Muslims should take control of their own image

Dear,

Appearnces are deceptive.

US isn`t what it appears to be. They are devising new laws and orders baased on short-term convenience. In time every thing here will fall, but if we keep ourselves restrained, we would be doing something for our future generations to rejoice with.Islam will survive.

Their Hollywood is only the beginning of an end. Not only the present trend of depersonalisation of Muslims, but also promotion of extreme violence and extreme sexual immorality. We can face the reality, but accepting something and promoting something are not the same.

First we a have to decide whether we are Muslims by name or by faith and action. If it had been the later then the problem was solved. Unfortunately, it is not. Muslims have lost sight of an Islamic world view. The Quran says that,``The Jew and the Christian would not be content with you until you follow their social phenomenon.`` (2:120) I think we have adopted the West (or Judeo-Christian) phenomenon to a considerable extent and the Jew and the Christian should be pretty content with us. Of courses, there some geopolitical problems which are cause of some concern for them and, hence, the propaganda machinery cannot be put rest for now.

Hello all,

Let me respond to the criticisms and address some of the major questions raised by making four broad points:

- My piece is about what American Muslims can and should do about their image in this country. It is not about what Muslims in Muslim countries ought to do (important as the latter issue is). Conflating these two groups (and identities) is a reason why American Muslims are confused about their identity and cannot mobilize effectively in America.

- The `big boys` control everything theory is based on ignorance (or at least an extremely pessimistic reading) of the history of immigrant minorities in the US. I`ll just mention the recent New York Times story about how Jews (who were discriminated against in the US not so long ago) started Brandeis in 1948 to make it the `Harvard of the Jews`. One can safely say that they failed to achieve this goal because Jews were able to make Harvard the `Harvard of the Jews`.

- It is important, particularly for American Muslims, to distinguish between Islam as a religion and Muslims as a political and cultural entity. No matter how many maulvis say that Yousef Ramzi is a kafir, his political and cultural identity remains Muslim. No matter how many rozas you miss, your cultural identity as a Muslim remains your tag. Let the maulvi condemn you as much as he wants but missing a roza makes you a bad Muslim, perhaps, but not a non-Muslim. Muslims don`t need the US to tell them this--it`s for Muslims to think this through themselves. This is the weakness of the argument posted by RR (reply 4) which says that the terrorist is not a Muslim. [even so, I fully support RR`s call for political action]. At any rate, the discourse about Muslims in the US has moved pretty far from its `Islam-is-a-religion-which-teaches-terror` simplicity of yore.

- MAK (reply16) asks what terrorism is(!). At a very basic level, terrorism is the pursuit of political goals through violence. [When states do this, it`s called war]. I tried to make two points in my piece. One, if you have the same political goal as Osama Bin Laden (tempering US foreign policy towards Muslim countries), but you don`t believe in terrorism as a means of achieving this goal, then temper US foreign policy through politics, not violence. Two, if you live in the US and enjoy the political freedoms available--no matter how feeble your voice may be today--use these freedoms to make a dent in US foreign policy. Don`t spend all your energy whining about the media. temporal (reply 2) asks about `terrorist or freedom-fighter`. I think this question does not arise for you if you do not plan to employ violence in the pursuit of your political goals.

kazim

When I looked the outlandish title I thought another World Order released by Uncle Sam being dissiminated, but turned out it`s an article written by a muslim advising other muslims. The author says `Muslim terrorism against the United States seems to have succeeded in terrorizing American Muslims more than anyone else`. May I ask how do you define terrorism? or whats the meaning of terrorism? Who we call terrorist? In my opinion the one who spreads out `Dehshat` is a terrorist and the act is terrorism. What is Muslim Terrorism? The term emerged in the west and they define imposing islamic laws according to Shariat is muslim terrorsim because those laws forbid them to indulge their nefarious passions. When they rejoiced in the regime of Shah Iran the country was well developed and when islamic laws introduced Iran become a terrorist. When Russians enjoyed their nights with wives of Afghan army generals, their women and even kids the country was the place to live but when Taliban enforced islamic laws Afghanistan become terrorist.

