Session: Scars and Wounds from 9/11 on American Public: Understanding Diversity through Islam 21 st Century Multi Cultural America

Question for you to consider… Why we’re having this conversation: We now live in a very global and connected society. People from all over the world are more connected than ever. You will have to interact with people who are “different” than you. How do I co-exist in a multi-cultural 21 st century society?

A Tragic Reminder… On September 11 th, United Airlines were hijacked. 2 hit the World Trade Center in NYC 1 hit the Pentagon in D.C. 1 crash landed in Pennsylvania Estimated 3,000 lives were lost 9/11 News Coverage

Preamble: Take this questionnaire: How much do you know about Islam? Respond to each of the following questions with Y (yes), N (no), or DK (don't know.) 1. I know little or nothing about Islamic religious practices. 2. Islam is very different from my own religion. 3. Islam encourages violence. 4. I have a favorable impression (good feelings) of Muslim Americans. 5. I have a favorable impression (good feelings) of Muslims. 6. I know at least one Muslim.

The Results… The results of a Pew Research Center national poll of 3,002 American adults published 9/25/07 on each of these questions ( 1. Yes: 58%- Knowing about Islam 2. Yes: 79%-Diff from my own religion 3. Yes: 45%-Islam and violence 4. Yes: 53%-Good feelings  Muslim Amer 5. Yes: 43%-Good feelings  Muslims 6. Yes: 56%-Know at least 1 Muslim

Second Questionnaire… Respond to each of the following questions with Y (yes), N (no), or DK (don't know.) 1. Should college or university officials agree to the request of Muslim women that a gym be restricted to women at certain times? 2. Should a Muslim woman be required to remove her head scarf after being arrested and taken to a jail? 3. Should police round up and jail Muslim men if American buildings are destroyed without warning? 4. Should a Muslim professor of Islamic studies who has criticized U.S. policies be allowed to enter the U.S. and teach at an American university? 5. Should a newspaper be allowed to publish cartoons making fun of the Prophet Muhammad? 6. Are most Muslims of Arab descent?

Terms to Know: Islam & Muslim Mosque- A place of worship for followers of Islam Muhammad- founder of the religion of Islam and is regarded by Muslims as a messenger and prophet of God (Arabic: الله ‎ Allāh), the greatest law- bearer in a series of Islamic prophets religionIslam Muslims messenger prophetGodArabic الله ‎Islamic prophets

Terms to Know: Islam & Muslim Hijab- refers to the head covering traditionally worn by Muslim womenMuslim Burka- Traditional garment worn by Muslim women to cover the body from public view

Terms to Know: Islam & Muslim Jihad- In Arabic, the word jihād is a noun meaning "struggle."- in modern context it has become to mean by some “holy war”Arabic Infidel- Literally "one without faith"- is a very old English noun, meaning one who doubts or rejects the central ideas of a religion other than one's own Englishnounreligion

Recent controversy at “Ground Zero”… Should NYC allow a mosque to be built around the corner from Ground Zero? Mosque at Ground Zero

Our World Post 9/11… Does anyone know where we sent U.S. Troops to in 2001 and also in 2003? What were the reasons we sent troops to Afghanistan and Iraq for? Going back to U.S. history, how do Americans feel about the people we are at war with? How are those people treated here at home?

Talk to an Iraqi… Questions to Consider as You Watch: 1. Describe some of the stereotypes expressed by the people he encounters while doing his experiment. 2. Did you learn anything new about how Americans view Iraqis, Muslims, Arabs, from the conversations? 3. Why is it important to have these conversations? Talk to an Iraqi Showtime

Reflections and Lessons Learned What are some of the stereotypes you have about cultures unknown to you? How can you start to challenge these stereotypes? Do you think it’s ok to have these stereotypes? How can having an understanding of other cultures be helpful when a crisis like 9/11 hits? How can this reflection help you when you interact with different people out in the real world?