I first talked about this situation earlier this month. It seems that Islamophobic enthusiasts couldn't let go of their hatred and decided to move their page somewhere else. The notorious event is still on for tomorrow. From my last count, they had cached nearly 3,000 cartoons. It's amazing how active their Facebook page is a new wall post every second!
Misguided Muslim youth have decided to fight fire with fire. They decided to express their freedom of speech by picking on a sensitive cultural issue. Again not the approach to be taken. Everyone knows that the best way to deal with a bully is simply to ignore them. To enrage and inflame is their objective by giving in you help them achieve their purpose. Now there are calls for a boycott (some call for a permanent ban). By some estimates, Facebook users that identify themselves as Muslim contribute 5 Million dollars to the site per year. So a three-day boycott should hurt them financially.
That seems like a measured response. Would I be taking part in boycott? Probably not. Frankly speaking I find this all to be childish. Death threats, name calling all of this is not going to achieve anything. I've found that it is very difficult to persuade people who have already formed strong opinions. Save your breath folks! Islamophobics are what they are let them be. They have been around since the advent of Islam, in fact, their stiff resistance has helped us strengthen our Iman. So in a way, we should be thanking them. By spewing their hatred they have raised awareness of our Prophet!
As others have mentioned the best we can do is learn more about our faith. Study the teachings and life of our beloved prophet. Spread his wisdom far and wide. I will be doing my part by watching these video. I haven't seen it but it comes highly recommended. Again love and peace for all and may we see a day when we can all get along and vile hatred has been stamped out of our hearts. AMEN.
UPDATE: I just got word from one of my friends from overseas. Seems like the authorities have banned Facebook, in Pakistan. LUUT! I will be eagerly watching how this all plays out.
UPDATE 2: And now Youtube too! Although the Pakistani government is acting in accordance with the will of the people a better approach would have been to block only the offending material and not the whole site. People conduct business and communicate via these sites so hopefully after the 3-day ban service can be restored.
For your information here's a good article on the issue. Let's hear it for the student leaders who gave a calm and reasoned response. Oh to be in the MSA again!
UPDATE 3: It seems that the powers to be have had a change of heart. They have apologized to Pakistan's Ministry of Information Technology. Subsequently, the ban was lifted and it seems things have gone back to business as usual. Hopefully, people will learn the difference between "freedom of speech" and "freedom of displaying your hatred for others". It's funny the founding fathers ensured our right to freely express ourselves as a means to keep government honest. A free press allowed to criticize unjust government policies is needed to form a more perfect union. It's a shame that these ignorant hatemongers abused their right in such a manner.
A KEY FOR ALL TO ESCAPE THEIR PRISONS
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Mini Vacation
So I've been meaning to blog about my recent escapade into Time Square. It all started when I felt burnt out a couple of weeks ago. Ever since my father's death I've been living in the apartment he left me and working to support myself. At first I only had Sundays off which was just enough time to do the laundry and nap. Not much in the entertainment department. But ever since I got promoted from the shop floor to a desk job I managed to get the weekend off. Now there is the possibility for some fun.
I started off small ordering movies of off my cable service (no, not those kinds of movies). But soon that wasn't enough I needed a bigger fix to ward off my impending burn out. To tell you the truth the constant routine of work and home was getting on my nerves I had to get out. So when I learned that Green Day (my second favorite band after Metallica) had adopted their American Idiot album into a musical I knew I had to see it. But I was a bit hesitant lewd scences were also part of the show. Would I want to be in that kind of environment? I figured I would risk it (turns out others were also uncomfortable with those scenes as their frowns would indicate, Go Modesty!) Soon enough I had my e-ticket thanks to the speedy service at telecharge. When the fateful day arrived I couldn't believe that I was actually doing this. I've never been to a Broadway play before and couldn't wait.
Travelling by F train took all of 45 minutes to get there. I was in the middle of Manhattan. Huge office buildings and posh parks surrounded me. I had the directions for the theater printed out on a Google map but had memorized the route. Leaving the train station I went on my way. There was about half an hour before the doors would open and I figured I could grab a bite to eat along the way. I was hoping for a Burger King their fish fillet is way better than McDonald's. But it was my destiny to strike upon a Subway "Bingo" I thought "Foot long tuna here I come!" After gorging on the fishy flesh smothered with sweet onion and southwestern sauce I made my way towards the St. James theatre.
