It feels like the whole internet has collectively moved to New York, because that’s all anyone’s talking about: Zohran Mamdani, 34, democratic socialist, son of filmmaker Mira Nair, and now the city’s first Muslim mayor. Even from India, it’s hard not to be pulled into the buzz—maybe it’s the hopeful memes, maybe it’s the fact that NYC now has its first Gen Z First Lady, artist Rama Duwaji, whom he met on Hinge (yes, let that sink in). If the mayor of New York can find love there, maybe the apps deserve a little less slander.
Beyond the memes, there’s something reassuring about this win: it’s about who gets to lead, whose stories are visible, and how representation quietly shapes what we believe is possible. And maybe that’s why, while catching up on episode seven of The Reluctant Traveler, it struck me: when it comes to India, representation still feels stuck. Eugene Levy arrives, Abish Mathew hosts him in Jaipur, and it’s back to forts, bazaars, and bumpy autos. Gorgeous, yes. But is that all the world thinks we are? Because surely we have more to show? Speaking of representation, The Nod’s November Book Club pick is all about two queer men navigating their sexuality and its place in their world; read all about it here.
