Role Of Muslim Media In North America

Quite sadly, most of the non Muslim media is either too naive or too prejudiced to appreciate the “final Divine message” elaborated in the noble Quran revealed for the benefit of the entire humankind. Indeed, Islam is a universal religion and is believed by twenty five percent of the total world population, yet it is discussed in the negative territory by some from the main stream media worldwide - leading to the birth of illegitimate public opinion about the Muslims. However, any misleading public opinion doesn’t really enjoy credibility. Certainly, biased journalism does nothing but poison the raw minds of many resulting in Islamophobia. Such a negative trend is injurious to the interests of Muslim culture and religion. In order to say or write about Islam or the Muslims, one has to be relevantly qualified to evaluate to reach a logical conclusion.

It’s been a bitter reality that the non Muslim media has been giving misjudgment without in-depth knowledge about the practicality of Islam. Main culprit here seems to be the inadequate presence of Muslim media in this arena. Despite the mischievous elements in the media, an honest reporting can play crucial role in the formation of logical public opinion.

Therefore, conveying only relevant and true information to the interested public is the responsibility of Muslim electronic and print media. Although, the code of ethics must be strictly followed by the “Muslim or non Muslim Print or Electronic media,” yet, some media individuals are not sincere enough when representing the Muslims for a number of reasons - including ignorance, discrimination, poor knowledge of Islam, or their total disability of interpreting Islamic teachings in the proper context.

Whether it is radio, television, newspaper or internet, the media has the capacity of connecting and bridging communities. Beyond doubt, internet is gold mine of accessibility enriching the minds positively or negatively - depending on what you really look for through face book, twitter, blogs, emails, and the list goes on and on. Muslim media should strive harder and harder to achieve the goal of nation building based on truth but avoiding the evil input.
On the contrary, when the media is biased and focused only on commercialization, it becomes irritating for intelligent audience. Ironically, most of the people become addicted to watching TV without realizing that time is money which they are wasting unnecessarily. The worried Muslims are really concerned about their obligation towards the society they live in. Yet, there are quite a few areas needing an immediate attention for introducing drastic changes so that the roadblocks are removed. This would let the deprived people move forward to live among non Muslims with equality.

Several communities of different ethnicities have their own media to safeguard their interests. Similarly, the Muslims are looking for a decent way out of the ongoing frustrating situation. They are becoming active more than ever and getting closer to helping the main stream media, which is absolutely a good beginning in the right direction.
And, it seems as if the journalistic monopoly is on the verge of gradual erosion sending signals to the Muslim community to serve the entire humanity by showing only the true pictures of events around them. Fortunately, the Muslim media of today has genuine encouragement to become more and more assertive with an improved degree of confidence. In other words they are more involved and getting closer to be competitive even in the commercially focused media market soon.

Better late than never, the Muslims are comfortable to troubleshoot the unfriendly status quo through their own electronic and print media. They are catching up gradually and hopefully would be able to get rid of Islamophobia among North American audience. Of course, only Muslim print or electronic media is in the best position to publish or broadcast information or other news pertaining to their own community. In other words, it is a challenge for the Muslim Media to present only the true image of Islam as a religion of peace, tolerance and justice.
In addition to Print media, a daily Muslim presence in the broadcast media and the internet would correct the anti Islam feelings among the non Muslim communities of North America and elsewhere. Once Muslim media is in full force on daily basis, the Muslim youth would definitely be encouraged to benefit, preserve and strengthen their Islamic identity. It is about time to build bridges of understanding with everyone around. Through such Muslim media, constructive interfaith dialogues can be aired too on regular basis.

Thankfully, several media people of integrity understand the essence of journalism. The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) publishes “Islamic Horizons,” Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) publishes “The Message” and there are many other publications by different mosques. Also, there are Monthly, Bi Weekly or Weekly News Papers and several other publications by Muslim Students' Associations.

A daily basis Muslim TV, radio broadcasting, and any publication in English language is the urgent need of the Muslim community in North America. Apparently, the mainstream media has been unable to address the issues of different communities equally.

The Muslim community deserves equality and justice, especially when it comes to the unattended or mishandled issues. In order to maintain Muslim identity, the Muslim electronic or print media have to play its role to protect the community from division. The Muslim media also need to do more for giving non-Muslims a positive view about Islam.

When “Change” Is The Only Way To Go

Current Arab uprising has shaken the foundations of autocratic regimes in the Muslim world, and those in power are sensible enough to fully appreciate the gravity of shockwave, which toppled King Zain El Abedine of Tunisia - while Hosni Mubarak is about to leave as well. Unfortunately, most of the Muslim countries are ruled by coup makers/dictators and the kings or monarchs.

