To parapharse Fraudia:
I wanted to see if we can put together different messages as emails and letters sent to newspapers and news programs on different issues.
This is a link in Cafe that I am starting in SCL. Here’s the link to the original thread:
(Before you click: Do not add you comments to the following link but in this thread in SCL)
http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/Forum2/HTML/007789.html
Do the basics as a muslim. Don't compromise your beliefs and views. Influence through actions and not words...much more powerful.
Justifying your existence should only be done in the eyes of God.
[QUOTE]
Originally posted by Thap:
Do the basics as a muslim. Don't compromise your beliefs and views. Influence through actions and not words...much more powerful.
Absolutely.
Justifying your existence should only be done in the eyes of God.
True....only he has the justification. Our acts only show our faith, thoughts, views, understandings, concerns, etc. about which we all should become more vocal then now... as in none. All this talk in GS is just that....talk only to take up some of our time. None of these international/local/state/country issues will materialize into any sort of actions.
On the contrary, few Muslims have spoken up in U.S. You could say that less then a hundred have gone thru the media, the opinion makers, vs. 7,000,000. I just find a vast disparity here. Before we can begin to open the pages of history, or debate on them, we must, first, establish some premise of our faith and its nature........ Islam 101 needs to take a birth in U.S. But this is one of the many other issues for us. Across the whole spectrum of society, the Muslim voice on every and all issues that affect us daily is missing. There are local issues that have no Muslim voice. There are other issues going up to state and federal levels that need our input.
Not just an attempt to explain who we are, as Muslims.
Jannu,
wow, it took your thread to be closed down to get my attention but now that I actually read the thread, I'd like to help.
Do you still need people? Let me know.
Jannu,
I've been quite militant and mouthy on this site, since the Sep 11 attacks and have found it draining listening to and justifying being a Muslim to non-Muslims. I have most commonly ended up involved in a personal tirade with someone....this seemed to release some of the anger I have felt at the injustices I am witnessing on a daily basis. My invective was also directed at Muslims on this site who I viewed as moderate, for this I apologise. This was mainly born from a sense of frustration of so much to say that should be obvious and not worth saying.
However, in the real world I work in a company in Egypt that has lot of Americans working in it. One particularly (my boss) has been quite vocal about the destruction of the moooslim Taliban. I've moved out here quite recently and am still proving myself in my field so chose not to present during his outbursts. But then could hold it in no longer and explained to him that I was too a Muslim and considered myself a fundamentalist. Then went on to explain what that actually meant. I have done this countless times since to people in Egypt Scotland/England and Wales.
To be quite frank I'm empty. But commend what you are trying to do. I've got flu at the moment...when my batteries are recharged I'll get my writing head on and get my second wind. Until then I wish you luck in turning the tide of ignorance.
Thap
after reading your post here I think we started off on the wrong foot. I think our approach may be different as well as political inclinations and ideology, but the motivator is still the same, justice for all, helping people understand, and learn etc etc.
Jaanu, so lets draw up the different types of letters we will need, i.e. different issues and subjects. Also who are the media places where we will send our writings to. It would also be interesting if people see any editorials which someone needs to respond to and we do that by putting our minds together.
hows that?
I suggest we 'respond' to articles that intend to blasphemize Islam.
The Jews do it all the time. you mention the word Jew and you are labelled anti-semitic.
There are only 5 to 6 million Jews.. the same number as Muslims.. but Jews occupy 30% of Government and higher profile jobs. especially in the media.
We can at least write back when an article targets Islam. If the publication/network doesn't listen we can write to their advertisers. Helped make Bill Maher offer his apology, although let's not hold our breath for something that dramatic.. but still we should at least let them know someone is watching and someone is upset.
What say you guppies?
Thap, what you said that you have tried to do is what we are trying to do. But to feel empty is not an option.
To justify ourselves is not the objectives.
The objectives is to explain Islam. The lack of this effort, historically, and the lack of our involvement in socio-political arena has kept us on the fringes of society. I think there is a need for an increasing number of Muslims who are willing to rise up and start to interject their own opinions as citizens of this nation. Nothing more and nothing less. It's about time that we stop feeling foreigners and start feeling Americans. I know what you and many will say, good or bad, but this is where it starts. And not all of it has to do with religion.
Fraudia, a few things, like you said:
*We need to start gathering email addresses.
*Who is the keeper of the email addresses and initial verification? The emails must be to the media or opinion makers. I am willing to be on the receiving end of this.
*How do we publish the email addresses? Via PM. I have not received any emails on my hotmail account so I don't know what to do.
