Home > News > Online Movement Against Religious Extremism Gains Nation-wide Recognition
Online Movement Against Religious Extremism Gains Nation-wide Recognition
Source:
ISNA(Plainfield, IN Aug 13, 2010) Youtube has become a popular online destination, as both an
information and entertainment source. A visit to the site allows the
viewer access to anything from spiritual lectures to music, how-to
videos on almost every topic, and plenty of videos of taped pranks,
strange animal behaviors, people tripping, and much more.
Youtube
is also a place for Muslims to protect themselves. The online media
outlet allows moderate Muslims to speak out against the dangerous
rhetoric of extremists, who for years now, have utilized online media
sources to propagate their messages of hate.
ISNA Vice President Imam Magid joined Muslim scholars and
leaders from around the world to issue clear statements against violence
and extremism in a multiple videos produced by ISNA and the Muslim
Public Affairs Council (MPAC) earlier this year. These videos were
posted on youtube and viewed by thousands.
The New York Times and CNN have picked up on the online
movement by moderate Muslims, and covered both the videos and the
youtube movement. Utilizing online videos on youtube and other sources
is a strong tool in the struggle to develop the Muslim
"counter-narrative" as Zarzour calls it.
"The counter narrative is the true reality of Islam which calls for
peaceful coexistance and rendering help to any in need regardless of
religion. Unfortuantely, this reality has been swallowed by the
outrageous lies of the extremists on both sides. These videos are made
in recognition that it is the job of mainstream organizations on
everyside, including ISNA, to engage and educate the public, confont the
extremists, and to take back control of our story," said Zarzour.
To view the Muslim counter-narrative and anti-extremist videos, please visit the ISNA
website and
youtube.
You may also view coverage of the online movement by
CNN and the
New York Times online.