But before reaching Broadway I had to pass through Time Square. It was just like the pictures! Coke bottle and jumbo tron galore! There were people everywhere. From what I could tell they were mostly tourist taking pictures and lounging around. I made my way through being sure not to make eye contact with the tour operator hawkers. The next block was home to several theatres all of which were playing one sort of play or another. It was very touristy there were huge multimedia displays up urging viewers to come inside and learn about King Tut, tempting but I'll pass.
Finally I reached my destination ticket holders were stretched out along the sidewalk. Now Green Day has its own punk rock style so fans were dressed up like the band, me I came as is in my usual clothes. No guy liner for me. The staff quickly let us in boxed us off in our sections and had us seated in no time. I was however able to take in the ambiance of the theatre. There was a bar on each floor with dimmed lights and everything. Very attractive just like any other vice is. Plus over inflated merchandise was also on hand but highly impractical $30 for a baseball cap come on!
Once seated the show started with a bang and didn't let up until the end. Seeing the stories from the album acted out gave me a better understanding of they were trying to say. However its anti-war message has always been clear. Indeed we need to love one another because we are part of the same universal family. Plus the poor and middle class people need to steer clear of powers that want to use them only for cannon fodder to further their materialistic and sadistic goals. Can I get another Amen?
Here's some proof that I was there. I couldn't take pictures as it wasn't allowed even then it wouldn't matter seeing how I don't own a digital camera. I am currently budgeting for my big wedding reception which is steadily inching closer. Can't wait to be with my wife we've grown fonder of each other through the months. We miss each other very much and can't wait to be together. So yeah rock on!
I started off small ordering movies of off my cable service (no, not those kinds of movies). But soon that wasn't enough I needed a bigger fix to ward off my impending burn out. To tell you the truth the constant routine of work and home was getting on my nerves I had to get out. So when I learned that Green Day (my second favorite band after Metallica) had adopted their American Idiot album into a musical I knew I had to see it. But I was a bit hesitant lewd scences were also part of the show. Would I want to be in that kind of environment? I figured I would risk it (turns out others were also uncomfortable with those scenes as their frowns would indicate, Go Modesty!) Soon enough I had my e-ticket thanks to the speedy service at telecharge. When the fateful day arrived I couldn't believe that I was actually doing this. I've never been to a Broadway play before and couldn't wait.
Travelling by F train took all of 45 minutes to get there. I was in the middle of Manhattan. Huge office buildings and posh parks surrounded me. I had the directions for the theater printed out on a Google map but had memorized the route. Leaving the train station I went on my way. There was about half an hour before the doors would open and I figured I could grab a bite to eat along the way. I was hoping for a Burger King their fish fillet is way better than McDonald's. But it was my destiny to strike upon a Subway "Bingo" I thought "Foot long tuna here I come!" After gorging on the fishy flesh smothered with sweet onion and southwestern sauce I made my way towards the St. James theatre.
But before reaching Broadway I had to pass through Time Square. It was just like the pictures! Coke bottle and jumbo tron galore! There were people everywhere. From what I could tell they were mostly tourist taking pictures and lounging around. I made my way through being sure not to make eye contact with the tour operator hawkers. The next block was home to several theatres all of which were playing one sort of play or another. It was very touristy there were huge multimedia displays up urging viewers to come inside and learn about King Tut, tempting but I'll pass.
Finally I reached my destination ticket holders were stretched out along the sidewalk. Now Green Day has its own punk rock style so fans were dressed up like the band, me I came as is in my usual clothes. No guy liner for me. The staff quickly let us in boxed us off in our sections and had us seated in no time. I was however able to take in the ambiance of the theatre. There was a bar on each floor with dimmed lights and everything. Very attractive just like any other vice is. Plus over inflated merchandise was also on hand but highly impractical $30 for a baseball cap come on!