The author, in other words suggesting muslims to avoide fundamental laws of islam and urging to `behave moderately`. That would be better if he could have mentioned the scale of moderate behaviour. Does he mean to opt western society completely or partialy or he pointing to re-shape `Bigray Taur atwar` of muslims.

Further he says `The Muslim community needs to separate Muslims from terrorists. It needs to forcefully clarify who is criticizing and who is resorting to terrorism`. What does it mean? How muslims should be separated from `terrorists`? When I meet with a gora then what should I do that the gora took a fascinating impression on me (i.e. muslim)? What should I do when he invites me to a bar? What should I do in their parties when they offer me Champaign? What should I do when they ask about my girlfriend? If I apologize to accept any of the offers then I`m called `fundamentalist` (Which no doubt I am and every muslim who believes on the fundamentals of Islam is a fundamentalist). At this point I need more comments from the author or at least he should have more elaborated his thoughts. Perhaps this could be an interesting debate.

Despite my reservations about some ideas in the article, I think that you have done a great job in bringing up this issue. And I should not forget to compliment you on that.

Your mention of another group in the U.S is very interesting. Yes, there is a lot to be learnt from them. The language of U.S is the dollar, if the Muslim community had comparable wealth (hence influence), there would be no large scale negative stereotyping. Apart from mere activism, it would really help if the Muslim communities produced some Bill Gates and Warren Buffets. Miracles could happen overnight. That`s where getting-down-to-work attitude would be required.

best

re annogul

yes, you are right. the muslims are a sad lot indeed. greedy, corrupt collaborators; violent, fanatic taliban-types or the un organized vast majority. of course, we have to have a principled and more intelligent and effective response to our complete lack of vision and leadership; to the rightwing religious movements in our midst and to the west`s characterization of all of us as terrorists.

the handful of muslims who are involved in struggles for secularism in their countries find that the west and the US in particular, do them a huge dis-service through western `islamophobia`. because any paradigm -- secularism, women`s rights, human rights -- that is used to challenge interpretations of islam are characterized by those opposed to secular values as `western` and therefore, automatically islamophobic and illegitimate. in addition, many of these human/women`s rights activists, in pakistan for instance, fighting for secular values are themselves muslims who feel under attacky by this islamophobia.

but going back to the big ole boys: an estimated half to a million civilians have died in iraq directly due to economic sanctions that the US-UK keep inflicted through the security council. these economic sanctions alone have killed more innocent people than all acts of terrorism combined. but, this is not terrorism, of course. these are economic sanctions imposed through the security council.

BG:

I agree that the US has been heavily involved, throughout history, in inflicting violence upon thousands--hundreds of thousands--of innocent folks. But when you say ``...dressed up differently--no beard and kafia...`` you only mention a very small part of the ``dressed up`` part. Good politics (much like `good` anything) depends heavily on context. I think implicit in this whole discussion is politics, a good image, if you will. So it`s irrelevant that Muslim acts of violence dwarf in comparison to American violence. What we Muslims have always been terrible at is ``dressing up`` our interests, acts, needs, characters, beliefs in politically acceptable packages. We are too proud--to the extent of being stupidly so--to make a clever case for ourselves and play the political game by the rules recognized by the all-powerful ``big boys.`` We are terrible at protecting and furthering our own interests merely because the path to this advancement means being a little less capricious and more intelligently manipulative. We have this incredible desire to ``one-up`` the perceived opponent even if the cost is losing the long-term battle.

So, while the goras go around bombing innocent Iraqi citizens, and engaging in all those other abominable acts, they have enough political savvy to dress it up appropriately. They do their killing in the ``right`` context. And our idiots--the poor lost souls--have no clue. They gain their fifteen minutes of fame and a lifetime of misery from bombing embassies and blowing up high rises out of the clear blue. Oh, is that my blood boiling again...?

re godot
``Oh, please! It is the Muslims who have created an image of themselves as terrorists; it is not created
by ``the rest of the world, led by the USA.``

oh, please, godot, READ what i wrote, and in case it wasnt clear:

kazim saeed: ``The Muslim community needs to separate Muslims from terrorists.``

and i said: yes, but so does the rest of the world, led by the USA.

the US has perpetrated the most acts of aggression against other nations since world war 2 and has also been involved in covert operations around the world. the damage these two bit terrorists have inflicted pales, i repeat PALES, in comparison to what the US has done in parts of the world like vietnam, most of central america and the middle east, just to name a few. just because its dressed up differently -- no beard and kafia -- doesnt mean it is not terrorism. and THAT was my point about those who have the power, also have the power to define.

