Western society, especially the media, focuses on the cosmetic issues of the burqa and the hijab instead of real social, political and economical issues that are occurring in Middle Eastern countries. Muslim and Islamic people in our society are constantly vilified in the media. Here are a few useful links that you can use in your classroom.Videos:
See Yemen Through My Eyes
http://www.ted.com/talks/nadia_al_sakkaf_see_yemen_through_my_eyes.html
Dylan Ratigan Discusses the problem with the media portrayal of Muslims
http://www.islamophobiatoday.com/2012/01/31/isna-president-discusses-islamophobia-on-msnbc/
Scholar Edward Said discusses Orientalism
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdE18HdfanI&feature=fvw
Documentary - Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a people
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdRc8c8jhU8
Noam Chomsky on Terrorism
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8_8773TUmA
Maz Jobrani: A founding member of the Axis of Evil Comedy Tour, Maz is an Iranian-American comedian touring with his solo comedy show Brown and Friendly.
http://www.ted.com/speakers/maz_jobrani.html
Resources:
http://www.democracynow.org/
Hamdan, A. (2009). Muslim women speak: A tapestry of lives and dreams. Toronto: Women’ Press.
Hasan, E. (2010, March/April). Blanket condemnations: Contested feminisms and the politics of the burqa. Briarpatch. 39(2), 16-19.
Joya, M. (2009). A woman among warlords: The extraordinary story of an Afghan who dared to raise her voice. New York: Scribner.
Mernissi, F. (2005). Conclusion: Women’s liberation in Muslim countries. In W.K. Kolmar’s Feminist Theory: A Reader. Boston: McGraw Hill.
Said, E. (1979). Orientalism. New York: Vintage Books.
Sensoy, O., & Marshall, E. (Winter 2009/2010). Save the Muslim girl. Rethinking Schools. (14-19).