Once seated the show started with a bang and didn't let up until the end. Seeing the stories from the album acted out gave me a better understanding of they were trying to say. However its anti-war message has always been clear. Indeed we need to love one another because we are part of the same universal family. Plus the poor and middle class people need to steer clear of powers that want to use them only for cannon fodder to further their materialistic and sadistic goals. Can I get another Amen?
Here's some proof that I was there. I couldn't take pictures as it wasn't allowed even then it wouldn't matter seeing how I don't own a digital camera. I am currently budgeting for my big wedding reception which is steadily inching closer. Can't wait to be with my wife we've grown fonder of each other through the months. We miss each other very much and can't wait to be together. So yeah rock on!
IEEE Karachi Section History
An interesting read for those curious about the progress of science and technology in the city of Karachi, known as the revenue engine for the nation of Pakistan.
IEEE Karachi Section History - GHN: IEEE Global History Network
Now I've been told to toot your own horn every now and then less others use it as spittoon. So it makes me feel very shiny to mention that the top brass of this section compromises of former professors. Also the most prolific campus that has managed to outpace other university in the sheer number of IEEE branches happens to be my alma matter. This is where I did my masters studies and attempted my thesis. Sadly I couldn't finish because of trying times in my personal life. No worries I have enough college credit to convince any employer that I am indeed an M.Sc. and also I am working towards my PMP so that should seal the deal when it comes to my career advancement. Right now I am at a ho hum job with my uncle and cousin. Glad to have it as it pays the bills but again ho hum.
IEEE Karachi Section History - GHN: IEEE Global History Network
Now I've been told to toot your own horn every now and then less others use it as spittoon. So it makes me feel very shiny to mention that the top brass of this section compromises of former professors. Also the most prolific campus that has managed to outpace other university in the sheer number of IEEE branches happens to be my alma matter. This is where I did my masters studies and attempted my thesis. Sadly I couldn't finish because of trying times in my personal life. No worries I have enough college credit to convince any employer that I am indeed an M.Sc. and also I am working towards my PMP so that should seal the deal when it comes to my career advancement. Right now I am at a ho hum job with my uncle and cousin. Glad to have it as it pays the bills but again ho hum.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Woots just keep on coming
Folks there is a lot going on in the news that has irked me in some way. However I couldn’t form a strong enough opinion to say something about it. However the issues welled up inside me until a perfect storm had formed. Now witness the ensuing deluge.
Woot #1: Boobquake
It all started when Iranian cleric Hojatoleslam Kazem Sedighi gave his regular Friday sermon at his Mosque in Tehran. In it he made reference to how we can avoid calamities from God. He argued that since this calamity is due to God’s power only God can protect us. How do we gain God’s protection, by not disappointing him. One of the examples he put forth of how we can gain God’s favor is to dress modestly. This is not something unusual. Muslim clerics have been preaching that Allah chastises us in this world with natural disasters for our transgressions. The recent earthquakes in Pakistan’s northern areas were blamed on budding homosexual relations between men in the restive province of Sarhad. Proponents of this theory often site San Francisco as having a notoriously huge gay community and prone to earthquakes as evidence.
My question is why a sudden interest in Friday sermons? I mean I am glad non-believers are taking an interest in our beliefs but how does this concern them? What difference does it make what a Cleric says half way around the world? Is it because he’s Iranian and this is a good opportunity to yet again show the world how loony these people are? Perhaps add fuel to the growing fire for war on Iran (btw Ahmadinejad’s speech at UN did not come across as unreasonable as the media will have you believe)? Instead of countering the Cleric’s argument with rational discourse, American women decided to bare all.
Ladies and Gentlemen I give you boobquake the brainchild of Purdue University senior Jennifer McCreight. She challenged the cleric’s statement saying that it was offensive as it picked on women as the ring leaders of immodesty. Proving the cleric’s point further she then asked women around the world to wear immodest clothing to see if they could cause an earthquake. Over 100,000 women responded to her call. The best part is that they fully expected to prove him wrong however the day of the planned debauchery, April 26, the Island nation of Taiwan was hit by 6.9 magnitude earthquake! Boobquake fanatics are surprisingly moot on that point.
