Ramy

Identity politics are the core engine of the narrative. The show is highly focused on how various marginalized identities intersect, specifically looking at what it means to be Muslim, Arab, female, disabled, or gay in modern America. Uncle Naseem's secret struggles with homosexual desires are a major focus in seasons two and three. Additionally, the show dedicates entire episodes to the feminist struggles of Ramy's sister and mother under traditional patriarchal expectations. Because the show heavily prioritizes these intersectional identity conflicts, the theme is dominant.

The series constantly critiques traditional social structures, family expectations, and conservative religious norms, presenting them as highly flawed and restrictive. It takes aim at what it portrays as toxic masculinity and male entitlement within the family unit. The show also takes shots at capitalism, showing Ramy's pursuit of financial success in the diamond district as spiritually corrupting. While it critiques Eastern and Islamic conservative cultures as well, it frames these criticisms through a modern Western social-justice lens, portraying traditional family norms as toxic.

Conservative and religious viewers have criticized the show for pushing progressive propaganda. These complaints argue that the series uses its Muslim characters to promote left-wing social values, such as gender fluidity, sexual liberation, and LGBT acceptance, while ignoring or sanitizing traditional religious teachings. Online critics have accused the show of serving as a Trojan horse for secular, woke ideals. However, this backlash is mostly confined to traditionalist and religious online forums rather than broad mainstream media campaigns.

The creative team behind the show has a strong track record of progressive and activist-led projects. Writer and social impact advisor Maytha Alhassen is a prominent social-justice organizer with a woke score of 95, while director Desiree Akhavan (84) frequently focuses on queer narratives. Producers Bridget Bedard (75) and Jerrod Carmichael (65) also have extensive histories of backing identity-driven and representation-first content. While the core creators maintain slightly lower profiles, the writing and directing team is heavily populated by social-justice advocates.