We Too Sing America

We Too Sing America examines racism, xenophobia, and violence against South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Sikh communities in post-9/11 America. Through interviews and research, author Deepa Iyer documents incidents of discrimination while highlighting the advocacy work of impacted communities. The book analyzes specific events like the 2012 Oak Creek gurdwara shooting and the impact of surveillance programs on Muslim Americans. Iyer, a civil rights lawyer and activist, provides context for these incidents by exploring historical patterns of racial and religious prejudice in the United States. Through first-hand accounts and policy analysis, the book focuses on how targeted communities have organized resistance movements and built coalitions. The narrative traces the evolution of South Asian American activism and examines the role of young organizers in shaping contemporary racial justice work. The text serves as both documentation of injustice and a blueprint for solidarity across communities facing discrimination. By connecting individual stories to broader systems and structures, Iyer presents a vision for multiracial democracy and collective liberation.

Readers appreciate Iyer's documentation of post-9/11 racism and xenophobia against South Asian, Arab, Muslim and Sikh communities in America. Multiple reviewers note the book's detailed research and first-hand accounts from affected individuals. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear explanations of complex policies and legal cases - Personal narratives that illustrate broader issues - Practical suggestions for activism and community organizing Critical reviews mention: - Writing style can be academic and dry in places - Some sections feel repetitive - Limited coverage of certain geographic regions Review Ratings: Goodreads: 4.21/5 (120+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (25+ ratings) "A necessary book that connects dots between different communities of color" - Goodreads reviewer "Important content but dense reading at times" - Amazon reviewer "Would benefit from more stories from the Midwest and South" - Goodreads reviewer

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🌟 Author Deepa Iyer served as executive director of South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), advocating for civil and immigrant rights for over a decade 📚 The book's title pays homage to Langston Hughes' poem "I, Too," drawing parallels between historical civil rights movements and current South Asian American experiences 🗓️ The work extensively covers the aftermath of 9/11, including the tragic 2012 shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, which killed six worshippers 🤝 Through personal narratives and interviews, Iyer connects various racial justice movements, including Black Lives Matter, with South Asian American activism 🎯 The book identifies and analyzes the concept of "racial anxiety," particularly how it affects South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Sikh communities in post-9/11 America