The People Speak Hosts online discussion on U.S.
– Muslim World Relations
WASHINGTON, DC (November
17, 2006) — In recognition of the International
Day of Tolerance, The
People Speak (TPS) hosted an online discussion
Thursday, November 16 with students from all over
the United States about U.S.-Muslim world relations.
Muslim American college students from the Americans
for Informed Democracy “Hope not Hate”
program answered questions and discussed their
perspectives on topics including:
Do American Muslims feel torn between supporting
their country and practicing their religion?
What are the levels of tolerance and understanding
between Muslims and Americans?
Do Muslim students feel comfortable on U.S. campuses?
What would it take to improve relations both in
the U.S. and around the world?
Students discussed their
personal experiences regarding hostility aimed
at Muslims. Munzareen Padela, a sophomore at Stony
Brook University, wrote that she finds New York
a generally accepting society. She went on to
say, “After I started to wear hijab, however,
things started to change. Though there have been
many positive aspects, such as people smiling
and greeting you, being granted a bit more respect,
there are also some not so cheerful events. I've
been spit at and cursed at, stared at and yelled
at. ”
When asked about balancing life as a first generation
Jordanian-American, Toka Nusairat, a recent graduate
of George Mason University, writes, “It
is hard for some people to understand that I feel
like I can practice my religion more freely in
the U.S. than in Jordan, and express myself better
here. When I am in Jordan, I am of course subject
to discussions related to America and find myself
defending the U.S. a lot despite the fact that
I might be criticizing US policies when I'm living
here.”
“The goal of the TPS online discussion was
to provide an opportunity for dialogue on the
state of relations between the Western and Islamic
worlds. We are proud to provide a venue which
allows individuals from all over the globe to
interact with each other,” states Victoria
Baxter, Director of The People Speak.
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About the People
Speak
Launched in October 2003, The
People Speak was created to raise awareness
and initiate discourse about international issues
and the United Nations’ role in the world.
Since its inception The People Speak has sponsored
more than 19,500 events reaching individuals in
all 50 states and 46 countries. Working with partner
organizations, the program continues to develop
new ways to increase discourse and reach people
of all ages in communities across the U.S. and
around the World.
With an estimated 14,000
events taking place in all 50 states and in more
than 50 countries around the world, there is no
shortage of ways to participate. TPS events span
from town hall meetings to movie screenings to
global videocasts. Additionally, the TPS website
invites people across the globe to join online
discussions, take part in live Q&A sessions,
post guest blogs, submit podcasts and share photos
of events, contemplate the question of the week
or just read what your peers have to say. For
more, visit www.ThePeopleSpeak.org.
