Chpt. 2:  The American Muslim
Why did Hasan write this book?

To educate people about Islam, about American Muslims, about the diversity of belief and practices among American Muslims
"Our greatest challeng is overcoming our public image as terrorists, followed closely by the need to unify, despite our different ethnicities, so that we can contribute in a significant and positive way to American society and take out place alongside other groups as a part of American culture."

According to Hasan, there are 6-9 million Muslims in the US

Yet many, especially those who don't conform to our stereotypes about Muslims, are invisible to us

Americans tend to essentialize Islam as "a belligerent faith, and to charactertize Muslim women as universally oppressed."  Hasan askis, "If you are a sensible person, you must ask yourself, why would a billion plus people including six million Americans subscribe to a a religion that is homogenous, belligerant, and oppressive to women?"

What common misperceptions about American Muslims has she clarified for you?
 

What ethnic group represents the largest segment of American Muslims?
    African Americans - comprise 42 percent of American Muslim population
    South Asians - 24 percent
    Arab Muslims - 12 percent

Other Stats on American Muslims
    25% of American Muslims live in California
    3.4% of the population of CA is Muslim
    4.7% of NY pop
    other states:  IL, NJ, IN, MI, VA, TX, OH, MD

    There are roughly 2000 mosques in the US
    200 Islamic schools
    200,000 businesses owned by Muslims

    Interest Groups/NGOS
    American Muslim Alliance
    Muslim Publi Affairs Council
    American Muslim Council
    Council on American-Islamic Relations
    Islamic Society of North America
    American Muslims Intent on Learning

What kinds of hate crimes, harassment does Hasan describe being perpetuated against American Muslims?

Given that a relatively small percentage of American Muslims are
Arabs, why do we tend to associate Islam with Arab ethnicity?
 

 
 
Chpt. 3 Jesus and Jihad

Is Islam a “western” religion?
 

What beliefs, practices, myths does Islam share with Judaism and Christianity?
 

What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
 
Answers:

Western religion?  - it certainly shaped what we call
"Western Civilization"

Chpt. 5  Generalization and Stereotypes:  Muslims and the American Media

What is the difference between a generalization and a stereotype?

Are there positive stereotypes?  Are these also to be avoided, corrected?

What generalizations and stereotypes exist about Muslims?

Where do these come from?
 

Why are Americans prone to developing stereotypes about any group of people?
 

What kind of “experts” help to strengthen stereotypes in media?
 

What (media) images to you have in your mind about Muslims?  About Arabs?
 

How can the media cover news like the acts of terrorism without aggravating stereotypes about Arabs or Muslims?

How else can the media contribute to a more balanced picture of Islam, of Arabs, of Muslims in the US?

Do the media have a responsibility to do this?
 
 
Chpt. 7  Growing Up in America:  Creating New World Islam
 

How has America shaped the practice of Islam?
 

What American political cultural values have shaped Hasan’s practice of Islam?
 
 

Why aren’t Muslim Americans better organized, more active in politics?
 
 
 

What groups exist to represent Muslim Americans in US politics, to educate Americans about Islam, Muslims, etc.?
 

Do you think that Muslim Americans can/should organize on the Jewish model?

Can they?  Why or why not?
 

What is the future of Islam in the U.S.?