islamophobia

"A podiatrist"; "A Florida doctor"; "A foot specialist"; These are just some of the ways that Robert Goldstein, 37, has been described by the mainstream media, from the New York Times to ABC News to CNN. He has not been called a "Jewish terrorist" or other similar terms for his plan to blow up 50 mosques and an Islamic education center in his native Florida.

Since Sept 11, 2001, Muslims have found it harder than ever to make sense of the flood of information coming from all directions. In a critical time like this we tend to lean towards extremes, either rejecting all mainstream media as false, or naively having faith in all that the networks say. Here are a few suggestions to help you make sense of the news and media.

This is a review, from a Muslim perspective, of the year 2000 in movies. If focuses on films that have either Muslim themes or major Muslim characters in them, particularly if they were protrayed in a positive manner. 

An account of a disabled muslim man who was a victim of discrimination in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the US.

Has our strategy for fighting the scourge of terrorism given us the ultimate result: safety, peace and security somewhat reminiscent of our lives pre-9/11? We are currently spending billions of taxpayer dollars to hunt down terrorists around the world in the interest of our safety. But are we dealing with the symptoms or the disease itself?

Apart from the possible media attacks on Muslims, there could very well be harassment and violence on the part of some Americans. Regardless of how much we may explain, the bottom line is, Muslims will have to bear the brunt of the emotions that run high when such tragic incidents happen, even if they are innocent. 

In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Muslims, Arabs and those who resemble them have been victims of harassment, threats and in a few cases already, death.  Kamran Memon has provided a number of tips for Muslims across the country who are victims.