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project-reconnect-toledo · 13 years ago

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Power and Privilege

This is a summary of our June 2012 discussion on Power & Privilege. While the discussion itself is always scattered, I attempt to organize thoughts by topics, rather than chronology.

* Please note: As the author, I apologize if any specific view offends you, but its expression was only meant to shed a light on the multi-faceted discussion that took place at a Project Reconnect gathering. Project Reconnect does not claim any religious authority or scholarship, but is a group of people that try to get together to share thoughts and challenge perceptions.

Activity:

We began the discussion with a quick, but enlightening exercise. We all stood in one single file line, shoulder to shoulder. We closed our eyes and were asked to step forwards or back depending on certain criteria, read out one by one. Examples included our skin tone, our accents, our economic classes, our educations, our toys when we were children, our genders...etc. This exercise quickly and effectively illustrated not just in how many ways we are oppressed, but just how many ways we are ahead of & oppressing others without even realizing it. Moreover, these criteria were all things that we did not choose, but are things that happened to us. Things determined by our society. In the American society, this exercise translates to a white heterosexual male standing the furthest ahead, while a black queer woman stands the furthest behind.

Theory:

All of us oppress others, even when we don’t want to. The mere fact that I am white oppresses my black friend. I don’t have to be the one oppressing, but I live in a society which cumulatively oppresses blacks and, therefore, I get ahead- I have no choice in the matter. Another example is social class. I don’t have to be “mean” to people of a lower economic class. The mere fact that I am rich affords me opportunities that others, in this case the poor, cannot access. Automatically, I am privileged. And when I am privileged, I oppress.

That is just the theoretical basis for this discussion. Claiming that oppressed people should just work harder is simply not true. While a doubled amount of hard work is necessary to get ahead, it is not sufficient. In other words, an oppressed person working twice as hard is the only way to get ahead, but it is not a guaranteed way to get ahead. In fact, most don’t succeed- even with a doubled amount of hard work. How did this idea [this myth, really] come about? It was created, and perpetuated, by the privileged. How? When hard work is sufficient for someone of privilege to move ahead in life, he/she is likely to think that hard work is sufficient for everyone to move ahead in life. In other words, when the system works for you, you’re more likely to think that it will work for everyone. So, the winner always likes the system. And really, why wouldn’t they?

Terms:

For the purpose of this discussion, we differentiated between what society identifies you as and what you identify as. For example, I can identify as an Arab-American, but American society simply identifies me as Arab. I can be of mixed decent, half-white & half-black, but depending on my skin tone, I could be publicly identified as just one or the other. I can be a proud Muslim on the inside, and identified as a plague to society publicly. This somewhat hyperbolic example is to illustrate that acknowledging that your public identity [or social identity] is indeed oppressed, does not mean you’re ashamed of what your identity is. So: for what I define myself to be, we’ll call it self-identity in this post; and for what society defines me to be, we’ll call it social-identity in this post.

Some self-identities are complicated and take serious effort to untangle. People struggle to know “who they are” for years, if not for life. You may find yourself born in the middle of two forces that are sometimes opposing, as many bi-cultural children feel. While these struggles are valid and acknowledged, they are not the topic of this discussion. Instead, we focus on social identities and their struggles.

Why Should We Talk About Social Identities?

Social identities matter. They matter because they affect how people view you, regardless of what you do. And they matter because they give you an idea of how someone else may have been treated because of their social identity. So, even if I have worked long and hard to train myself not to judge the intelligence of an immigrant based on their english skills or their accent-for example- it does NOT NEGATE that that very same immigrant HAS been discriminated against by others. This gives me information about not necessarily who they are [as in their souls], but about what they have had to cope with and what they are likely to think I think of them.

