One of the things that I think is really important about this project was that it sparked dialogue. Although I no longer dress in hijab, the fact that I chronicled my experiences on the internet through YouTube and Facebook, the comments still continue to pour in, and I continue to receive comments on a daily basis.
One recent comment really struck me as interesting, and with this young woman's permission I have included the comment here. She had previously commented to me that, as a Muslim woman, she had not really had much experience with prejudice or discrimination... but my videos somehow helped open her eyes to what was going on around her a bit more.
On November 17, 2010, she wrote:
" I remember commenting the other day saying that I had never noticed the prejudice for wearing my hijab. I guess your videos kinda opened my eyes wider into it. Today (on November 17, 2010), I went to Walmart in Covington, GA for lunch at the Subway. I've been there before with my hijab on, but today I actually noticed the judgmental eyes of hate and prejudice........it actually scared me, especially while I was eating lunch and this one man stared with such hate in his eyes. I guess the simple smile I always show to people goes unnoticed with a hijab on. Only one person there was friendly to me, and I forever thank and cherish her kindness. Thank you so much for opening my eyes to my surroundings :)"
Thank you for sharing with me, and thank you for allowing me to share with my followers.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Presentation for Henniker Rotary Club
The other day, I was lucky enough to have presented this project to the Henniker Rotary Club in Henniker, NH. While I was excited to present, I found myself to be incredibly underprepared to talk to this population.
Perhaps it was that my mother has been a long term member of this Rotary Club, but for some reason, I was terrified with every word that came out of my mouth that I would offend someone, which would ultimately lead to impacting the relationship that my mother had been cultivating for years. I had never felt this way in front of a group before. It was like walking on eggshells.
For the first time since starting this project, I was legitimately worried about the implications of sharing this project with people, and for that reason I toned down my presentation a bit more than I normally would have. I was afraid of how people in this community would take to my bringing this project to them, and discussing some of the things I would normally pull into a discussion.
I dont have much more to say on this topic, other than the fact that the presentation was a bomb. Not all presentations can go well though. Next time I will have to think about the potential audience a bit more before hand. I didnt even think this would have happened before hand. I am such an opinionated and vocal person, I never thought an audience like this would stump me.
Now I know. And knowing is half the battle...
Perhaps it was that my mother has been a long term member of this Rotary Club, but for some reason, I was terrified with every word that came out of my mouth that I would offend someone, which would ultimately lead to impacting the relationship that my mother had been cultivating for years. I had never felt this way in front of a group before. It was like walking on eggshells.
For the first time since starting this project, I was legitimately worried about the implications of sharing this project with people, and for that reason I toned down my presentation a bit more than I normally would have. I was afraid of how people in this community would take to my bringing this project to them, and discussing some of the things I would normally pull into a discussion.
I dont have much more to say on this topic, other than the fact that the presentation was a bomb. Not all presentations can go well though. Next time I will have to think about the potential audience a bit more before hand. I didnt even think this would have happened before hand. I am such an opinionated and vocal person, I never thought an audience like this would stump me.
Now I know. And knowing is half the battle...
Monday, October 18, 2010
This Just In...
As received from a friend in Chicago- My interview with Naimah Latif made it to Chicago based cable news 19, and has been aired.
I am not sure yet if they will have archives of the interview available or if I will be able to get a copy of the video to be able to upload and share here, but I will be contacting them to see about this. Unfortunately I missed the program as I am out of town, BUT hopefully I can find a way to access it...
A friend sent me the following email earlier through facebook. This is SO exciting!
Is the USA guilty of religious profiling? Discrimination against Muslims in America is the featured topic on The Media Connection TV Show, airing Monday, October 18 on Cable TV Channel 19 in Chicago, at 5pm Central Standard Time. It will be simultaneously broadcast on Radio Station 1570 AM in Chicago at 5:00 CST, during the program, The Word Is In You. Outside of Chicago, if you're near a computer, you can hear this discussion online at http://www.gospel1570.com at 5:00 p.m. CST, 6:00 p.m. EST.
The program, hosted by Naimah Latif, was taped at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's 62nd Annual Convention in Virginia in July, 2010. It features Florida researcher Amy Guimond and Kazistan immigrant Dina Berik discussing the changing attitudes toward Muslims in Post-911 America.
For more information, call The Media Connection, 312, 849-3456.
I am not sure yet if they will have archives of the interview available or if I will be able to get a copy of the video to be able to upload and share here, but I will be contacting them to see about this. Unfortunately I missed the program as I am out of town, BUT hopefully I can find a way to access it...
A friend sent me the following email earlier through facebook. This is SO exciting!
*******
The program, hosted by Naimah Latif, was taped at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's 62nd Annual Convention in Virginia in July, 2010. It features Florida researcher Amy Guimond and Kazistan immigrant Dina Berik discussing the changing attitudes toward Muslims in Post-911 America.
For more information, call The Media Connection, 312, 849-3456.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Presentation at Nova Southeastern University
On October 1, 2010 I was invited to participate and present at the first ever panel discussion led by the Asia Working Group at Nova Southeastern University, in Ft. Lauderdale FL.
I asked my friend Robert to record this presentation so that I could share it with those who were unable to attend. This two part video series, is the footage from that event, which, in my humble opinion, went swimmingly!
and part 2:
I asked my friend Robert to record this presentation so that I could share it with those who were unable to attend. This two part video series, is the footage from that event, which, in my humble opinion, went swimmingly!
and part 2:
Burn a Qu'ran
Nationally, as we prepared to commemorate the 9th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Pastor Terry Jones out of Gainesville, FL took control of the National media spotlight announcing his plans for "International Burn a Qu'ran Day."
Like many, I was appalled. I created a video in response to Mr. Jones's call for Qu'ran burning and also spoke about the controversy over the proposal to burn a Muslim Community Center near ground zero.
Like many, I was appalled. I created a video in response to Mr. Jones's call for Qu'ran burning and also spoke about the controversy over the proposal to burn a Muslim Community Center near ground zero.
On my need to be accepted:
One of the really great things that came out of this project was the fact that, because I was frequently updating my YouTube channel, I met people who I would have otherwise never had the opportunity to meet. And in doing so, I managed to forge relationships based on trust and equal understanding.
One of the people that met through my video blog was inspired to share her story in a video of her own, which led me to create this video as a direct response to her. Thought I would share.
One of the people that met through my video blog was inspired to share her story in a video of her own, which led me to create this video as a direct response to her. Thought I would share.
Touching the lives of others
One of the really great things that came out of this project was the fact that, because I was frequently updating my YouTube channel, I met people who I would have otherwise never had the opportunity to meet. And in doing so, I managed to forge relationships based on trust and equal understanding.
One of the people that met through my video blog was inspired to share her story in a video of her own, which led me to create this video as a direct response to her. Thought I would share.
One of the people that met through my video blog was inspired to share her story in a video of her own, which led me to create this video as a direct response to her. Thought I would share.
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