Wali Shah & Eric Walters chat about their new book, Call Me Al

Summary

In this heartfelt conversation between Wally Shaw and Eric Walters, the authors discuss their upcoming book *Call Me Out*, a poignant exploration of cultural identity, allyship, and understanding. The book centers on Ali, a Pakistani Muslim teen, navigating his identity in Canada. Eric, inspired by the need for authentic representation, shares his experience of fasting during Ramadan to better understand the challenges Muslims face. The authors emphasize moving beyond tolerance to true acceptance, aiming to inspire empathy, unity, and compassion through their story. *Call Me Out* is a call for solidarity and deeper connection in an increasingly diverse world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Eric Walters and Wally Shaw discuss their upcoming book 'Call Me Out', which tackles issues of cultural identity, Islamophobia, and coming-of-age experiences.
• 😀 The collaboration between Wally and Eric is deeply rooted in their long-standing friendship and mutual respect for each other's work.
• 😀 Eric shares that the inspiration for writing a book featuring a Muslim character came from their desire to write a story with Wally, rather than focusing on the character's religion initially.
• 😀 The authors emphasize the importance of seeing diverse representations in literature, noting how 'Bifocal' was the first book Wally read with a Pakistani Muslim character, even though it wasn't written by a Muslim author.
• 😀 The discussion highlights the complexities of systemic racism in Canada, comparing it to other countries while stressing the need for active change rather than tolerance alone.
• 😀 Eric shares his experience fasting for a day during Ramadan to better understand what his Muslim co-author, Wally, goes through, illustrating empathy through action.
• 😀 The authors stress that understanding and acceptance, rather than mere tolerance, are key to fostering true solidarity between people of different cultures and backgrounds.
• 😀 The goal of the book is not just to provide representation for Muslim readers but to also educate non-Muslim readers about Muslim experiences, fostering empathy and breaking down misconceptions.
• 😀 The authors envision launching the book during Ramadan with a unique event, where 100 non-Muslims will fast for a day in solidarity with Muslims, symbolizing unity and shared experiences.
• 😀 The book encourages readers to embrace kindness, empathy, and the understanding that we are all connected as brothers and sisters, regardless of our differences in background, culture, or religion.

Q & A

What inspired Eric Walters to write a book with Wally Shaw, a Muslim author?

Eric Walters wanted to write a book with Wally Shaw because they had a longstanding connection, dating back to when Wally was 19. Eric recognized Wally's talent and thought he was the perfect person to collaborate with on this project, especially after Eric had an idea for a book that resonated with him.

Why was *Bifocal* a significant book for Wally Shaw?

For Wally Shaw, *Bifocal* was significant because it was the first book he read that featured a Pakistani Muslim character. Despite the author not being Pakistani or Muslim, it was a breakthrough in terms of representation and sparked a desire to see more diverse characters in literature.

What event in Mississauga inspired the book *Bifocal*?

The book *Bifocal* was inspired by an incident in Mississauga where two high school students were wrongfully arrested as part of a conspiracy, later found to be innocent, but their charges were stayed. This incident highlighted issues of Islamophobia and discrimination, which were key themes in the book.

How does Eric Walters view systemic racism in Canada?

Eric Walters acknowledges that while Canada may be better than some countries, it still faces systemic racism. He believes that racism exists in every country, and while it's important to recognize progress, it is still crucial to address and fix the systemic issues at hand.

What does Eric Walters hope people will take away from reading *Call Me Out*?

Eric Walters hopes that readers of *Call Me Out* will understand the common humanity that unites people, particularly through the character of Ali, a young Pakistani Muslim. He wants readers to move beyond tolerance and embrace acceptance, love, and understanding of different cultures and beliefs.

Why did Eric Walters fast during Ramadan as part of the book's writing process?

Eric Walters fasted for one day during Ramadan as part of his method writing process, aiming to empathize with his character, Ali, and better understand the experiences Muslims go through during this time. He wanted to walk in their shoes and experience their struggles firsthand, even if just for a day.

What is the significance of fasting in solidarity with Muslims, according to the authors?

The act of fasting in solidarity with Muslims holds significant meaning, as it demonstrates a deep empathy and understanding. Eric Walters' decision to fast for one day was an attempt to physically connect with the struggles of Muslim characters like Ali, and it exemplifies the importance of standing with others in their hardships.

What does the phrase 'tolerance' mean to Eric Walters, and how does he feel about it?

Eric Walters expresses that he dislikes the word 'tolerance' because it implies merely enduring or accepting someone else. Instead, he advocates for acceptance, love, and truly understanding people—embracing differences and celebrating them rather than tolerating them.

What role does representation play in *Call Me Out*?

Representation plays a crucial role in *Call Me Out* as the book provides a voice to Muslims, particularly through the character of Ali, who is navigating his identity as a Pakistani Muslim. Eric and Wally hope that this book will not only allow Muslim readers to see themselves in the story but also educate those who have little exposure to Muslim cultures, fostering understanding and empathy.

What does Eric Walters envision for the launch of *Call Me Out*?

Eric Walters envisions a powerful and symbolic launch for *Call Me Out* during Ramadan. He hopes to have 100 non-Muslim people join in fasting for a day in solidarity, followed by breaking bread together at the book launch. The goal is to create a sense of unity and shared experience, promoting understanding and solidarity across different cultures and religions.