To the Editor:

I was interested in your write-up introducing the podcast in the June 25, 2020 issue of The Altamont Enterprise. The subject was the book, “Always an Immigrant, a Cultural Memoir,” written by Mohammad Yadegari, a local author.

I have just finished reading that book. It is a memoir — not a strictly chronological autobiography. This collection of essays — some short, some long — unfolds to show the reader various experiences of a young man from the Middle East who comes to America in the 1960s.

Some of the stories are sweet, some sad, some painful. Surprisingly, the reader will learn as much about American life and culture as about life in Iraq or Iran. One chapter in particular demonstrates this dual view: “The Night I Returned to Myself” recounts the author’s poignant visit from his father to Albany just six years after Mohammad came to America. At the end of his visit, his father is clearly glad to go back to Iran and its customs; Mohammad is clearly glad to stay here in America.

Yadegari went on to complete his bachelor of science degree, his master’s degree, and his doctorate. He became a husband, a father of two very successful daughters, and an American citizen. He was a New York State-licensed teacher and taught mathematics in an area public school. He published articles and taught courses on Middle Eastern history in several area colleges.

Yet, in spite of being more accomplished than many of his fellow high school teachers, some of his colleagues ridiculed him, snubbed him, used racial slurs, and told offensive jokes to remind him that he is a foreigner.

The chapter describing the discrimination and prejudice Yadegari endured from staff members was included in this memoir to show, as the title suggests, that some will never accept immigrants as equal despite their efforts and achievements.

This memoir was written and published before the current racial crisis of 2020. Perhaps we need to look in the mirror and make some changes. “Always an Immigrant” is both entertaining and educational without being didactic — a good read for stressful times.

Nancy Papish

Rotterdam