Anti Muslim bias should offend all Americans
Americans are quickly disgusted by racism, anti-Semitism and other unacceptable expressions of hatred. Islamophobia is a bitter fruit from the same tree, but few Americans can identify this increasingly prevalent form of bigotry against Islam and Muslims.
Detroit Free Press, 12/06/2007
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Muslim Girl Scouts
Scattered Muslim communities across the United States are forming Girl Scout troops as a sort of assimilation tool to help girls who often feel alienated from the mainstream culture, and to give Muslims a neighborly aura.
New York Times, 11/28/2007
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Iowa halal turkeys grace tables
Muslims around the world celebrate Thanksgiving with turkeys processed and shipped from Cedar Rapids.Thousands of turkeys are sent overseas this time of year by Midamar Corp. of Cedar Rapids.
Des Moines Register, 11/22/2007
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U.S. Muslim veterans lay wreath on WWII Memorial
Members of the Muslim American Veterans Association (MAVA) placed a wreath at the National WWII Memorial this past Sunday to honor all Americans who served in that conflict. This was the tenth year that MAVA conducted its Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony.
The American Muslim, 11/14/2007
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Muslim Singer with a Country Twang
Neil MacFarquhar interviews Kareem Salama “billed as the first Muslim country-western singer.” “We hope to establish an American Muslim identity,” he quotes one of Kareem’s fans saying, “and what is more American than country music?”
New York Times, 11/13/2007
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Sitcom takes lighthearted approach to ‘aliens’
Aliens in America producers David Guarascio and Moses Port and writer Sameer Gardezi talk about their new sitcom on NPR’s Fresh Air
NPR, 11/05/2007
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Islamic-themed comic book promotes universal values of goodness and love
Susan Hogan-Albach of the Chicago Sun-Times writes about the launch of THE 99, the Islamic-themed comic book that is already a hit overseas. “Like Batman and Superman, the cast of "The 99" aren't overtly religious. They don't pray or quote the Quran, but promote universal values such as goodness and love,” she writes.
Chicago Sun-Times, 10/17/2007
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Humor helps break stereotypes about Muslims
“Muslims, like everybody else, are capable of laughing and being funny,” writes Carolee Walker of USINFO quoting Muslim comedian Azhar Usman at American University in Washington at the virtual town hall meeting ‘Laughing While Muslim.’ “The October 3 meeting held during Ramadan used digital video conference technology to link Muslim panelists at American University (AU) and the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles to talk seriously about comedy,” she writes.
USINFO, 10/12/2007
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Contest opens for American Muslim films
The Associated Press reports on the launch of the ‘One Nation, May Voices’ online film contest. “An online film contest boasting celebrity judges, including actor Danny Glover and Mariane Pearl, is calling for entries that tell of the American Muslim experience. The "One Nation, Many Voices" competition started taking submissions on Tuesday of films lasting five minutes or less.”
Associated Press, 10/04/2007
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’Aliens’ shows its serious side
What has caught the attention of a Washington think tank and others outside the CW's young target audience is the central character, a Muslim Pakistani foreign exchange student in a small Wisconsin town. Islamic groups and others welcome a positive depiction in entertainment, an area in which Muslims often have been presented negatively, especially after 9/11.
USA Today, 10/01/2007
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California mosques dedicate Ramadan sermons to peace
As hundreds gathered Friday at the Islamic Center of Orange County in observance of the holy month of Ramadan, Siddiqi devoted his sermon to taking a stand against violence and promoting human values… Likewise, members of the Islamic Center of Irvine heard a similar sermon condemning terrorism and violence during a time when public perception of Islam has faltered. The services in Garden Grove and Irvine were part of a collective effort to promote good will and quash some of the misperceptions about Muslims.
Orange County Register, 09/29/2007
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In Ramadan, Muslims satisfy hunger to help others
Christopher Quinn writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about the fasting Muslim women in Atlanta who work to feed the poor and homeless during Ramadan. “Fasting develops the patience, generosity and sense of service that makes them strong in their faith throughout the rest of the year,” he writes, quoting Jamillah Karim.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 9/14/2007
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Muslim players face challenge of Ramadan fasting
“In the Arab and Muslim world, Ramadan permeates day-to-day life. In some countries, workdays end earlier, and productivity drops without consequence. Families often stay up all night. But for many Muslims in the U.S., the annual ritual often coincides with other national pastimes and traditions. As more generations become acclimated to American life, they must learn to embrace their faith on such new frontiers as the 50-yard line,” writes Manya Breachear of the Chicago Tribune, using Muslim football players at Stagg High School as examples. Their coach, Tim McAlpin said “he admires their devotion and that it sets a positive example for the rest of the team.”
Chicago Tribune, 9/13/2007
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A hijacked identity: Muslim American reflects on Sept. 11
“Arsalan Iftikhar, a regular contributor, and former representative to the Council on American Islamic Relations, explains how the attacks affected his work as a spokesman for Muslim Americans in the national media,” reports NPR on the effects of Sept. 11 on the lives of many Americans, including American Muslims.
National Public Radio, 9/11/2007
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Forging interfaith bonds in South Florida
“Whether they're ushering in Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, or the month long prayers and fasting of Ramadan or already shifting their thoughts toward the glimmer of Advent, South Florida religious leaders have stepped up efforts to help the faithful look beyond prejudice and discord and cross bridges of reconciliation, acceptance and understanding,” writes Ana Veciana-Suarez for the Miami Herald.
Miami Herald, 9/09/2007
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Muslims condemn Sept. 11 terror attacks
Writing about the 22nd annual American Muslim Day Parade in New York City, Associated Press writer Karen Matthews quotes Dr. Hafiz Ur Rehman, a pediatrician from Bay Shore: "We are law-abiding citizens, and we want the people of New York to know that Muslims are part and parcel of the landscape.”
Associated Press, 9/09/2007
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Muslim Unity Day
Now in its third year, Muslim Unity Day aims to bring all Muslims together regardless of background. The August 2007 event took place at Great America amusement park in Santa Clara, CA.
Associated Press, 8/10/2007
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Islam in America: a special report
"Muslim Americans are one of this country's greatest strengths. But they're vulnerable as never before." Lisa Miller captures the diverse story of Muslims in America.
Newsweek, 07/30/2007
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From Muslim youths, a push for change
Michelle Boorstein writes about the challenges to Muslim youth civic engagement in the context of the first National Muslim American Youth, which was organized by the Muslim Public Affairs Council with officials from the departments of State, Justice and Homeland Security.
Washington Post, 07/14/07
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We repudiate terrorism
"American Muslims aren’t silent about the taking of innocent lives," writes Ibrahim Hooper, Communications Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. He suggests that a "real end to terror will come only when the mainstream followers of all faiths and citizens of all nations work together to marginalize extremists and to build a future based on freedom and justice."
USA Today, 07/11/07
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