As discussed in the previous paragraph, some have taken it upon themselves to actively work against unconscious discrimination borne out of stereotypes. But we had another type of warrior in our discussion: those who fight against “self-pity”. This is an individual who understands his/her disadvantage, but doesn’t want to “complain” about it or use it as a crutch. He/she looks to the American community and sees the glass half-full; and then looks to the global community, and sees the glass brimming. So why “complain”? Let me start off by saying: if you’ve bravely decided you will trudge on and make the best of your situation, I commend you for your attitude. But let me assuage your fear of complaint. Talking about the problem does not have to correlate with giving up on your contributive responsibility to fix it. You can acknowledge the problem and give up, OR you can acknowledge the problem and face it as best you can. Hopefully, it is the second.

There are several reasons why it’s so important to not allow your fear of “complaint” stop you from discussing these important issues in the public sphere. Firstly, just because you’re in a place in your life where you can separate your self vs. social identities doesn’t mean everyone can. Others can have the two entangled and may need the space to talk freely. Secondly, just because you have the perspective to see things from a global perspective doesn’t mean everyone can. It’s all relative; and studies have shown that, for most people, their perspective and, therefore, their psychological well-being, is regional. Thirdly, discussions are often needed to help others understand their own situations and how things came to be- regardless of the existence or lack of a solution. Even if someone is in a bad situation, he/she might still appreciate comprehending why he/she is even in that situation.

Fourthly, discussions are vital sparks for social change. Change often comes in the order of self, culture, then structure. While cultural change is difficult, it is worth the trouble as it often brings about structural changes.

Lastly, and arguably most importantly, discussions can illuminate to you the mechanisms by which you are oppressed; and by proxy illuminate how you yourself are unconsciously oppressing others. In other words, it’s really important for you to understand how you’re oppressed because you need to understand how you’re oppressing people in similar ways.

How Are Muslims Oppressed?

We somewhat delved into how we felt oppressed as Muslim-Americans. Of course, we’ve all heard of the occasional acts of violence against Muslims, and the ignorant rhetoric and disdainful looks we can get from some non-Muslims. And of course, the way the media chooses to frame certain issues can be scathing. Each feeds off another.

One thing is certain: all Muslims suddenly are put under a microscope. I become an ambassador for Muslims without signing up- because in all likelihood, I am the only (or one of the very few) Muslim within my non-Muslim social circle. My unintended representation of an entire religion and people is oppressive. Because it is not chosen by me. How do Muslims deal with that responsibility and pressure? Some Muslims deal by trying to blend in. Others hold their head high with pride and are happy to represent. Meanwhile, some represent unhappily, and the scrutiny becomes an accepted burden. Still others ignore their role in representation and do as they please regardless of the negative consequences for the group...etc

Although this responsibility and the factions it creates describes Muslims in America, it is not unique. All members of a minority group end up representing the group- without choice. As you can imagine, the different coping mechanisms can create some tension. Often members of minority groups express anger at the “bad apples” of their group who seem to perpetuate the very (hated) stereotypes they attempt to deny.

How do Muslims Oppress Muslims?

Muslims often oppress other Muslims. The categories of discrimination are varied: nationality, education, beauty, sect, level of religiosity, gender...etc. Some of it is outright, while some of it is subtle. Again, some cope by trudging on. Others by leaving. Still others by joining. But how many of us stand up and publicly denounce these judgements? Even within the group we admitted that while we denounced discrimination on quite a number of occasions, it was not all occasions. Sadly, it’s partially because of the sheer number of these occasions. It’s a sad state of affairs indeed when the discrimination is our environment’s norm rather than the exception.

Muslims in America

When power and privilege get talked about within the Muslim community in relation to society at large, it is generally not considered that we contribute to the problem. We (usually) either hear complaints that Muslims as a population are victimized and discriminated against by non-Muslims; or we note other populations' victimization, but dismiss our contribution or responsibility in fixing the problem. While the first complaint is valid, it does not absolve us of the responsibilities we should feel towards our American communities.