*Objective is not to write essays or long letters but small paras like replying to a singular topic.....in a few sentences (unless we try for an academic exercise)
*I think that a topic sentence should be posted by anyone and our group members would email to the 'list' their opinions to keep an air of individuality of opinions and sentiments.
*Not everyone regularly visits SCL (this forum) so how to notify everyone?
*I will gather together a list of names who have come forward on this issue and post them.
*I still want others to interject and tells us their opinion. Some live outside U.S.
*It would have been better via email as a distribution list of members can be utilized or we can use PM.
*Does everyone rather us PM? I am o.k. with it if you are. Just have to see how will it carry a long 'list' of email addresses that you can cut-paste in your mail's To: field.
*As far as topic sentences go, nothing beats what we have on hand right now without looking: GSs forums. We have to come up with a way to regulate members wishes to post their topics and/or thoughts for the rest to pen theirs and email. So, think about how you want to propose regulating the flow of 'ideas', same goes for everyone.
Everyone, regardless of age, experience, exposure, knowledge, etc. is more then welcome. This effort is being undertaken to let the world, our world, hear the voice of Muslims on any and every issue and understand that we are also part of the nation and have the same concerns, fears, angers, issues, problems, questions, proposals as any other citizen of the nation regardless of age, creed, religion or race.
PA, this is part of the thought process right now. We also must look out for local issues, civil issues, state and federal where opinion letters should be sent.
You are right about the Jews but the difference is that they sit where we don't. Like you said, we can atleast raise our voices. We will not overturn anything but we will introduce our voices.
BTW, I am beginning to hear more and more Asian/Arab voices on the local shows. Encouraging.
Jaanu
you have my email. maybe use a mail-serve or something to do that. and for starters anyone in the group find one publication or show ehere we need to respond to somethign or to let our views known and we can draft something specifically.
Jannu, it may even be a good idea for someof us to actually talk about this. phone/msn whatever
Originally posted by Fraudz:
**Jaanu
you have my email. **
No, I don't....or haven't received it! funny.
*maybe use a mail-serve or something to do that. *
That's the best option
and for starters anyone in the group find one publication or show ehere we need to respond to somethign or to let our views known and we can draft something specifically.
Sounds good.
Jannu, it may even be a good idea for someof us to actually talk about this. phone/msn whatever
Sorry for missing your point here. Can you rephrase?
abay I meant u have my email address.
as far as my last message. I meant maybe it would be good to discuss this in real time. on chat or on phone or something.
That may speed things up
Alrighty! Now get off the ant mount.
I am getting busy for next 4 days...15 hrs. work days coming up. I leave around 7:00 and come home around 1230 or 1:00 at night.
I'll email you my info. Let's see if we can connect.
To: [email protected]
From: “Imtiaz Minhas” [email protected] | Block Address
Date: Sat, 10 Nov 2001 23:39:25 -0500
Subject: [adams1] New Muslim Newspaper, radio & TV
Dear Brothers & Sisters
Assalam-u-Alaikum!
In context of the recent incidents, it has become apparent once more that media is the foremost field where Muslims lack a proper representation. Due to lack of Muslim presence in the media outlets, the battle to label the Muslims as “terrorists” and to label Islam as a “fundamentalist” religion has proved to be unilateral against Islam. Simultaneously, the killing of 1249 Kashmiri Muslims since 11th Sep., and that of 63 Palestinian Muslims could not even be mentioned during the “War Against Terrorism”.
To Change this situation, and to bring the truth in light, a group of sincere Muslims have come together to establish Muslim Newspapers and TV Channels all accross the world.
You are requested and invited to help us in any possible way; in the process of organizing this effort, administration, scholary leadership, raising funds, idea generation, writings, dealing with legal issues & registration etc.
If you feel that you can be of any help, please write back at [email protected].
Jazzak Allah
Imtiaz A. Minhas
Herndon, VA
Thanks alot Yasmime…theres thinking on your feet.
***Why is there a need for Muslim media?*
*Current media is pre-dominantly non-Muslim, who is (consciously & unconsciously) misrepresenting the facts about Muslims & Islam.
*Our Message is not reaching out to Non-Muslim world on issues of importance to Muslims
*Muslims themselves are becoming confused, less interested, divided, disoriented or extremist due to non-representation.
*Most serious threat is the change of definitions/apprehensions in Muslims & Non Muslims. (e.g., Difference between Freedom Fighters & Terrorists?)
Lets try to become part of the solution. If interested in joining this effort set forth by Muslim Media Alliace(MMA)&Aazan Media Group(AMG)please get in touch with, Br. Imtiaz Minhas. [email protected]
let me know if i can be of any help!
