Isn’t it time we invested in defending our faith? Otherwise, groups like ISIS and Boko Haram will only continue to increase the media’s ammunition to incriminate Muslims.
Immediately after 9/11, only 27% of Americans held a negative opinion of Islam. Today, that number is approaching 60%. Islamophobia is turning our neighbors against us, while confusing Muslim youth about their faith; 47% of college-going Muslims end up drinking alcohol.
1,250 anti-Muslim films are repeatedly aired on American television throughout the year, in addition to the likes of Fox TV, which routinely broadcasts anti-Muslim programs and commentary. The internet is littered with anti-Muslim information, images, and videos
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The Impact of Negative Media is Enormous on the Lives of Muslims:
- Muslims are the least employed, according to a Gallup Poll.
- Young Muslims are developing self-hate and are moving away from Islam.
- 50% of Arab-Americans have clinical signs of depression, according to Yale University research.
- More of our neighbors now hold negative opinions of Islam and Muslims, as compared to immediately after 9/11.
What will Our "Strategic Communication Centre" do for the Muslim Community and Our Neighbors?
- Rapid Response & Crisis Communication: When real events warrant, like the Danish Cartoon controversy, Sharia ban, Quran burning, Boko Haram kidnappings. ISIS brutality, etc., we articulate fresh talking points and content quickly, and in a timely manner, working with professionals to disseminate it through community spokespersons and our allies.
- Do for Islam what Khan Academy has done for math and science: By producing short, seven to 10-minute lessons taught by master teachers about the basics of Islam for our children and for our neighbors.
- Coordinate & Serve as a Content Clearinghouse: Collect, reframe, and disseminate the existing wealth of content, and coordinate Muslim responses through Masjids, as well as regional and national organizations.
- Train & Build Capacity: Train 30 young Muslims a year to communicate Islamic points of view effectively.