Multiculturalism isn't just a buzzword; it's not just something to debate - I am multiculturalism. Riz Ahmed buzzworddebatemulticulturalism Change image and share on social
I've been very lucky to have played a variety of characters, and they weren't defined by their race. Riz Ahmed characterdefinehave Change image and share on social
I don't feel that any kind of narrow stereotypes are representative of the work I've done, nor the range of the audience that work has found. I've played lots of different roles, and they've connected with lots of different people. Riz Ahmed audienceconnectfeel share on social
What's interesting about the U.K. is that it celebrates an alternative voice. It's up for telling new stories. Riz Ahmed alternativecelebrateinterest Change image and share on social
The reality of Britain is vibrant multiculturalism, but the myth we export is an all-white world of lords and ladies. Conversely, American society is pretty segregated, but the myth it exports is of a racial melting-pot, everyone solving crimes and fighting aliens side by side. Riz Ahmed alienamericanbritain share on social
I'm an actor. Since I was a teenager, I have had to play different characters, negotiating the cultural expectations of a Pakistani family, Brit-Asian rudeboy culture, and a scholarship to private school. The fluidity of my own personal identity on any given day was further compounded by the changing labels assigned to Asians in general. Riz Ahmed actorasianassign share on social
No one's of Pakistani origin in any British show. That's why every actor of color is here working in the States. It's true. Riz Ahmed actorbritishcolor Change image and share on social
First, you have stereotypes, and that will be the black drug dealer, the east Asian kung fu master, the Middle Eastern terrorist in 'True Lies.' Then you have stuff that takes place on culturally specific terrain, that engages with it, but actually subverts assumptions. 'Smashes' stereotypes. That's where I've come into the game. Riz Ahmed asianassumptionblack share on social
My music is a very personal reflection of me, whereas, acting a role, that's a reflection of another character. Riz Ahmed actcharactermusic Change image and share on social
Whether you look at 'Glee' and its normalization of gay identity or you look at the work of Martin Scorsese and the Italian-American community, American culture is able to take these stories, which are seen as marginalized, and just turn them into American stories. And you don't think twice about it. Riz Ahmed americancommunityculture share on social