A new survey from the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) about the political lives of American Muslims shows a growing population that is younger than their neighbors, religiously-minded, and actively engaged in politics, in particular issues of civil rights. The survey also shows how the American Muslim community has evolved in recent years, becoming more liberal in its political leanings. Read more (The Atlantic) ...
Children’s Museum ‘Surprise Blockbuster’: A Show on Islam
During this time of heightened Islamophobia, cultural connections are more important than ever. A new exhibition at the Children's Museum of Manhattan titled "America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far" showcases the history, art, and traditions of Muslims. The organizers hope that this exhibition will help dispel misconceptions about Muslims and Islam and expose young children to new ideas. According to Andrew S. Ackerman, the museum's executive director, "People really want to dig in ...
Don’t Know Muslims? These Seattle Women Invite You to Dinner
A new Seattle-based project, Eat with Muslims, aims to break down stereotypes and misconceptions one dinner party at at time. Fathia Absie, co-founder of Eat with Muslims, says she started the project to counter hateful anti-Muslim rhetoric, saying, "Nothing beats fear like face... Once you talk to someone, all the differences you think you have just melt away. And our commonality will start revealing itself." Read more (KUOW.org) ...
Jewish Community Donates to Help Repair Burnt Florida Mosque
After a mosque in Tampa, FL was damaged in an arson attack, Adeel Karim set up the "Stand With New Tampa Muslims Against Hate" crowdfunding page on the Launchgood website, which raised over $60,000 in less than a week. Karim noticed that many of the donations were in multiples of 18—$18, $36, $72, etc.—and that these donors were Jewish. As Karim states on Facebook, he learned that "Jews donate in multiples of 18 as a form of what is called 'Chai.' It wishes the recipient a long ...
Combating Negative Images of Muslims with Photos
Getty Images has teamed up with MuslimGirl.com on a new photography project intending to counter negative portrayals of Muslims—in particular, Muslim women—with positive images. The photography collection, titled "Taking Back the Narrative," aims to represent Muslim women in a positive and contemporary light and fight back against common misconceptions of the Islamic community. Read more (Observer) ...