I agree with Godot, RR and Temporal and Zehra, on the need to create a Muslim Political Action Committee.

I know some one who might be interested in running for the 2000 presidential race. He is presently debating the issues and is waiting to see what the field might look like before he tips his hand. He is a US senator. Given the fact that the Muslims are the fastest growing demographics group, there has already been discussions, by the major parties, on how to mobilize the Muslim voting bloc for the year 2000.

I have been debating the same thought and trying to work out a way for him, should he run, to corner the Muslim votes. The Muslims, if they can unite in a politically meaningful way, can influence presidential politics. It is a question of organizing grass roots supports and that can be done through the local mosques, as the focal points of Muslim participation in the American political process. Next, organizations like AMA and CAIR can use that grass roots efforts to lobby for political influence in return for the right to use the Muslim votes. Once the Muslims can fashion a coherent PAC, and use their electroal poweress to aid, beginning with state, and later, federal campaigns, the politicans will come to depend on them to win elected offices. Once that happens, we, as Muslims, will get political leverage to advance our issues in our own right.

As always, the key is to deliver election night results. In places, states, where there is a critical Muslim voting majority, it can play a role by electing candiates that support issues which concern the Muslims. This is where the Muslim Arab PACs can be instrumental. They, through their financial ability to fund raise, can buy media exposure for the candidates and given the costs of political ads, candidates will willing to listen to the Muslim view point. Remember in the American politcal system, it not what the legislator can do for you, but you can do for him her that wins you political patronage.

I have not fixed all the bugs in this, but I am confident, that if I play my cards right, I can land a staff posistion on his campaign staff and if he wins, maybe a position in the White House itself. That is what I am working for and if there is anybody out there who can help me in this, I beg you for your help. It is still too early to be optimistic, but I have complete confidence in my ability and with Allah the Beneificent showing me the right path, I know I can do this. Amen

Getting back to Wasiq`s point and the question of positive roles for Muslims - I have seen The Siege and in fact it is perhaps the first film I have seen that shows many positive muslim roles - in particular muslims fighting against terrorism. The film actually makes this a central theme - the average american muslim versis the terrorist/fanatic. Vs of course the army (a different kind of fanatic). It wasn`t a great movie, but it did have many positive roles for muslims and I think that is something worthwhile.

I actually think that all the ``whining`` and general work by these organisations made it impossible for this film to simply portray Muslims terrorist.

Nevertheless I agree with the general gist of this article. It does take work and courage to stand up and fight such stereotypes, and it is too easy to just sit back and whine.

`Muslims should take control of their own image`

damn straight they should. i have seen in the past five or ten years that the image of the mainstream Muslim HAS changed. people and the media are comming to recognize that not all Muslims are terrorists. It seems that we, american muslims, still live in some terrified past where even our neighbours thought we were terrorists. that time is over and gone. When clinton bombed bin laden, how many of your neighbours looked over at your house and wondered about your being muslim and how this would effect you personally? very few probably. when the iraq war started..how many then? probably most. its changing, the times are changing and we need to keep up. our image is not all negative. after the media faux pas with the oklohoma bombing, the image has changed. lets work with what we have and with organziations like the one RR mentioned...the AMA and CAir. ( i work for the AMA..anyone want more info or want to help email me at errerr@hotmail.com). not to mention anythign about the article written but to focus on its title.. Muslims should take control of their own image. if there is an image you want presented...do it. dont wait for someone else to represent you.

Well said, Aliya and RR. Whereas it is never enough to simply `whine,` raising a collective voice against incessant negative stereotyping is an imperative.

