Karen Hughes, widely recognized as one of the most powerful people in America , essentially because of her proximity to and influence with the President, met with an influential group of American Muslim leaders in Chicago on September 1st and kicked off the 42nd annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America. She not only listened to them, as she had promised, but also engaged with them in a frank and open discussion and won many allies in the Muslim community. To read more about the substantive discussions at the
meeting click here:
Karen Hughes, widely recognized as one of the most powerful people in America , essentially because of her proximity to and influence with the President, met with an influential group of American Muslim leaders in Chicago on September 1st and kicked off the 42nd annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America. She not only listened to them, as she had promised, but also engaged with them in a frank and open discussion and won many allies in the Muslim community. To read more about the substantive discussions at the meeting click here:
8 Comments:
The topic of prejustice against all people in American is one that is vastly disregarded by "white society." I admit, being part of that distinct community, that it is very easy to overlook what is going on outside of ourselves, and how things that we do and say are and can be perceived as prejustice. I took to heart how Khan said, "American Muslims cannot help dedemonize the US , until Islam and Muslims are dedemonized in the US." It is a statement that is both profound and at the same time so simple. Outsiders arent going to respect the American public until we respect eachother. We all need to look deep inside and see how the things that we do and the things that we say affect those around us, and we need to be diligent of building bridges across culture, race and religion.
I agree with the article that "American Muslims cannot help dedemonize the US , until Islam and Muslims are dedemonized in the US." But I disagree that the US government can do this. The government can try to educate people but the main force behind this demonizing is television. Both the news channels and the entertainment programming consistantly portray muslims in a negative light. The sensationalism of the news media and the "reality based" shows such as "24" add to the demonized view of Muslims. Until a way can be found to change what television shows, the effect the government can have will be limited.
Karen Hughes has been said to be Bush's most essential advisor, however as a white woman with a job dedicated to changing foreigner's perceptions of the United States - I see little hope of accomplishment. The inability of the U.S. government to control the media from reporting everything gone wrong in the Middle East, leaves little room for progress in the dedemonizing process of Muslims in the U.S.. Like Khan mentions in this article, nothing can be done to change the Muslim perceptions of the United States until we can change our perception of them. We have to solve this issue within our own country before we even think about clearing our name with the countries of the Middle East.
Disagree with media being the main demonizing force against Islam. Some of the negative perceptions, come because your own journalists and their inability to address those of your community that would engage in criminal activities to achieve a goal. Latest example, a brief article issued by the London School of Islamics springboarding off an article by Tariq Ramadan.
Stating reasons why young Muslim men are disaffected with society, pointing the finger at British policies is allowable. What should not be allowable, is articles written which never include even one sentence condemning the acts of the young Muslim men, who killed their fellow citizens. One sentence, forbidding suicide bommbing. One sentence, expressing disgust for seeking violent solutions meted out via killing civilians riding the tube to work. One sentence. Is it asking too much? You do it, to yourselves.
I went to the masjid last night to enjoy an evening with the Ummah. Your people are lovely. But your journalists, are doing a poor, poor job of promoting Islam; not by what they say, but by what they are not willing to say.
A coin is etched on both sides. Flip that coin!
Having a policy whos aim is focused on simply ending anti or hateful statements seems to be a far cry from being an initial effort to end violence and establish a reflectiving positive view from both parties. Infact it seems to be more of a way of sweeping the subject under the carpet as to separate the two and hope it is no longer noticed. I believe conflict and communication based on this conflict is essential to future positive interactions between American right-wingers and american and foreign muslims.
I think that it is a good idea to try and dedemonize the americans, buti don't think it would ever happen. Hughes is a white woman trying to change the thoughts of people who have felt passionatley about this topic for quite some time. Reading throught he other comments i agree with Paul when he says that American media is a source of the problem. In my opinion, the dedemonizing should start in America first then to the Muslims. BUt, I dont see that as a possibility either, so i honestly think this is almost a waste of time for eveeryone to try.
I think it is very ironic here that many people who posted feel the need to point out that Karen Hughes is a white woman and therefore uneffective as what, a representative from the United States which is predominantly white? To even bring that up seems to be reverse discrimination.
The color of a person's skin should not be what governs effective diplomacy, perhaps it is Hughes' imfamous disregard against Muslim women in the context of their culture.
VICTORIA I am a white blue eyed american who also happens to be a Muslim these past 8 years. I occasionally fnd myself called upon to be a spokesperson and apologist for the entire american government in the muslim community.
But I am almost daily called upon by americans to justify my existence, as i wear hijab(headscarf).
I can say with absolute certanty that before 911 I never had one incident or experience of any prejudice whatsoever.
The day of 911, I became an instant pariah and enemy to people who had loved and repsected me in my community.
It is possible that I am more alert to it, because of my religion, but there is no question that the media constantly and insidiously uses language to imply accusatory negatives and images to subtly influence people's opinions.
To point out the irrefutable fact that Ms. Hughes is indeed a white woman isn't really discrimination, just a description of her race.
If she were treated unfairly, or it was used to be a derogation, that could be construed as reverse discrimination, but that doesn't seem to be the case.
I am not aware of Ms. Hughes disregard of muslim women in general, as I'm not familiar with her work or ideas.
I actually was one of those 300 volunteers, but it must have been a different year. But I am impressed that she would have the sensitivity to recognize us.
I am here to learn.
peace
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