Says the holy Qur`an: “Nay here are signs self-evident in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge: And none but the unjust reject our signs.” (Qur`an 29:49).
Now I am not one to simply sling some mud around and call it a day. I feel bad for these ladies, have they no self respect? Dressing immodestly only objectifies them and makes them appear as play things for men. People it’s not liberation it’s exploitation! Of course it’s hard for upholders of secular ideals to understand this, heck they will ban the burka if you try too hard. (Which by the way is a disgusting thing to do how can you order a women, by the power of court to reveal herself in public? This is a personal matter between her lord and herself how she chooses to express her modesty is up to her.) Girls I implore you, you don’t have to show skin to appear attractive the very opposite is true. Modest dress is beautiful just look what this designer came up with. I hope I presented my case with choice words and you see my side of the story, God bless.
Woot #2: Killing the Messenger
Those crazy cartoonists are at it again. Just like any other bully once they know you have a weak spot they just can’t help picking at it. It all started when I was relaxing at home flipping through the channels on my LCD TV when I came across a south park episode on comedy central. Now normally I don’t watch this show because I feel just a bit dirty when I am done. But it’s good for killing brain cells so I tuned in. Lo and behold they began parading religious Icons from the world’s major religions. There was Buddha snorting coke and Jesus (PBUH) looking clueless as ever there were some more but they slip my mind. I was wondering are they going to…yep they are. A black strip with the words “Censor” appeared in the place of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) image.
I finished watching the show, bear suit and all and came away thinking what a crock. Did I find it particularly offensive no, was it disrespectful, yes. Switching off the TV I knew a storm was brewing they weren’t going to let this go without making a huge stink. Just look what happened to the Dutch cartoonist. The first salvo was made by Revolution Muslim. After perusing their site I came to know the management of this group. It turns out I recognized the head honcho. He appeared at Friday Prayers at a Mosque I frequent when in Manhattan. After the congregation disbanded to go about their normal routine this guy stood on the sidewalk and began delivering a controversial speech. We gave him stares as if saying “Shut up dude if you know what’s good for you.” But he persisted. Eventually our Mosque’s administration had to call in the police to escort him away.
Jon Stewart picked up on their post that warned the south park creators to stop or they could face repercussion. Although I found the “Go eff yourself choir” to be a bit extreme Asif Manvi’s opinion on the matter are also my own. But the crisis did not end there a cartoonist by the name of Molly Norris began “Draw Muhammad Day”. As a sign of solidarity with the creators of the offensive and vile cartoon show series, South Park (A show no child should watch unless you want them to grow up with no character and moral compass). A Facebook page was set up to cache all the submissions.
Being a Facebook member I stumbled across the page. Yes it was good to see people being able to use their freedom of speech however the discussions quickly turned ugly. Blatant verbal attacks on Muslims and Islam soon followed (after all who else but Islamaphobics could devise such horrific images of God’s Messenger). Videos were also posted of vandals vandalizing a L.A. area Masjid. I and others quickly reported the page as hateful and went about our business. Our efforts paid off, I am glad that they have changed their tune, that I appreciate. Let the light in my peeps it’s good for you, the word of God delivered through his messengers whether it be Moses Jesus Mohammed (peace be upon them all) are for your benefits. Live by them and you will find success in this world and the hereafter, God bless.
Woot #3: Bomb Scare
With a fizz and a pop the city of New York was in a tizzy. Hey I am a New Yorker I am glad the car bomb didn’t go off but this is not something to get jittery about. Get jittery about actual explosions day in and day out limbs flying all over the place. Long time readers might remember my stay in Karachi and my near nervous breakdown because of the unrelenting violence surrounding me. (They will also remember out of character remarks on private forums and emails. Again I am ashamed it cost me their friendship something I regret, but life goes on).
The thing that struck me about this case was the perpetrator. He was Pakistani-American (like me) and came from a wealthy and well educated family (like me) he had a wife (like me) and kids and nice house in the suburbs (something I aspire to). He had it all everything he had worked for was finally his. And to throw it all away for a hopeless cause? It just seems absurd. While politicians and the media want blood I feel sorry for the guy. Who got a hold of him? Who brainwashed him? Who funded his exploits? Who indeed? As my father (God bless his soul and may Allah grant him paradise, Ameen) always use to say only time will tell. When the current power structure is long gone and their powerbase will no longer be threatened by the opposition our future generations will come to know the truth. Viable evidence will surface exposing, who were the real evil doers and who were the real victims.
