Muslim Americans in the Media: From Islamophobia to Power

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What does it mean to be a Muslim American in a society plagued by dangerous stereotypes and misconceptions? Hiba Ansari and Daria Mogahed share their insights on the challenges faced by this diverse community, highlighting the importance of good reporting, recognizing their contributions to America's history, and drawing parallels with the experiences of the Black community.

Listen in as Laura Flanders along with Dalia Mogahed, Director of Research, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) and fellow journalists S. Mitra Kalita and Dalia Mogahed from the URL Media Network discuss the Muslim community's role in America as co-builders, emphasizing the importance of centering joy and entertainment as well as engaging in civic activities. Explore the multifaceted world of Muslim Americans, their contributions, and aspirations, as our panelists stress the need for politicians to engage with them and never take their vote for granted.

"I grew up immediately post 9/11 in an Internet world where oftentimes the only people I was seeing on TV that might have looked a little bit like me or people in my family were usually victims of war . . . And that can perpetuate really harmful stereotypes, about Muslim women especially." - Hibah Ansari

"I've been covering the Muslim community in New York City pretty much since after 9/11. This has been my whole trajectory for my career. But I have never seen a moment like this." - Mitra Kalita

“Why would you wait for someone to welcome you in your own home? If we don't feel like this is ours and ours to build and ours to fight for, we will never be truly equal in this country.” - Dalia Mogahed

Guests:

S. Mitra Kalita: Co-Founder, URL Media

Hibah Ansari: Reporter, Sahan Journal

Dalia Mogahed: Director of Research, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU)

Full Show Notes are located HERE.  They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.

Music In the Middle:   The Jimpster remix of “Mba-Mba” by Sid Vaga  & Nickodemus featuring Beni-Fadi , courtesy of Turntables on the Hudson Music.  Additional music,  'Steppin' by Podington Bear.

Chapters:

(0:00:03) - Challenging Stereotypes of Muslim Americans

(0:14:38) - Muslim Co-Builders

Chapter Summaries:

(0:00:03) - Challenging Stereotypes of Muslim Americans (15 Minutes)

Challenges faced by Muslim Americans due to dangerous stereotypes and misconceptions are discussed, highlighting the diversity within the Muslim community and the need for good reporting to challenge stereotypes. The conversation explores Muslim Americans' civic engagement and political leadership strides, as well as the similarities between their experiences and those of the Black community, particularly regarding law enforcement and surveillance. The discussion concludes with the mainstreaming of Muslims, including a recent Minneapolis City Council ordinance allowing public broadcast of the Islamic call to prayer five times a day.

(0:14:38) - Muslim Co-Builders (16 Minutes)

The Muslim community's role in America includes being co-builders and recognizing their contributions to the country's history. Mutual aid is a critical part of the Muslim community, as is centering joy and entertainment. The diverse community's voting habits indicate that politicians should engage with them and not take their votes for granted.

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