Too Migrant, Too Muslim, Too Loud

by Mehreen Faruqi

A no-holds-barred memoir and outspoken manifesto from Senator, role model, and modern Australian hero Mehreen Faruqi.Too Migrant, Too Muslim, Too Loud is a no-holds-barred memoir and manifesto from outspoken senator, trouble¬maker and multicultural icon Mehreen Faruqi. As the first Muslim woman in any Australian parliament, Mehreen has a unique and crucial perspective on our politics and democracy. It is a tale of a political outsider fighting for her right and the rights of others like her to be let inside on their terms.From her beginnings in Pakistan and remaking in Australia, Mehreen recounts her struggle to navigate two vastly differ¬ent, changing worlds without losing herself. This moving and inspiring memoir shares shattering insights learned as a migrant, an engineer, an activist, a feminist and a politician.'Compelling . . . If only all political memoirs were this honest.' BRI LEE, author of Eggshell Skull and Who Gets to be Smart'Faruqi is a shining light' OMAR SAKR, author of The Lost Arabs'An authentic and powerful voice for human rights, social justice and multiculturalism.' TIM SOUTPHOMMASANE, former Race Discrimination Commissioner'intelligent and electrifying' BRIDIE JABOUR, journalist and author of The Way Things Should Be'This is the impassioned insider's account of the state of Australian politics by one of our most trail-blazing politicians.' SUSAN CARLAND, author of Fighting Hislam'An inspiring and powerful memoir by one of the most fiercely principled, courageous and compassionate leaders in this country.' RANDA ABDEL-FATTAH, author of Does My Head Look Big in This?

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Memoir, Feminism, Womens, Autobiography, Biography

Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2021

Reviews

[Meg 🌞]

very much enjoyed this memoir - included some insights into the australian political system that i found very fresh and thought-provoking, as well as highlighting the toxic and backwards culture of australian government.

would highly recommend the audiobook!!

[Matilda (booksinwildplaces) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Mehreen's memoir has taught me a few things.

First: ignorance is not an excuse for inaction. I tend to avoid politics, deeming it untouchable, impenetrable and frankly quite boring. I thought that change was close to impossible and we were just going to have to live with the way things were until it's probably too late (i.e. gender and racial inequality, climate change). When I thought of politics, I pictured a bunch of old white men in suits that are seriously out of touch with reality. To some extent, Mehreen reaffirmed that this is what much of parliament is still like. However, Mehreen herself is not out of touch - she is fierce and has strong morals that inform her actions and policy. While so many politicians are happy letting things go on the way they are, she challenges the status quo and brings difficult topics into the limelight for discussion. She is open to multiple perspectives and goes into a debate with an open mind which I admire. This gives me hope that politics is changing and we can hope for a better, more representative and forward-thinking future in Australia.

Second: just because we can't see something doesn't mean it isn't there. By this I'm referring to things like gender inequality, racism and other forms of discrimination. As a young white woman, I have experienced sexual harassment and assault on more than one occasion. I could list the number of women on one hand that haven't had some sort of experience with this. And yet, even when it is reported to institutions (i.e. university, HR, government or police) it is brushed off as not that big of a deal. The current climate is teaching men that it is completely okay to abuse women - and that women should feel complemented by being cat called or touched without permission. This is something that Mehreen touches on in her book, challenging the patriarchal nature of institutions (including government) that continue to push policies that are anti-women (i.e. anti-choice abortion policies). As I have not experienced racial discrimination, I will acknowledge that it exists in every corner of Australia and that Mehreen does a great job at bringing it to attention. Now we just need to act on it and push for anti-discriminatory policies to be enforced.

Third: everyone has a role in promoting systematic change. Mehreen highlights this with the pro-choice abortion policy, where she acknowledges the work of campaigning staff (men and women), health practitioners, lawyers and the public. This can also be demonstrated in our right to vote, where we elect our leaders into parliament periodically. Personally, I will likely never pursue a career in politics and am currently on the path to becoming a health practitioner. However, I like to believe that one day I will be able to utilise my community ties to promote a healthier, safer and fairer country in which we all live in - like in the pro-choice campaigning story. Thank you Mehreen for providing me with hope and motivation to work towards a better future.

