salaam, neighbor! meet the lady next door an exhibit about arab and muslim-american women in...
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SALAAM, NEIGHBOR! Meet the Lady Next Door
An Exhibit about Arab and Muslim-American Women in Shoreline, WA
Produced by Lee MozenaZenith Communication, LLC
This exhibit is an Associated Program of Shunpike
Copyright 2012 by Lee Mozena of Zenith Communication, LLC
WELCOME TO SALAAM, NEIGHBOR! It’s frustrating to see a group marginalized or made invisible - this Project is my response.
I understand the scarf is a controversial and complex symbol; but the woman wearing it is real and a lot like me. My goals are to increase cross-cultural dialogue and:
1)Inform people who are perplexed or curious about Islam and Muslim Americans
2)Reduce Islamaphobia; and thereby civil rights infringements.
Thanks to the Sisters who shared their time and hearts with me. It was an honor and fun!
Lee Mozena Zenith Communication
Your tax-free donation to www.shunpike.org will pay for Salaam, Neighbor! Copyright 2012 by Lee Mozena of Zenith Communication, LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1- Muslim / Muslim American FAQS
PART 2- Meet the Sisters
PART 3- About the Scarf
TRADITIONAL ISLAMIC GREETING
Assalamu Alaikum(Peace be upon you)
Walaikum assalam (And peace be upon you)
MUSLIM AMERICAN FAQS-
An estimated 7 million Muslims live in the U.S.
65% of adult U.S. Muslims were born elsewhere
19% have come to the U.S. since 1990
Source: Pew Charitable Trust
UNIQUELY DIVERSE & COMPLEX
Muslim Americans are especially diverse; representing every ethnic group, nation, culture and level of practice.
MUSLIM AMERICAN FAQS-
20% of U.S. Muslims are African-American converts
Source: Pew Charitable Trust
VOCATIONS OF MUSLIMS AMERICANS
1. Student 20.2%2. Engineer 12.4%3. Physician/Dentist 10.8%4. Homemaker 10%5. Programmer 7%
MUSLIM AMERICAN FAQS-
The majority of Muslims in Washington are from Somalia
Other nations include: Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bosnia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Lebanon and Morocco
WHY THE PUGET SOUND?
“It is particularly attractive to Muslims who, like many others, are drawn to the hot high-tech job market and quality of life, as well as the region's tolerance of diversity.”
Islam Today
Courtesy City of Shoreline
MUSLIM AMERICAN FAQS-
Muslims enjoy sports and a variety of outdoor activities
Courtesy City of Shoreline
MUSLIM AMERICAN FAQS-
Most consider themselves to be part of the mainstream
Courtesy City of Shoreline
ACTIVITIES OF THE SISTERS GROUP Monthly Support Group for Women Sisters’ Swim Program at Meadowbrook Pool Volunteering for Lake City Food Bank Eid and Ramadan celebrations open to the public
THE SISTERS GROUP FORMED IN 2002“Teach us to swim, our children are drowning”.
The Sisters’ first project was to give Muslim-American families greater access to community pools. Women of all faiths now attend these monthly swims.
MEET THE SISTERS Born in Libya, 22 years in the U.S. Coordinator/Muslim Sisters Group, B.A.,pursuing M.A. in Arabic and Islamic Studies, married, mother of 3 Enjoys swimming, going to parks and visiting with friends
People here are very welcoming. I feel comfortable, safe and supported by my neighbors and the staff at my work. This is the best area for me.
Ibtesam
MEET THE SISTERS Born in Egypt, 15 years in the U.S. A.A., Business major/student, home-maker, married and mother of 3 Enjoys reading, cooking, bike riding
“Helping people makes me happy - to see the smile on their face. What makes me sad is ignorant people - ones who ask stupid questions or give me a dirty look and say,‘go back to your country’.
It breaks my heart to hear a little kid say to my son, ‘you’re a terrorist’.”
Radia
MEET THE SISTERS Born in Alaska, USA
College student, Public Health, Single
Enjoys camping, hiking and swimming
“I’m a simple person. I’m corny, the smallest things make me smile.
I’ll never be rude to someone even if they deserve it. I can’t bring myself to be mean and in your face. I’m forgiving.
I want my neighbors to we're friendly people. You can come and say, "hi“.
Hager
MEET THE SISTERS Born in Seattle, converted 30 years ago College student, Healing Touch Practitioner, widow and mother of 3 Enjoys knitting, quilting, reading and playing with animals
I’ve never had anyone be unkind or racist, even when I wore hijab- maybe because I look like a typical American. And I’ve been treated well by the [New American] Muslims here.
I miss wearing my scarf and being identified as a Muslim.
Diane
A medical condition now prohibits her from wearing the head scarf
MEET THE SISTERS Born in Montana, converted 30 years ago M.Ed./Community College Instructor, married and mother of 4 Enjoys reading, visiting with friends
“ People think of anti-Semitism as being prejudiced towards Jews. In fact, it means a dislike of any Semitic people- and that includes Muslims.
We all have to work together to make this a better world for our children.
Catherine
ABOUT THE SCARF-
Head scarf, (hijab), can hold many meanings. It may be a source of power, respect and reflect Islamic pride.
A MONK’S PERSPECTIVE
“The cowl I wore as part of my habit…was a ritual covering of my head, a small form of retreat.”
Thomas Moore
THOSE WHO DO ARE OFTEN ASKED:
Aren’t you hot in that thing? Do you wear it in the shower? Do you have cancer? Are you bald?
I want everybody to be open minded, to not hesitate if they have any questions about me, my culture, my religion- things that seem strange, or actions that make them wonder.
Have the courage to come and talk and have an open conversation, so we can understand and respect each other.
If you know where I come from and my culture, I’m sure you’ll have a clear idea about me – don’t go according to what you hear about Muslims in the media.
You’ll see, we’re just people like you.