[TAHRIR SQUARE]

 

The revolution in Tunisia, a small Arab State of ten million people, was actually triggered by a young peddler, who continuously suffered from getting harassed by local officials almost every day till December 17, 2010 which happened to be the initial flash point in the current scenario. That very day, the poor guy was slapped and insulted by a policewoman. The officials confiscated his all belongings including “weighing scale and all the produce” he was selling. The harshness on the part of government officials sent him deeper into serious ‘depression mode’ where it became too much for him to tolerate any longer. On that very day he set himself ablaze and passed away three weeks later. Consequently, the irritated middle class Tunisian youth staged a month long peaceful protest and toppled the country’s dictator. That has actually set an example for residents of other countries to follow.

Come what may, the youth now joined by the ladies and children are fully determined to bring about a positive change to eliminate the looming “status quo” which has been adversely affecting the newer generation. The younger people have been roaming in the streets of Tunisia, Cairo and elsewhere day and night. They are just ordinary people, who want to live with dignity.

Having exhausted their patience, the unemployed and the poor Egyptian “youth from all faiths” also came out in millions to fix the problems which have been ignored for long time. Uncovering the hidden destiny is the right of every citizen. They want to secure and ensure their economic well being. The voice for change is coming from sources other than military, religiosity or any organised group; rather it is purely a movement by the poor and middle class majority for personal financial strength.

What can be expected of democracies with rigged elections in some countries and specifically in Egypt, where the ruling party allegedly managed to increase its parliamentary majority to 95 per cent? Resultantly, a tsunami like tide is in full gear and gradually advancing across the whole Middle East and beyond. It seems as if the autocratic political system is in imminent danger of total collapse. After Egypt, the revolution will probably hit Jordan, Algeria, Pakistan and other countries in the region. However, only time will tell.

Indeed, the age old authoritarian rule is extremely unpopular - needing a swift change for the better. The protestors are serious enough to bring about a real change after three decades of their economic deprivation. The main irritating problem for the youngsters is unavailability of employment opportunity; hence they are simply looking for work, a shelter and two meals a day at least. They are sacrificing their lives to achieve that goal. The UN believes more than 300 Egyptians have lost their lives with more than 4,000 injured so far.

Despite such a heavy loss of life and property, the protestors remain firm on demanding an immediate ouster of Hosni. Mostly the younger Arabs under the age of 30 are jobless. And, the economic growth is not compatible with population growth; therefore, general inequality has been quite rampant leading to a “culture of corruption” in all spheres of socio-economic set-up. Government’s prolonged indifference and lack of response to address the delicate situation has finally invited an ocean of irreversible tidal waves. “Go Mubarak go” is actually gaining momentum.

Egypt depends on American aid and is the 2nd largest recipient of financial assistance. Now the poor Egyptian government has been losing $310m a day in lost revenue because of the ongoing crisis.

Like Pakistan, many Arab states are going through political paralysis, where the parliaments consists of influential people who manage to get elected due to their dominance and influence which creates nothing but hurdles blocking election based on merit and integrity. Usually, holding election is just a show business by the ruling class in many sham democracies.

The Arab states including the rich ones have kept their population away from higher education creating a loss of golden opportunities for their youth. The global recession has hit people hard enough to deprive them of food or fuel subsidies. Now the moderately educated youth are more aware of the world, hence, they genuinely desire for jobs in modern economic environment.

Since the youth have no promising future, their frustration is further aggravated as they are denied personal freedom of expression. Furthermore, police brutality, widespread poverty, lack of housing, high food prices, and unemployment are all adding fuel to their anger and frustration. About 90 per cent of Egypt’s jobless are under age 30.

The Protesters are at Tahrir square with their blood and their soul, while the army soldiers refuse to open fire on protesting crowds or stop people from painting anti-Mubarak slogans on battle-tanks, the president should take the message seriously, sooner the better.

Mubarak is a ‘no go guy’ till September when his term actually ends. Washington has said the transition should bring greater democracy to ensure a free and fair vote. But protestors fear that without Mubarak’s immediate exit, the regime will emerge with the same authoritarian rule. However, the regime has almost collapsed and millionaires are running away, yet Hosni Mubarak is managing to hang on saying if he steps down, there would be chaos.

Nevertheless, one thing is surely looming over the heads of other rulers - that is - if Hosni leaves, they will face similar threat. To take care of the trust deficit, the rulers are already taking precautionary measures. Yet, there is a great deal of trouble shooting to be carried out before it is too late. Independently elected legislatures, corruption free judiciary and bureaucracy are the answer for most of the administrative and economic ailments. Moreover, all Arab youth deserve self respect and freedom of expression. After all, they are desperate for prosperity.
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