Why do we dismiss our responsibility? Is it that we don't feel American? Or does our focus on how we are oppressed blind us to how we oppress and/or discriminate against others? Not only do we oppress and discriminate within our own communities as discussed above, but we also discriminate against non-Muslim Americans by the implicit tone of "westernization is bad". Equally importantly, we contribute to the oppression if we do not stand up against it. Even if you live in a wealthy neighborhood, do you stand up for better low-income schools? Even if you believe homosexuality is not accepted in Islam, do you defend civil unions? Even if you believe our Prophet is unimpeachable, do you defend Freedom of Speech? When was the last time you volunteered? At an orphanage? Rehab program? Nursing home? Homeless shelter? Are you involved? Do you serve society as it serves you?

What do you stand up for?

In the end, on an individual scale, standing up for what’s right publicly is one of the most impactful actions you can take. In our Muslim communities, explain to an elder why you don’t agree with his/her discrimination politely. In a group, denounce ostracization of a member. Our roles do not end with ending the harm we cause; but with ending the harm all together.

Remember that society is always changing. Life directly causes change. It will either change for the better or the worse. It’s not a question of whether you’re going to raise your kids in this society. It’s a question of whether you’re going to raise your kids in a better society or a worse society. So, what do you defend? Who’s rights do you stand up for? (Hint: Shouldn’t it be everybody’s?). In conclusion: What will you change?

How Have You Oppressed?

Take a moment to think about the ways in which you consciously or unconsciously oppress people. No, really. Take a moment. Then change.

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project-reconnect-toledo · 13 years ago

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LGBTQ & Islam

This is a summary of our May 2012 discussion on LGBTQ and Islam. While the discussion itself is always scattered, I will attempt to organize thoughts by topics, rather than chronology.

* Please note: The views expressed in this entry are not my own, but a summary of a group discussion. As the author, I apologize if any specific view offends you, but its expression was only meant to shed a light on the multi-faceted discussion that took place at a Project Reconnect gathering. Project Reconnect does not claim any religious authority or scholarship, but is a group of people that try to get together to share thoughts and challenge perceptions.

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Evidence against homosexuality is generally based on the story of Lot (Loo6). However, one person pointed out that the Christian story relates God's wrath and the destruction of the city was based upon rape and violence in the society, instead of simply homosexuality. The main reason God was displeased in the story related in the bible was the suggestion of homosexual rape. Another person pointed out that in Islam itself, the story involves a lot more than just homosexuality, but lust and adultery as well. However, it is accepted by all Muslim-scholars [that we've heard of] that homosexual acts (not urges) are forbidden in Islam.

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The first major question that evening was whether Islam considered homosexuality innate (nature) or nurtured by society. There were arguments for both.

1. Nature: Islam acknowledged homosexual innate urges, but asks homosexuals to sacrifice that part of themselves. This is translated into their jihad (struggle). One person said since we all have our jihads, he/she would never judge a homosexual for failing his/her jihad because any of us can fail ours.

Side note: We had a brief discussion that this jihad is much more difficult that most as sexuality is a huge part of who we are as people. We ask homosexuals to struggle with a big part of who they are; and are basically asking them to never be with someone they love. Just to put things in perspective.

2. Nurture: Islam does not punish homosexual acts if they are done behind closed doors. It only punishes them if there is a significant number of witnesses. This indicates that it attempts to keep homosexuality out of society, which indicates that it fears its effects on society, which indicates that homosexuality is at least partially nurtured.

The nature argument was more widely accepted in the past, but nurture's influence on the children is used more widely as an argument today. Later in the discussion it was pointed out that in terms of statistics, homosexuals bring up good kids that are generally less abused than the other kids in society at large. So when you look at statistics, the argument that homosexuals shouldn't bring up children starts quickly breaking down.

Aside to how Islam views it, branched from this idea of nurture is the idea of conscious choice. It was brought up that homosexuality in this society and even more so in other societies is a difficult thing to be due to social ostracization. So the probability that anyone chooses this hardship willingly, which can include the rejection of your family and friends, is unlikely. Further, just like it would be difficult for a heterosexual to choose to be homosexual (could you make the switch?), it is likely the reverse is equally difficult.

