January 12, 2012

Earlier this week, MPAC held a “Truth Over Fear" workshop for members of Muslims Establishing Communities in America (MECA) Southern California at the Islamic Center of Southern California.

With more than 30 people in attendance, the workshop led by MPAC’s Director of Policy and Programming Edina Lekovic and Civic Outreach Intern and UCLA Masters of Public Policy Student Abeer Gaber explored the ramifications of Islamophobia and what the community can do to address this growing concern.

The attendees were given worksheets that explained how to detect bias in media stories, as well as how to constructively criticize biased media coverage. In addition, attendees were given a worksheet about how to talk to government officials and their local officials about issues where they feel there is bias against them, as well as how to thank these officials if they dp something positive for their community or the general public.

Attendees watched snippets of the documentary “Obsession,” a shameless piece of anti-Muslim propaganda which aims to produce anxiety, mistrust, and deep unease in the average American viewer about the presence, activities and attitudes of millions of their fellow Muslim American citizens. Attendees were then shown how to respond to this type of propaganda whether they were coming from the Muslim or non-Muslim perspective.

Propaganda works on feelings rather than rational thought, and responses to propaganda have to begin from the same area in order to be effective at countering hate. 

This Truth Over Fear workshop is part of MPAC’s ongoing effort to give the community the tools for countering Islamophobia.

To help MPAC keep this program active and enhance its effectiveness, please take this survey to evaluate the program.

-- Marium F. Mohiuddin
marium@mpac.org
Communications Coordinator