young video makers try to alter islams face

I. Citation

Young Video Makers Try to Alter Islam’s Face

Neil MacFarquhar of the New York Times

May 8, 2008

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/08/us/08video.html?ref=middleeast

II. Summary

This article is basically saying that people are trying to raise awareness of the Islamic religion, and change the views of people who view all Muslims as terrorists. A young Muslim named Ali Ardekani is taking a stand by creating video messages about Islam, and how they really shouldn’t be seen as dangerous or scary, just a little different. Many people have started to do this type of online video to promote learning about Muslims, and has had mostly the positive effect that was desired. Some people are still prejudice about the faith, but unfortunately there will always be some kind of conflict.

III. Reaction

A) This article fits the AP world history theme the relationship of change and continuity from 8000 BCE to the present because it shows how the Islamic faith, and outsiders’ views on it, have changed and grown over the years.

B) The background of this article dates back a long time to the formation of Islam, but has had the most effect recently, especially since the 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Ever since then, the fear and suspicion of the Islamic faith has grown to what it is today.

C) The writer of this article is a male journalist for the New York Times, living in the United States- therefore he is an outsider.

D) Although you can’t really tell by the article, the writer could be biased due to his personal views on the religion, and if he knows any Muslims.

E) The article had a lot of good points, but I think I would have understood better if I heard from a person who was against Muslims, and the whole idea of these online videos discussing Islam.

F) My personal reaction to the article was that I am very proud of Ali Ardekani for standing up for his beliefs and trying to show the world in a modern way how while Islam is different, it is nothing to be afraid of or angry about. If more people understand, maybe we can help the people who are oppressed due to these Muslim beliefs.