Ramy Youssef's new animated series, #1 Happy Family USA, features a halal cart owner as its main character, reflecting the immigrant experience in post-9/11 New York. The portrayal of Hussein Hussein highlights the challenges many immigrants face, especially those who had prestigious careers in their home countries but must adapt to make a living in America. The halal cart serves as a symbol of socio-economic status, emphasizing that the family is not wealthy. The show combines humor with a poignant commentary on identity and cultural adjustments.
"The idea that someone would come to this country and also have to deal with not being able to practice medicine and having to do different things, which is something a lot of immigrants get caught in."
"A family who has that cart parked out front - you know this isn't a wealthy family, there's no question about it."
"Hussein sings a stirring song about making 'money for the meat,' as he's setting up his cart for business."
"Designing the cart was fun for Chalabi, who based them on halal carts from 2001."
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