I look forward to hearing more about Mehreen's work in the community and wish her a successful career and life in Australia.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has a very clear political agenda however this book was really upfront and honest about Mehreens experiences of racism and sexism. Regardless of politics this issue needs to be addressed and I’m happy this book brought them to light.

[Brooke Alice (brookes.bookstagram) · Rating 4 out of 5]

TW: racism, bullying, gender inequality.

Too Migrant Too Muslim Too Loud by Mehreen Faruqi was everything I wanted in a memoir.

Strong, independent, fierce, fighting for so much justice, words can't describe the admiration I have for Senator Faruqi.

To read the words of a politician, to see what she is standing for, to have someone fight for social justice was just awe inspiring. Learning about her upbringing, her arrival to Australia and her career in politics and in her personal life was an incredible experience.

I am inspired as a woman to have Senator Faruqi in parliament, fighting for our rights, fighting for our freedoms, fighting against marginalisation, racism, fighting for our Aboriginal brothers and sisters and generally sticking it to the white man. This fierce woman makes me incredibly proud and happy to see the shape of our future, individually, and as a nation.

[Holstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great memoir in progress! Senator Faruqi is an inspirational engineer, leader and politican, I hope there will be more people like her stepping up to make our leadership more diverse and representative.

[Amy Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too Migrant Too Muslim Too Loud by Mehreen Faruqi was everything and more. Her honest and intelligent memoir of her life as a migrant Muslim feminist politician in Australian politics is just what every person should read to fuel their passion for social justice and change.

An unapologetic look at her career and her passion for racial, sexual and gender equality, for environmental policy and the right of our First Nations people. She addresses the impact of the far-right viritol on both herself and the Australian landscape. An inspiring book by an exceptional woman whose courage and integrity gives hope for the future of our country. She almost makes me believe I could step into politics and make a difference. 

Thank you Mehreen for all you do and the difference you do make for us all. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5).

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring book by an outstanding person. There is hope for politics when passionate, courageous, intelligent people of unwavering integrity like Mehreen are prepared to serve the community, despite unbelievable levels of hateful abuse from opponents, and obstruction from people who share similar goals.
Mehreen shines a light into the cesspit of Australian politics and the blinkered leadership of the Commonwealth government which is all to eager to protect the privilege of the patriarchy and the business community at the expense of women, indigenous people, immigrants, the poor and voiceless, and the environment.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this memoir! A fantastic insight on Australian politics from a different perspective, especially from one who experienced so many more obstacles than your average Aussie politician. Faruqi is a strong and fearless leader who should be known by everyone. Change for a better future is possible.

NOTE: Rating based on reading experience

[Benjamin Farr · Rating 1 out of 5]

A typically racist book from one of the most divisive, racially-charged antisemites in Australian parliament.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

She needed to write more about her life. So fascinated by this politician

[Elaine Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully personal, passionate and rich memoir detailing the intersectionality of gender, race and politics. 💚

[Geetha Chandran · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the narration and the story behind this brave and strong woman but felt so sad about our political system and powerless with my vote in the upcoming state elections .

