A decade after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, a second wave of anti-Muslim hatred is being propelled by a small cadre of activists who are exploiting Americans’ fears of Islamic extremism, according to the latest issue of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Report, released today.
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What’s wrong with this picture?
Via the creative Muslims over at Creative Muslims:
To kick off Ramadan 2011 we wanted to highlight a handful of upbeat, interesting articles we found online. Before you glance over our list we also wanted to bring to your attention that many of the news stories centered around Ramadan that we saw online detailed the heartbreaking realities of poverty and conflict that is afflicting our world today (from Somali to Libya). This Ramadan please keep your brothers, sisters, your neighbors in this world in your prayers and give in charity. Somali Refugees have no food to break their fasts and food prices are climbing all over the world, from the Middle East to Pakistan, during this blessed month.
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P.S. Ramadan Mubarak!
Via ColorLines:
Last spring, a kindergarden teacher in Monterrey, Mexico showed an incredible act of bravery, courage and love when she kept her class of 15 five- and six-year-olds calm during a shootout outside their classroom.
![Muslimah Media Watch is a forum where we, as Muslim women, can critique how our images appear in the media and popular culture. Although we are of different nationalities, sects, races, etc., we have something important in common: we’re tired of seeing ourselves portrayed by the media in ways that are one-dimensional and misleading. This is a space where, from a Muslim feminist perspective, we can speak up for ourselves.
As Muslim feminists we aim to locate and critique misogyny, sexism, patriarchy, Islamophobia, racism, and xenophobia as they affect Muslim women. Furthermore, we believe in equal opportunities, equal respect, equal freedom, and equal value — regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, and ability.
This blog is meant to be inclusive to all people, with a special focus on Muslim women. MMW strives to create an environment in which our writers and readers feel safe and welcome. We ask that you be considerate towards others and their opinions. This is a respectful forum for dialogue, not argument or personal attacks.
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Yes. :) [Click on the photo to visit their website!]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnxn6bZDRT1qdetmio1_400.jpg)
Muslimah Media Watch is a forum where we, as Muslim women, can critique how our images appear in the media and popular culture. Although we are of different nationalities, sects, races, etc., we have something important in common: we’re tired of seeing ourselves portrayed by the media in ways that are one-dimensional and misleading. This is a space where, from a Muslim feminist perspective, we can speak up for ourselves. As Muslim feminists we aim to locate and critique misogyny, sexism, patriarchy, Islamophobia, racism, and xenophobia as they affect Muslim women. Furthermore, we believe in equal opportunities, equal respect, equal freedom, and equal value — regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, and ability. This blog is meant to be inclusive to all people, with a special focus on Muslim women. MMW strives to create an environment in which our writers and readers feel safe and welcome. We ask that you be considerate towards others and their opinions. This is a respectful forum for dialogue, not argument or personal attacks. — Yes. :) [Click on the photo to visit their website!]
We are tired of everyone - governments, our families, religious scholars, the justice system, our peers - being obsessed with what we wear.
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Seeing a bit of the Sweden - USA match today (as part of the Group Stage of the Women’s World Cup), I was reminded of the news a month ago that the Iranian national team had forfeited an Olympic qualifying match against Jordan due to FIFA’s rules about uniforms. The issue is still close to the hearts of many, including those of the organizers of the Right2Wear campaign. As they note, the regulation of women’s bodies is nothing new, and the incident with the Iranian national team is only one of many.
And to those who say, Well, the Iranian government requires the players to wear hijab!
…
Duh.
What are you trying to say though? That the players got what they deserved? And that none of them would have worn hijab if they had the choice? Who knows how many would have or wouldn’t have? I don’t. But I do know that every one of those athletes has put in time and energy to try and qualify for the Olympics. And to chalk it up to “safety” reasons is beyond specious. How thoughtful of them to care for their safety! Indeed…
Another point worth mentioning, which you can feel free to file under Diversity 101:
The Executive Committee of FIFA, which pretty much runs the organization, is comprised of 22 people.
How many of them are women?
If you guessed one (1), you’re wrong. The correct answer is zero (0).
Zero.
I’m not even going to start…
Click on the photo to learn more about Right2Wear.
This network of experts and activists is united by a common principle that we are “Against Violent Extremism,” exhibited not just through our words, but also our actions. Recognizing the many faces of violent extremism — gang, white supremacist, religious, nationalist — the network believes that radicalization is less of a religious and ideological issue and more about the challenges faced by youth around the world: need for empowerment, an outlet for adventure, a sense of purpose and belonging, and a meaningful identity.
Hopeful that some good comes of this summit — especially in terms of real-world policy and real-world people. The mission and model seem fairly level-headed. Intrigued. I just hope this is not celebrated, if it even gets much notice from the media, as a “Google Revolution” or something…
In December 2007, 2,000 American Muslims were asked what they would wish to say to the rest of the world.
This is what they said.