On the most part peeps from my community condemn the attempted attack, heck I do too. I like traveling to time square and don’t want to come back in a body bag. (Remember guys I grew up in this crazy town and it has given a lot to me and my family) But what we fear the most is backlash. Do I fear it on a personal basis, no. Most of the people I deal with on a day to day basis are reasonable, friendly folks. No one has said anything to me even though I am sporting facial hair these days (just a social experiment will be shaving it off soon). Most folks mistake me for Hispanic. That’s cool my rudimentary High School Spanish adds to the façade. But what worries me the most is our modestly dressed women, they can’t pass of as senoritas with their Hijabs. Plus our kids are being taunted at school. So yeah there is backlash but subdued for the moment.
So that’s that, the perfect storm has come and gone the woots are in and I am sleepy time to say my prayers and head off to bed. God be with you my dear readers. Peace and love to all.
Woot #1: Boobquake
It all started when Iranian cleric Hojatoleslam Kazem Sedighi gave his regular Friday sermon at his Mosque in Tehran. In it he made reference to how we can avoid calamities from God. He argued that since this calamity is due to God’s power only God can protect us. How do we gain God’s protection, by not disappointing him. One of the examples he put forth of how we can gain God’s favor is to dress modestly. This is not something unusual. Muslim clerics have been preaching that Allah chastises us in this world with natural disasters for our transgressions. The recent earthquakes in Pakistan’s northern areas were blamed on budding homosexual relations between men in the restive province of Sarhad. Proponents of this theory often site San Francisco as having a notoriously huge gay community and prone to earthquakes as evidence.
My question is why a sudden interest in Friday sermons? I mean I am glad non-believers are taking an interest in our beliefs but how does this concern them? What difference does it make what a Cleric says half way around the world? Is it because he’s Iranian and this is a good opportunity to yet again show the world how loony these people are? Perhaps add fuel to the growing fire for war on Iran (btw Ahmadinejad’s speech at UN did not come across as unreasonable as the media will have you believe)? Instead of countering the Cleric’s argument with rational discourse, American women decided to bare all.
Ladies and Gentlemen I give you boobquake the brainchild of Purdue University senior Jennifer McCreight. She challenged the cleric’s statement saying that it was offensive as it picked on women as the ring leaders of immodesty. Proving the cleric’s point further she then asked women around the world to wear immodest clothing to see if they could cause an earthquake. Over 100,000 women responded to her call. The best part is that they fully expected to prove him wrong however the day of the planned debauchery, April 26, the Island nation of Taiwan was hit by 6.9 magnitude earthquake! Boobquake fanatics are surprisingly moot on that point.
Says the holy Qur`an: “Nay here are signs self-evident in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge: And none but the unjust reject our signs.” (Qur`an 29:49).
Now I am not one to simply sling some mud around and call it a day. I feel bad for these ladies, have they no self respect? Dressing immodestly only objectifies them and makes them appear as play things for men. People it’s not liberation it’s exploitation! Of course it’s hard for upholders of secular ideals to understand this, heck they will ban the burka if you try too hard. (Which by the way is a disgusting thing to do how can you order a women, by the power of court to reveal herself in public? This is a personal matter between her lord and herself how she chooses to express her modesty is up to her.) Girls I implore you, you don’t have to show skin to appear attractive the very opposite is true. Modest dress is beautiful just look what this designer came up with. I hope I presented my case with choice words and you see my side of the story, God bless.
Woot #2: Killing the Messenger
Those crazy cartoonists are at it again. Just like any other bully once they know you have a weak spot they just can’t help picking at it. It all started when I was relaxing at home flipping through the channels on my LCD TV when I came across a south park episode on comedy central. Now normally I don’t watch this show because I feel just a bit dirty when I am done. But it’s good for killing brain cells so I tuned in. Lo and behold they began parading religious Icons from the world’s major religions. There was Buddha snorting coke and Jesus (PBUH) looking clueless as ever there were some more but they slip my mind. I was wondering are they going to…yep they are. A black strip with the words “Censor” appeared in the place of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) image.
