About Yassmin Abdel-Magied

I asked a large language model (LLM) to describe my substack, and this is what it said (with some of my own addendums included).

Yassmin Abdel-Magied's Substack features a mix of personal reflections, cultural critique, social commentary, and discussions about identity, politics, and global issues (YAM Note: interesting mix of themes. What are ‘global issues’?). Her writing often blends her experiences as an Australian (YAM Note: I wouldn’t describe myself as Australian, I’m Sudanese, but okay) Muslim woman with insights on activism, race, feminism, and social justice. She draws from her background as an engineer and a writer to explore themes of belonging, marginalization, and the intersectionality of various identities. (YAM Note: This last line is the closest to the mix of themes I explore…)

She addresses current events, often through a lens of empowerment and challenge to mainstream narratives, especially around topics like systemic oppression, diversity, and inclusion (YAM Note: I don’t think I’ve EVER described my work as ‘diversity and inclusion’ but I guess that is how others would place me, including this LLM). Abdel-Magied's tone can be both intellectual and approachable, offering thoughtful, often provocative commentary on contemporary issues.

(I see you flattering me, LLM!)

Who would my content appeal to, I asked the LLM:

Her content is likely to appeal to readers who are interested in social justice, progressive politics, and diverse perspectives, especially those who are keen on exploring the complexities of identity in a globalized world. (‘DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES’ is such a bullshit phrase, what is a ‘diverse’ perspective. I offer a perspective that might be different to the dominant culture’s, but that’s not the same thing. Does this answer get better?) People who appreciate nuanced discussions on race, gender, and power dynamics would find her work engaging, as well as anyone interested in the intersections between personal experience and societal change. (YAM Note: Okay fine, this bit tracks).

Okay, so I wanted a bit more from the LLM. What makes my work unique?

Yassmin Abdel-Magied's writing stands out for several reasons, particularly her ability to seamlessly blend personal narrative with sharp social commentary. Here’s what makes her Substack unique compared to similar writers (Oh, okay listicle!)

1. Intersectionality at the Forefront: While many writers tackle issues like race, gender, and identity, Abdel-Magied brings a particularly nuanced intersectional perspective. As a Black Muslim woman, she doesn't just address one aspect of her identity; rather, she delves into how race, religion, gender, and class intersect and affect her life and the lives of others. This gives her writing a depth and complexity that appeals to readers seeking a multifaceted view of the world. (I’ll take it)

2. Global Perspective with Personal Experience: Her unique position as an Australian with Sudanese heritage (STILL with the Australian, does it not know my trauma?!) allows her to offer a global perspective that is not often found in Western-based writing. She bridges cultures, offering insights into the challenges faced by diasporic communities while also addressing universal issues like belonging, systemic racism, and the global impact of social movements. (I see you bringing the diaspora in there, LLM. I see you)

3. Activism with Vulnerability: Many writers in the social justice space focus on theory and advocacy, but Yassmin integrates her own vulnerabilities, struggles, and triumphs into her work. Her writing is often both personal and political, reflecting not only her intellectual understanding of social justice issues but also how they shape her day-to-day life. This blend of activism and personal reflection creates a relatable and emotionally compelling narrative. (OKAY I see YOU, LARGE LANGUAGE MODEL!!!)

4. Challenging Mainstream Narratives: Abdel-Magied has a boldness in her writing that challenges dominant narratives around race, religion, and gender. She is unafraid to critique mainstream or even "progressive" institutions, calling out hypocrisy and offering alternative viewpoints. This willingness to go against the grain makes her content particularly thought-provoking and often controversial, which is appealing to readers looking for something beyond conventional takes. (I don’t know I feel like this is a bit of a regression. Challenging mainstream narratives? Sigh, what am I, sixteen and talking about becoming an F1 driver again? This is boring yallah).

5. Focus on Empowerment and Agency: While she critiques oppressive systems, her writing is also focused on empowerment. She frequently discusses how marginalized communities can reclaim their power and rewrite their stories, rather than simply being victims of circumstance. This focus on agency and resilience sets her apart from writers who may focus solely on the negative aspects of systemic injustice. (Okay I feel like this one is just being shady to my fellow writers? ‘The negative aspects of systemic injustice’? What are you saying LLM, that there are POSITIVE aspects? Again, this is not the greatest point)

6. Cultural Commentary with Wit and Humor: Her writing isn’t just heavy; it’s also infused with wit and humor. This balance of sharp analysis with a lighter, more accessible tone allows her to tackle serious topics without overwhelming readers, making her writing feel both engaging and refreshing. (OK the LLM thinks I’m funny. I like it again)

In summary, Abdel-Magied’s Substack stands out for its intersectional depth, global perspective, integration of personal experience with social critique, and a balance of activism with empowerment. Her unapologetic approach to challenging societal norms while maintaining a focus on resilience and change makes her content compelling for those seeking a more nuanced, diverse take on social issues.

Well. I’m glad the 100 Billion dollar investment, scraping all the written text on the internet and generally being unethical has created a product that gets the gist of my work about 66% of the time. Tamam!

Must more earnest introduction written when I launched this substack in Jan 2021:

Who am I? Well, what might be more useful to you is not who I am, but why I do what I do.

I’m interested in social justice, people, and power. I believe that systems of oppression should be interrogated, challenged and dismantled, and am constantly looking for how to do this to the best of my ability. I believe in Islam, and the ethics of transformative justice that I believe it espouses. I hold myself accountable to these standards, and believe that one day Allah will too. I write because I know not what else to do, the craft has been a constant in my life since I was before double-digit-years-old. I ran away from writing, from the truth it demanded of me, for many a year. I hid in Formula One, on oil rigs, on TV. Alas. One can only outrun what is written for them for so long.

So, here I am. Writing, in one form or another. Here, I give myself the space (for now) to write outside the bounds of commission, deadline, brief. I am curious to see how it’ll pan out, what it means to share one’s thoughts in long form again on one’s own terms, without second guessing every sentence, victim to hyper-vigilance wrought by trauma. Indeed, the fall will probably come again. But, I guess that’s the point of picking yourself back up, right?

You can find out more about me here: yassminam.com. In the meantime, if you enjoy what I write, or find something resonates, please tell a friend, and then tell me. It’s lonely out here…