Sorry, guys/girls; been out of touch for a while. Got caught up with Ramzan and work's funny schedule.
So, I got some time today...
Yasmine; I have known about CAIR but theirs is more of a civil liberties approach, I think. I haven't kept up with them in a while. I'll check them out to see what issues they are championing.
Joining a larger organization that is already in flight is great. With the contacts I have had and the lack of that information on GS, I would have thought that someone would have tried to identify them for this purpose, I was trying on my own...basically in my city.
You said that the email you received mentioned a group of sincere Muslims have come together to establish Muslim Newspapers and TV Channels all accross the world.
You are requested and invited to help us in any possible way; in the process of organizing this effort, administration, scholary leadership, raising funds, idea generation, writings, dealing with legal issues & registration etc..... Personally, I have a different mindset. My belief is that the non-muslims would not feel compelled to subscribe to muslim media. You have mentioned that that's where the battle is. My take is that we have to go to their turf and identify who we are, where we stand, what we thing, what we want...
If any Muslim media outlet is established they the main audience would be Muslims and not non-muslims. While establishing Muslim media is well worth the thought it would find limited viewer/listnership. We have a English-medium Islamic radio show. Only about three or four Pakistanis call in though the show explores wide variety of topics. So my view is based on what I am experiencing.
I am going to contact Imtiaz to see further what they have in mind and their approach.
Qurius, you have said that you have participitated in other venues, mostly online. Send me an email, listed in my profile, and let's discuss a few things.
I am unable to come to GS from work since we are now watching access to sites like these. During Ramzan, I am finding it very hard to come here due to activities related to Ramzan. Email me.
Fraudia, check your PM.
[quote]
Originally posted by jannu:
**Yasmine; I have known about CAIR but theirs is more of a civil liberties approach, I think. I haven't kept up with them in a while. I'll check them out to see what issues they are championing.
[/quote]
**
True they are more about civil action but they did a lot to raise awarness right after 9/11. They may already have literature which may take u or other guppies weeks to compile. I'll send you the name of a contact of mine.
[quote]
*I was trying on my own...basically in my city.
[QUOTE]
*
Joining an organization already in flight is a sugesstion. You can do a lot more if you join forces.
[QUOTE]
*Personally, I have a different mindset. My belief is that the non-muslims would not feel compelled to subscribe to muslim media. You have mentioned that that's where the battle is. My take is that we have to go to their turf and identify who we are, where we stand, what we thing, what we want...
[/quote]
*
My dear friend, I believe u may have misinterpreted what the letter said or perhaps I have. To me, it didn't seem like the media was directed towards muslims, it is more to have our voices heard and not be misinterpreted by Western societies.
[quote]
**
If any Muslim media outlet is established they the main audience would be Muslims and not non-muslims.
[/quote]
**
Unless their goal is to cater to the non-muslims.
Check your email, I'm sending some stuff. You can have your own effort at GS and in your city, but keep in touch with other muslim organizations to avoid duplicating efforts since your effort is smallscale. I wish u luck in your effort and let me know if I can do anything.
Yasmine,
I got your email and have sent an email to Imtiaz.
So, while all this was happening, I have also subscribed to a Palestinian site that does what we are trying to do...(Yasmine, I was already thinking in terms of what you suggested).
Reiterating some of my points from earlier:
Others: I don't read the papers. Don't have time. Just listen to the radio while I am driving. Or catch the delayed T.V news at night if I turn the T.V. on at the right time after midnight (that's when I get back home from work).
I have collected some points on which I have called in the last few weeks. So, I guess I'll begin to cull the email addresses off those who have offered to take part in this thread. But who do we send our comments to? I have asked that before. I need everyone to start paying attention to this and email me their addresses so that I can begin to build a list. What I am thinking about it that I can set up an email with just the list of contacts that I will email you everytime there is an addition to the list. You will copy-past from that listing to your email that you might be sending out.
You will send your 'comments' on points to the members list, we will forward the email to the media contacts with or without modifications as we, individually, decide.
Fraudia; I am home today due to sickness. We are both in the same timezone. If you read this and have read your email then you can call me. We will leave for iftar party in the neighborhood. I'll have my pager on so if you email me at my GS listed email then I'll get the email notification.
I am going to start by collecting your email addresses and start to put my stuff together. I don't have any media emails. I will be working on the ones I am in contact with but their emails are only active during their show times. I am sure they have emails besides the studio ones they publish. I wlll start to look at the other major media outlets.
I have only received two emails and two PMs so far.
More later....