Every change in this world worth its salt (negative and positive) started with two or more people talking about it, raising a point.

And I hope enough of us will eventually become actors, artists, movie-makers, world-class writers to make a noticeable wave, be heard and noticed in a GOOD kind of way...

Re: bg, Reply 5

Oh, please! It is the Muslims who have created an image of themselves as terrorists; it is not created by ``the rest of the world, led by the USA.`` Almost all the terrorists acts committed worldwide in recent memory have Muslim names attached to them. Were those names made up by the ``big boys``? It is the Muslims zealots who have disgraced Islam and Muslims, not the rest of the world led by the USA.

Re: RR, Reply 4

I agree with you whole-heartedly.

``Whining about caricatures only shows an unwillingness to face reality. ``

the reality being the caricatures in teh movies?

``The Muslim community needs to separate Muslims from terrorists.``

yes, but so does the rest of the world, led by the USA.

of course, muslims should work at `improving` their image, but no matter how much average muslims condemn terrorism, the power to define who is a terrorist and who is not remains in the hands of the big boys.

I tend to agree with the author in most aspects because i believe that terrorism does not help Islam in anyways. The known terrorists mentioned in the article are cowards who try to take refuge under the name of Islam and give muslims a bad name. I condemn all terrorist acts, as killing of innocent humans beings is not preached in my religion.

regards,

-m

How many positive characters have you seen in the movies/ on TV who also happen to be Muslims? Does this nation`s anti- Muslim hysteria after Oklahoma Bombing surprise you?

Actually, organizations that act as media watchdogs are a sign of the American Muslim community finally starting to grow up.

My dear friend, if Muslims do not protest (``whine``), who will? Anti Defamation League, as well as NAACP do it for the other much maligned groups in U.S.A and have successfully fought the stereotyping of Jews and blacks at all the self respecting network stations.

If they were to use your very unusual logic, Black Americans should criticise the government for it`s racism, criticize crime in inner city nieghborhoods, but never complain about being stereotyped by the Media?

While I would agree with your views in general, I think the article as written is incomplete. You did not give any specific examples of the portrayal of Muslims in the movie and the reactions of the Muslims to this movie (which I personally have not seen). For all I know, they may have been perfectly reasonable. Before making any sweeping statements about the lack of prudence of the American Muslim community, you must give specific examples.

Condemning terrorism is very important, criticizing US foreign policy while doing it is not as easy as you claim it to be.

And dealing with the popular caricatures of themselves is a different issue. If you were to state that Muslims should not respond to any negative portrayals, I would say that would be extremely naive.

best

Terrorism, i.e., making a political statement by inflicting emotional, physical or any other type of harm to unsuspecting and innocent people is not Islam. Anyone who claims to represent an Islamic cause by blowing up jets and buildings full of innocent people, for example, is not a Muslim.

American Muslims are actively organizing and taking part in clarifying this fact to the public. AMA and ICNA are two such organizations. The reason Muslims have to ``whine`` about negative stereotyping in the media is that THAT is the only image Americans have seen of them in the media.

One of the solutions that I have proposed in addition to the ``whinning`` is for American Muslims to get involved in the media by becoming mainstream publishers, journalists, broadcasters and film makers. We need to understand that in this country you don`t have to be a doctor or an engineer to make money. It is not only OK to pursue a career in acting, directing, reporting and publishing but it pays a lot of money. We have a lot of talented Muslim youngsters in schools and colleges here who need to understand this. One way is to set up investment funds, loans and scholarships as incentives.

If we want to present a positive image for Muslims in America, we`re just gonna have to do it ourselves.

Kazim Saeed:

To Wasiq`s opening salvo I would add this. There are a few who oppose all forms of terrorism--individual, group or state sponsored.

How should they react? Who can judge one to be a terrorist of freedom-fighter?

The second issue you raise about stereotyping can best be tackled from grass roots up. We should learn from the jews. If we follow them, politically we would not be so vulnerable---- indeed if the muslims tap the resources they can be as strong as the jews are in the American political spectrum in another fifteen twenty years.

regards