been committed out of sincere mind to create conversation or is he trolling the masses? Waseem, MJ, and Rashed try to make sense of the enigma that is "Ye".

Virtue as a weapon; from Saudi religious authorities to throwing tomato soup on an oil painting. Do these seemingly idiotic tactics garner sympathy to one's cause or more negative criticism and disdain? Join Waseem, MJ, and Rashed as they discuss radical modes of expression within activist circles.

Waseem, MJ, and Rashed discuss Tradition vs. Modernity in topics ranging from sports to societal issues such as technological advancement and economics. How are these wide ranging topics connected to each other if it all?   https://www.waseem.space https://www.instagram.com/thirdcultureconvos/  

Waseem, MJ, and Rashed discuss the Pros and Cons of being a Third Culture Individual. Is having chameleon and adaptable qualities beneficial or a hindrance to making lasting friends and relationships? How do political leanings factor into an individual's adaptability? Does being a "Jack of all trades" I.e. fitting in everywhere and nowhere prepare one better for adult life?

Waseem, MJ, and Rashed discuss how a simple question like "Where are you from?" can imply judgement or curiosity. Is it racist in nature or from a place of intrigue? Could aliens make us less tribalistic and more inclusive of our differences focusing on our commonality as a species? Join us as we explore how we "other".

After a hiatus Waseem, MJ, and Rashed return to the digital airwaves. We discuss various challenges the world has been facing recently - floods in Pakistan, skepticism of the political elite, and an economic crisis plaguing the world to name a few. Join us as we attempt to make sense of the post-COVID world.

What do you do when you grow up in more than one place? How does it shape you? How do you identify? Who do you hang out with? In this week's episode we interview Faris Fetyani, a third culture auto photographer that grew up between New York and Saudi Arabia. How did the cultural differences affect his growing up? From parties to school, to relationships we explore the shades of grey.  

In this very special episode, MJ and Waseem sit down, live and in-person, for the first time since the pandemic affected life across the globe in March 2020. They reflect on vaccine hesitancy, vaccination rates and what to do when you're 100% sure about something.  Welcome to our third cultured meanderings.

Waseem, MJ, and Rashed discuss multiple language abilities.  How does knowing more than one language influence an individual and their life experiences? What effect does society have in language use and development? Join us in our meandering.

Waseem and Rashed discuss the type of history taught in schools and the lack of historical truth associated with the curriculums.  How does the realization of the grey area and its content affect one's perception of history? Join us in our meandering.

In this episode, Waseem and Majid discuss the Middle Eastern concept of wasta, aka favors and influence. How is influence and the social dimensions of Wasta affect the way life is lived and the way things get done? Is Wasta a purely Middle Eastern concept? What are the North American similarities to the concept? Tune in and enjoy. 

In this special Eid episode, Waseem is flying solo and he discusses what being a father means to him. Meandering and sharing, Waseem shares his feelings towards fatherhood and what he thinks the role of a father is in a child's life. Join him. 

Waseem and Mj ponder whether one can be successful without being a success. Do you have to be rich or wealthy? Do you have to be the best/greatest/most? Can you define these terms on your terms?

In this episode Waseem, Mj, and Rashed discuss job expectations in the Eastern vs the Western worlds. What pressures are placed on youth? What employment opportunities are available, and what are the effects on the lived experiences of the younger generation? Join us in our meandering.

Waseem and Majid open by debating what's more important - a narrative or its narrator. They look at examples of stand up comedians, female footballers, Barack Obama and Muhammad Ali while also discussing the morality of the ongoing UEFA Euro 2020 football tournament.

In a lighter episode, Waseem and Mj discuss the meaning of home for third culture kids. Is it a geographic location, the people around you, or a mix? At some point, Batman, Bruce Wayne, and Michael Moore enter the discussion as does the movie Armageddon