Officially launched at the end of March 2009, Beauty and the East TV is one of the first vlogs (video blog) of its kind to showcase Muslim/Middle-Eastern designers, musicians, comedians, artists, film-makers, actors, journalists, poets, photographers writers, dancers, and leaders - all from different cultures and races who share their personal stories and talents.
Beauty and the East TV is an entertaining site for Muslims in the West, and also for a non-Muslim audience interested in learning more about the culture. "There are millions of moderate Muslims who live in the West who are tired of being associated with terrorism. They want to be seen as moderate, peaceful, and fun citizens of the world," states Samira Atash, creator-producer-host of Beauty and the East TV.
Samira is an award-nominated New York-based fashion designer and entrepreneur who has received international media attention for her work. She developed the concept for the vlog after seeing the emergence of raw talent among Muslims and Middle-Easterners who often go unrecognized by mainstream media. She also realizes firsthand how difficult it is to grow up in the West without role models to identify with. Samira hopes that by introducing Eastern artists to the world, stereotypes will shatter and cultures will find common ground with each other.
Below is a trailer for one of the episodes, "Afghan-American Rock Star: ZOHRA"
