"Your Fatwa Does Not Apply Here"

After writing my paper about how Muslim women are using the internet for a source of empowerment, I started reading a book called “Your Fatwa Does Not Apply Here” by Karima Bennoune. The book is about the many untold stories of Muslims who are standing up to Fundamentalism.  So much coverage in western media is about the radicals, the terrorists.  And though Islamism is spreading through out the Middle East in recent decades, it is not the majority of the population.  I’ve found a few things interesting about the book that have related to our studies in International Communications.  One of which, is that the author like Appiah, correlates the fight between fundamentalists and cosmopolitanism.  She also believes that it is between these lines that conflict will persist, especially in Muslim majority countries.  She refers to the clash of civilizations and states that it is a clash of "right wings" not a clash of civilization.  Much of he discussion has to do with framing Muslims in the media.  Bennoune believes, rightfully so, that our media has failed us.  It is because of much of Western media that the religion is so misrepresented.  She mentions how on Fox News, a new correspondent said "The Muslims attacked us."  No wonder so many Americans think that if your Muslim you must be a terrorist.  Interesting, their are self critics within the religion.  For example, the American movie "Innocence of Muslims" criticized the religion.  The imam of Al Badr Mosque in Algiers responded "So Americans produce a film against Islam. Who cares?  it is up to us to make films defending our religion...None of us behaves in a civil manner.  And afterwords we complain about a film made overseas?" Some believe that Muslims need to respond to these movies with ambition and talent as opposed to violence.  This book focus on the self-critics, the millions that practice the religion peacefully and are opposed to fundamentalism.  It is these type of stories that need to be shared to change the reputation that has been created in America.  Unfortunately, these stories won't make headlines.