Qasim Rashid on Empathy, Justice, and Activism That Lasts
In this episode, Payal sits down with Qasim Rashid to explore the intersection of empathy, activism, and justice. As a respected human rights attorney and advocate for civil rights, Qasim shares how his early experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to fighting injustice. The conversation dives into the realities facing immigrant communities, the dangers of performative activism, and how to build sustainable, community-based movements that last.
Qasim Rashid is a human rights lawyer, author of Talk to Me and The Wrong Kind of Muslim, and a former U.S. Congressional candidate. His work focuses on civil rights, religious freedom, and public policy reform, with a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized voices and creating equitable systems of justice.
Listeners will walk away with practical insights into how empathy fuels real change, how to stay engaged without burning out, and what it means to lead with purpose in the face of systemic challenges.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why empathy is a critical tool in social justice work
The long-term impact of values-driven activism
How to identify and avoid performative allyship
Common challenges immigrant communities continue to face
The importance of civic education and youth engagement
Actionable steps for sustainable community involvement
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In This Episode:
00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Qasim Rashid
02:52 Early Influences and Activism Roots
06:59 Navigating Fear and Taking Action
08:09 Generational Perspectives on Justice
11:28 Practical Steps for Young Activists
19:24 The Role of Empathy in Activism
25:32 Challenges of Empathy in Modern Society
30:45 Rebuilding Connections in a Post-C World
31:12 Empathy and Everyday Fatigue
32:52 Activism: From Comfort Zone to Rage
34:14 Sustainable Activism: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
35:31 The Importance of Local Involvement
38:37 The Role of Reading and Intellectualism
46:05 Addressing Misogyny and Violence Against Women
51:02 Empathy and Compassion in Activism
57:26 Final Thoughts and Connecting with Qasim Rashid
More from our Guest, Qasim Rashid
Learn more about Qasim Rashid: www.qasimrashid.com
Follow Qasim on social media: www.instagram.com/QasimRashid
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