While "humor" and "Muslims" might not seem a good fit, Canada has "Little Mosque on the Prairie," a, award-winning tv show that infuses a small-town religious minority with this trait. Zarqa Nawaz, the producer, has created storylines that affect the modern Muslim, such as prejudice relating to terrorism, whether or not to celebrate Halloween, and having an imam (or pastor) that can relate to youth.
The characters on "Little Mosque" are a blend of Muslim and non-Muslim characters. From Babar, the mosque caretaker, to the mayor, the entire bunch interacts realistically to teach lessons without being preachy. The talented cast who play these characters have done an excellent job, including Canadian-born Shelia McCarthy.
Through fictional characters, "Little Mosque" has been giving viewers the impression that Muslims are average people, a simple message that deserves to be heard. To watch episodes, you can go to [http://www.free-tv-video-online.info/internet/little_mosque_on_the_prairie/] or other sites.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Lost American Jobs
In the 1960s, manufacturing jobs, such as building cars and applilcances, formed a vital part of the American economy. Then, companies outsourced many of these jobs China and Mexico. Americans turned to the service sector, with opportunities in tech support and customer service.
Now, the trend is to outsource these jobs to save costs and to increase profits. Many of us have called our telephone provider to resolve a billing issue and talked to a representative thousands of miles away, in India perhaps.
Such a situation has frightened people into believing their jobs will be next to go. As Steve Mushero in "Off-Shoring the Middle Class" has said, we are not alone, since change is global. A positive side to this story is that other countries are outsourcing jobs to the United States. We can acquire skills that these foreign employers need.
And, the government and American companies can do more to help those workers who've lost their jobs to outsourcing. Training and education can boost our ability to compete in a global market.
Now, the trend is to outsource these jobs to save costs and to increase profits. Many of us have called our telephone provider to resolve a billing issue and talked to a representative thousands of miles away, in India perhaps.
Such a situation has frightened people into believing their jobs will be next to go. As Steve Mushero in "Off-Shoring the Middle Class" has said, we are not alone, since change is global. A positive side to this story is that other countries are outsourcing jobs to the United States. We can acquire skills that these foreign employers need.
And, the government and American companies can do more to help those workers who've lost their jobs to outsourcing. Training and education can boost our ability to compete in a global market.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Population Woes
Soon, food production won't keep up with world population growth, and people will starve, said nineteenth-century Thomas Malthus and Paul Ehrlich in 1968. Both of these thinkers' predictions proved false.
Nevertheless, critics continue to advocate population control, ignoring the massive food surplus that exists throughout the world. People in developing countries complain about the lack of wheat, corn, and other staples, but the food exists. Food never reaches the consumers because political groups often try to use the supply as a weapon. For instance, one faction hoping for power may hide or export grains to upset the general public, who will blame the ruling party.
Other causes of "food shortages" are possible, such as low wages. When people can not afford to purchase food, then the problem is economic, rather than related to high-population growth.
While scare tactics regarding population growth leading to starvation can make huge headlines, common sense tells us that the situation isn't too bad. In fact, the entire human race has plenty to eat.
Nevertheless, critics continue to advocate population control, ignoring the massive food surplus that exists throughout the world. People in developing countries complain about the lack of wheat, corn, and other staples, but the food exists. Food never reaches the consumers because political groups often try to use the supply as a weapon. For instance, one faction hoping for power may hide or export grains to upset the general public, who will blame the ruling party.
Other causes of "food shortages" are possible, such as low wages. When people can not afford to purchase food, then the problem is economic, rather than related to high-population growth.
While scare tactics regarding population growth leading to starvation can make huge headlines, common sense tells us that the situation isn't too bad. In fact, the entire human race has plenty to eat.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Real Americans
"Naturalized American" or "of ________descent" are terms the media throws out to describe people accused of terrorism who are from the Middle East or South Asia. The implied message is that these people really aren't Americans, so no surprise--they've become terrorists.
I disagree. More than 4 million Americans are of Middle East or South Asian ethnicity and most of us are peaceful, hardworking people. We may not embrace all aspects of American culture, like dating, drinking, and lewdness. Yet, we are American as much any one from Germany, England, or other European countries.
Since long ago, Muslim Americans, including those from Syria, Pakistan, and Saudia Arabia, have contributed to making the United States a great place to live. And, we'll continue this tradition, despite the negative stereotyping from the media.
I disagree. More than 4 million Americans are of Middle East or South Asian ethnicity and most of us are peaceful, hardworking people. We may not embrace all aspects of American culture, like dating, drinking, and lewdness. Yet, we are American as much any one from Germany, England, or other European countries.
Since long ago, Muslim Americans, including those from Syria, Pakistan, and Saudia Arabia, have contributed to making the United States a great place to live. And, we'll continue this tradition, despite the negative stereotyping from the media.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