[Grant Pratt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is no Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk To Freedom. I read this book after reading Meereen’s tweet regarding the death of Queen Elizabeth and what would cause someone to harbour such hatred or was it a tweet to prove a point knowing that a huge racist response was going to be received. Although a first generation migrant as Mehreen is, I can never walk in her shoes as being white and looking like I fit in, obvious racism, xenophobia is not apparent, until you speak and have a different accent. Racism does exist in Australia and I have found that Australians are easily indoctrinated to believe this multi cultural spin. An interesting take on the corrupt politicians which is a global problem not only endemic to Australia but we like to believe in Australia how lucky we are and never challenge the status quo. This is a good account of the Australia the parochial Australian media, government and many parochial citizens do not want to admit exists. They like to live under this delusion that Australia has the best everything, best police force, best paramedics, best roads, best food, etc. The real truth is that the country although great and has phenomenal opportunities for people to succeed is far from the perfect lucky country. This book reflects the myth that it is the lucky country is not quite correct. Having read the book I believe that Mehreen is still shackled to her experience of colonialism. Although as most privileged Anglo Saxon people say just move on, that is easy when you have never been affected by racism, colonialism or any other form. Of course in their eyes racism does not exist. To unshackle one self as Nelson Mandela did takes courage and fortitude. This book shows that Mehreen Faruqi has not arrived at that point yet. Her quest for equality and fairness is commendable. There are few in any parliament in Australia who have any moral fortitude. I found with her tweet, although appreciating the background from which the thought process occurred contradicted the person she is saying she is. Her long walk to freedom thus is still a long path to tread and I hope she does arrive there one day.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I now know that solutions, or resolutions, to the many wicked challenges we face today, will come only through collective decision-making, through debate and deliberation among people who hold a diversity of views. And we have to navigate our way through these conflicting views, by facilitating open dialogue and clarifying values and views, not hiding from them."

Before and after reading this book, I have a great deal of time for Mehreen Faruqi. She espouses a kind of principled approach combined with pragmatism and kindness I greatly admire and aspire to. I was hoping for more depth from this book, which reads like a series of opinion pieces, but I quite enjoyed it all the same. Perhaps the most startling was Faruqi's clear-eyed perspective on the impact of racism on political debate, and the hate she inspires because of her identity, rather than her politics - as minority as that is.
"It took me a while to understand that the horrid, hateful backlash pitched at me is about who I am, and not necessarily what I stand for. The loathing always boils down to my identity as a migrant Muslim woman."
Those wanting to know more about Faruqi's approach to change would learn a lot from this book.

[Lee McKerracher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book that reflects the truth of the migrant experience to Australia - and this experience is so much worse if you are a person of colour, female and Muslim.

I am amazed at how Mehreen has survived it all and still fights for equality, justice and all the other issues that are so important right now.

The book covers Mehreen's childhood, growing up in Pakistan, meeting her husband, the relationships between members of such large families and then the move to Australia. Australia did not make it easy for Mehreen - systemic racism and religious bigotry were rife (and still are).

However there is hope. Mehreen has forged a career not only as an engineer but now as a Senator and is standing up for those who do not have a voice. She is also empowering and giving confidence to those who have not had the courage to speak out - be it on racism, LGBTQI+ rights, climate change, domestic violence and so on.

There is a growing swell of people now able to see that you can stand up for what is right - and yes you will get push back, but as Mehreen has stood on the shoulders of others, new generations will stand on hers to continue to achieve great things.

Thank you Mehreen.

[Joyal James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quotes:

Calling yourself na environmentalist, a feminist or an anti-racist and being one are completely different things.

33% of migrants in Australia, 11% in Parliament.

Politics can be careerist. Building a political career can quickly become a focus that takes over from public services.

Proportional voting system.

That it’s not the right time argument is, and always has been complete bullshit.

People are squashed into two boxes - left wing or right wing, progressive or conservative, believer or denier, Labor or Liberal, friend or foe, capitalise or socialist. I’ve always believed are more complex than the labels affixes to them suggest.

Often you get loopy ideas from the Greens. But from time to time you get a good one. This is a good one.

I’m proud of the role the Greens have played in making possible what once seemed impossible. We continue to incubate ideas that will blossom over time.

[Hugh Worrall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable book, obviously written for the mainstream reader rather than just political junkies and Greens devotees. Mehreen has had an interesting life and the pathway from her roots in Pakistan to become an Australian Federal Senator is inspiring.
She has a few passions which she returns to in the book, women's advocacy and overcoming racism are the big ones, but also the environment and her work with the Greens, and engineering!
This is an easy entertaining read and Mehreen is an inspiring person. As someone who is interested in politics I would have liked a bit more detail around how the various campaigns were organised and became successful but I understand that may be a turnoff for others.

