As Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, runs his campaign, he has been highlighting his Muslim immigrant background from South Asia. However, a recent revelation from his college application in 2009 suggests that his identity is more complex than initially thought.

This discrepancy raises questions about the accuracy of his self-identification and whether he intentionally mislabeled himself to gain an advantage in the admissions process.

"I didn't think of myself as either Black or African American," Mamdani said. "I saw myself as an American who was born in Africa. I was trying to find a way to express my identity, and I didn't have the options to choose from."

"It's not just about having a different label," said one critic. "It's about how you're using those labels to gain an advantage in a system that is already stacked against people like him."

As we navigate these complex issues, it's essential to remember that identity is not always a binary concept. People can identify with multiple cultures, communities, and labels, and their experiences are shaped by a unique combination of factors.

In conclusion, Zohran Mamdani's complex identity is a reminder that identity is not always straightforward and can be shaped by multiple factors. As we move forward in our conversations about identity, privilege, and access, let's strive to approach these topics with empathy, understanding, and an openness to different perspectives.