I finished watching the show, bear suit and all and came away thinking what a crock. Did I find it particularly offensive no, was it disrespectful, yes. Switching off the TV I knew a storm was brewing they weren’t going to let this go without making a huge stink. Just look what happened to the Dutch cartoonist. The first salvo was made by Revolution Muslim. After perusing their site I came to know the management of this group. It turns out I recognized the head honcho. He appeared at Friday Prayers at a Mosque I frequent when in Manhattan. After the congregation disbanded to go about their normal routine this guy stood on the sidewalk and began delivering a controversial speech. We gave him stares as if saying “Shut up dude if you know what’s good for you.” But he persisted. Eventually our Mosque’s administration had to call in the police to escort him away.
Jon Stewart picked up on their post that warned the south park creators to stop or they could face repercussion. Although I found the “Go eff yourself choir” to be a bit extreme Asif Manvi’s opinion on the matter are also my own. But the crisis did not end there a cartoonist by the name of Molly Norris began “Draw Muhammad Day”. As a sign of solidarity with the creators of the offensive and vile cartoon show series, South Park (A show no child should watch unless you want them to grow up with no character and moral compass). A Facebook page was set up to cache all the submissions.
Being a Facebook member I stumbled across the page. Yes it was good to see people being able to use their freedom of speech however the discussions quickly turned ugly. Blatant verbal attacks on Muslims and Islam soon followed (after all who else but Islamaphobics could devise such horrific images of God’s Messenger). Videos were also posted of vandals vandalizing a L.A. area Masjid. I and others quickly reported the page as hateful and went about our business. Our efforts paid off, I am glad that they have changed their tune, that I appreciate. Let the light in my peeps it’s good for you, the word of God delivered through his messengers whether it be Moses Jesus Mohammed (peace be upon them all) are for your benefits. Live by them and you will find success in this world and the hereafter, God bless.
Woot #3: Bomb Scare
With a fizz and a pop the city of New York was in a tizzy. Hey I am a New Yorker I am glad the car bomb didn’t go off but this is not something to get jittery about. Get jittery about actual explosions day in and day out limbs flying all over the place. Long time readers might remember my stay in Karachi and my near nervous breakdown because of the unrelenting violence surrounding me. (They will also remember out of character remarks on private forums and emails. Again I am ashamed it cost me their friendship something I regret, but life goes on).
The thing that struck me about this case was the perpetrator. He was Pakistani-American (like me) and came from a wealthy and well educated family (like me) he had a wife (like me) and kids and nice house in the suburbs (something I aspire to). He had it all everything he had worked for was finally his. And to throw it all away for a hopeless cause? It just seems absurd. While politicians and the media want blood I feel sorry for the guy. Who got a hold of him? Who brainwashed him? Who funded his exploits? Who indeed? As my father (God bless his soul and may Allah grant him paradise, Ameen) always use to say only time will tell. When the current power structure is long gone and their powerbase will no longer be threatened by the opposition our future generations will come to know the truth. Viable evidence will surface exposing, who were the real evil doers and who were the real victims.
On the most part peeps from my community condemn the attempted attack, heck I do too. I like traveling to time square and don’t want to come back in a body bag. (Remember guys I grew up in this crazy town and it has given a lot to me and my family) But what we fear the most is backlash. Do I fear it on a personal basis, no. Most of the people I deal with on a day to day basis are reasonable, friendly folks. No one has said anything to me even though I am sporting facial hair these days (just a social experiment will be shaving it off soon). Most folks mistake me for Hispanic. That’s cool my rudimentary High School Spanish adds to the façade. But what worries me the most is our modestly dressed women, they can’t pass of as senoritas with their Hijabs. Plus our kids are being taunted at school. So yeah there is backlash but subdued for the moment.
So that’s that, the perfect storm has come and gone the woots are in and I am sleepy time to say my prayers and head off to bed. God be with you my dear readers. Peace and love to all.
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