#IslamicFeminism
There is no denying the fact that pop culture has the power to shape what we talk about and how we view certain things. The religion of Islam is one such illustration of this point as Muslims are often shown in a negative light in TV shows and films and thus have become synonymous with terrorists. In “From Navy Seals to The Siege: Getting to Know the Muslim Terrorist, Hollywood Style,” Rubina Ramji points out how the media fails to depict Islam and the diversity within it accurately.
However, this representation of Muslims and Islam is increasingly being challenged. This refers not only to the fact that western film and television are now attempting to portrayer truer (kinder) images of Muslims, but also to the fact that pop culture is being used as a tool by Muslim groups to propel their agendas.
I’d like to talk particularly about Muslim women that are using pop culture and the media to demand their rights. Not only does this lead to positive change, it also opens up to the world Muslim identities that were previously unfathomable i.e. the intelligent independent women who isn’t afraid to speak up.
If you were to look, you’d see that the Internet is full of female bloggers that call themselves Islamic feminists. These women offer a view of Islam that is not only refreshing but also markedly different from the submissive Muslim housewife stereotype that is typically perpetuated.
Beyond blogs, entire websites can be found dedicated to the voice of Muslim website. The website of the WISE movement, for example acknowledges and praises work being done by inspirational Muslim women. This movement also holds conferences around the world and has the aim of helping women in Muslim countries.
In Malaysia, the ever-popular trend of reality shows has also been subjected to this progressive change with the creation of ‘Solehah’. This show is a contest to find the best female preacher in Malaysia. Such a step is significant as it also challenges the dominant (and largely patriarchal) Islamic mindset that finds the concept of a female preacher unsettling.
In the past pop culture and the media has done much harm for the Muslim community, but with the increasing opportunity people now have to voice their own opinions, we can use the same two tools to do some damage control.
