Name: What it's like to be Muslim in America
Uploaded: 2016-02-23T16:08:42Z
Duration: 16 min 7 s
Description: When you look at Muslim scholar Dalia Mogahed, what do you see: A woman of faith? A scholar, a mom, a sister? Or an oppressed, brainwashed, potential terrorist? In this personal, powerful talk, Mogahed asks us, in this polarizing time, to fight negative perceptions of her faith in the media -- and to choose empathy over prejudice.

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Dalia Mogahed: What it's like to be Muslim in America

What it's like to be Muslim in America

When you look at Muslim scholar Dalia Mogahed, what do you see: A woman of faith? A scholar, a mom, a sister? Or an oppressed, brainwashed, potential terrorist? In this personal, powerful talk, Mogahed asks us, in this polarizing time, to fight negative perceptions of her faith in the media -- and to choose empathy over prejudice.

Negative media coverage shapes public perceptions of Muslims, with 80 percent of news stories about Islam carrying a negative tone. After 9/11, many Muslims went from feeling like citizens to suspects overnight, facing fear and suspicion even in daily life. Yet, moments of solidarity—like communities filling mosques in support—reveal compassion's power to counter prejudice. Persistent stereotypes not only harm individuals but also threaten the health of democracy by normalizing fear and eroding empathy.