i just want to lie here.

The episode’s title, “Egyptian Cigarettes,” refers to how the pictures of diseased lungs that many countries — but not Israel or the United States — depict on cigarette packaging display the consequences of potentially destructive choices. “To have a picture of those organs — these effects are really real,” Youssef explains. “When are we going to look at that photo? I view the Ramy character as a symbol of how complicit we are in the large scale of the world, even as we’re navigating our own small piece of it.”

And practically, “Egyptian Cigarettes” depicts the day-to-day obstacles — interrogations, detainments, checkpoints, the separation wall, a constant military presence — that the citizens of the Palestinian territories face every day, a stark reminder of the normalized harm of nation-states.

“You don’t have to really say anything else,” Jacir adds. “In terms of the shooting, the wall, the checkpoints; the fact that in reality, those boys are not allowed to get out of Jenin; everything about our reality. We didn’t have to say to anybody, ‘What is a military occupation? What is life like here?’ It just is.” - How 'Ramy' Centered Life in the Palestinian Territories

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You know that…Tinn likes me, right? And I like him too. He’s nice, Mom. He’s been so supportive. When I was competing in Hot Wave, he helped. Whenever I feel bad and…down, he always makes me feel better. I just want you to know that I…I’m dating Tinn. Are you okay with that? Honestly, Mom. I have no problem at all with Heart being deaf. He understands everything just like everyone else. I just started [learning sign language]. I still make mistakes when I use it. We mostly talk through written messages. Nothing is too difficult, Mom. I love it when I’m with him.

ABBOTT ELEMENTARY (2021- ) 1x02 | 2x22