[booksweread]

I honestly never thought I’d read a book heavy on politics, and especially not a memoir written by a politician!
Never. Until Senator Mehreen Faruqi.
Other than our country of birth, I relate to Mehreen on every level, and her non political experiences resonate to no end.
As a woman, a woman of colour, a Muslim and a mother. Representation matters.
Her tenacity and work ethic to not give up on issues she believes in is inspiring.
From greyhound racing to racial justice, gender equality and climate justice. She kept fighting through all the racism and misogyny, setbacks and betrayals to push her policies through.

[Lisa Hoskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely enjoyed this memoir. Provocative, honest and relatable.

There’s no fence sitting or attempts to sugar coat experiences of racism, observations of corruption and misogyny in politics, and the mistreatment of animals and the environment for the corporate dime.

A migrant Muslim who happens to be an academic, engineer, climate activist, environmentalist, feminist, LGBQTI ally, a senator, who is a family oriented mum who speaks with gratitude and respect about her family & friends.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After hearing Mehreen Faruqi at the Sydney Writers Festival, I knew I had to read her memoir. `She was articulately intelligent, passionate, funny and sjust so real and relatable. Her memoir is my best read of the year so far - a scathing critique of systemic sexism, racism, Islamophobia and various other ills besetting Australian society and politics, but also a triumph of one women's quest to make a difference.

[Rania T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mehreen Faruqi is an engineer turned politician who loves the Australian classic, "The Castle" and uses the Paklish (Pakistani English) term for the show "I Love Lucy" calling it "The Lucy Show" and was probably educated by scary nuns at the "Convent of Jesus and Mary" in Lahore, Pakistan. Hence, why she could probably get to exorcise some of the demons (aka Pauline Hanson) in the Australian Senate one fine day.

[Hannah Rappell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir and manifesto of Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi is a good read. An incredible life, a tireless devotion to justice and democracy, a fascinating career, and an an impressive contribution to NSW State and Federal Governments. I am a bit in awe.

I enjoyed this audiobook, and learning about Faruqi's life and the underpinning values of her politics.

[Natalia Figueroa Barroso · Rating 5 out of 5]

This part memoir part manifesto is compelling and raw to the bone. As I read it I could hear Senator Dr Mehreen Faruqi’s voice loud and proud with a great determination and passion to silence the systems of oppression that belittle and dehumanise the constituents she represents. Well worth the read.

[mango · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I admire and respect Dr Faruqi and her work. She reflects on the struggles of immigrant women who want to see change while working and living within white institutions. It's exhausting work, and idk how people do this kinda work because it's draining.

Great into to intersectional feminism and to Faruqi's political stans. If you like Sara Ahmed's work, you'll like this one.

[Pip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never had an immediate answer to the ‘who would you invite to dinner if you could choose anyone in the world’. Now I do. Mehreen is an amazing role model, full of wit and good humour despite the racism she has encountered here in Australia. An insightful memoir.

[Alice Bloomfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

An interesting memoir and the parts about NSW State politics were fascinating. I wish there was a bit more about the federal side and I would hope there will be an updated version post 2023 referendum and the Greens engagement with the housing bill going through parliament.

[Miriam Herceg · Rating 5 out of 5]

It‘s so amazing to finally read about a politician who shares the same values as me. Mehreen Faruqi writes about her experiences in such a refreshing, inspiring, and self-reflected way that it was almost impossible to put the book away.

[Zach Bui · Rating 5 out of 5]

A political memoir with actual teeth to it

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad I read this. She’s a remarkable woman with a rich and multifaceted story to tell. She holds a mirror up to Australia that is sometimes hard to look into. Highly recommended.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleased to learn some more about one of our politicians that I knew little about.