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The next part of the theoretical discussion went to whether morality and Islam are constant/logical or whether they change with the times. The first would indicate that morality is logical and so being Muslim is logical. To that effect, there is a sect of scholars that considered Islam to be innate. Therefore, if you have never heard of Islam before and do not come to the conclusion that God is one and other major conclusions, then you are still held accountable- on the Day of Judgement.

However, most scholars reject this view. Most consider a person only held accountable on the day of judgement if they're heard the message of Islam- and some go further to say, "heard it WELL."

Now within the second group that consider a person not held accountable until they've heard the message are further divisions. One is the message does not change. The others believe that though the core remains the same, the message of Islam, including its laws, can change with the times. One point was brought up that if you truly think you can interpret laws without your time's baggage, then you're fooling yourself. We all have baggage; and the best we can do is simply acknowledge it and attempt to control it. Of course one of the most prominent sahaba that believed this and acted on it was Omar ibn Il-Khattab.

Now if you consider yourself part of that group/sect, then there are certain challenges that come with it. First, there's a comfort in thinking there's only one right way; so when you believe there are multiple right ways, it becomes a challenge to figure out exactly where you stand. More importantly, it becomes a challenge to separate what you truly believe from what you'd like to conveniently believe due to your self-interest. You will always be questioning your own intentions and that can get frustrating/exhausting. However, for those who believe that true belief comes from contemplation, it is invaluable.

Secondly, some of the people that come to believe Islam changes with the times must decide whether they believe the Quran is a guide that is mostly symbolic or a constitution that is literal. If the former, then intentions, thought, and evolution with the times comes much more into play.

Note: A story was mentioned where a caliphah (head of Islamic state) allowed incest to happen within the state by a non-Muslim group of people. Though he anxiously thought of how to handle the situation, he finally decided that he should let it happen because though repulsive to him, and though he had the power to prevent it, he recognized that his own morality is not the same as the other group's living within the state. He also believed it would do more damage than good to the state's relationship with the group.

This idea brought on the discussion of how far would you go to protect other people's rights to practice what they believed is right, even if it's contrary to your own morality. A question was asked of if you could vote in a secular state to prevent any number of things Islam considers haram (sinful), such as consuming alcohol or gambling, would you vote to prevent people from participating in these activities. There was some contention as to whether you should vote in a secular state as a secular citizen or as a Muslim.

One group commented they would abstain from voting at all as they would be conflicted and would not like to partake in the decision. Another group believed that you should vote as a Muslim because when you die, God will ask you why you didn't vote as a Muslim-American, rather than an American-Muslim. Others believed that protecting others' rights to practice what they believed to be moral is vital to our peaceful coexistence and a tenant (secularism) we agreed to when we decided we'd live here. Further, they believed they should guard others' rights as they would like others to guard their own. Therefore, they would vote for the free & safe rights to alcohol, gambling…etc.

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The last and final part of the discussion was how to deal with homosexuals' on a personal level. While some respected homosexuals right to their own life style, they preferred to not surround themselves with it. They preferred to pull themselves out of the situation or social group. Others expressed their welcomed acceptance into their social group, though not a approval of their lifestyle. Still others expressed their love for homosexuals as they were some of the best people and friends they'd met. Not only did many have good hearts, but were often found at service projects and community events- the very events that lacked Muslims.

The group left with a final reminder that it is not us vs. them, as they are among us. Homosexual rates in Muslim communities are not minute by any means. As always, we should be conscious of how our words and actions affect others, including the LGBTQ community. We left with a note of sympathy for the struggle of Muslim homosexuals and an awareness of the oppression the Muslim community at large causes them.

We agreed that a homosexual- Muslim or non-Muslim, struggles in our community and our society. But as fellow human beings, they are to be treated with love and respect.

If you've read the whole thing, great job! :D. Thanks for taking the time to read!

#homosexuality #discussion #summary #2012 #may 2012 #lgbtq

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