Growing up, Aladdin was my favorite Disney movie. Being non-Arab and growing up in the States, I'm trying to recollect my past and think if this tiny clip subliminally made me think prejudicially towards Arabs and I can hands down say that it did not. The ages at which children watch these movies is so young. They watch the movies because of the action, catchy scenes, and fantasy. They don't pay attention to every literal aspect of the movie, especially the opening credits. I know as a little girl the opening credits were the worst part of the movie because they took forever and I just wanted the movie to start already.

Aside from my experience and the extent of influence this had over my opinions growing up (which was none), I do believe that Disney is exhibiting unsavory practices. Many arguments can be made about how they have distorted other cultures. Why was there never a black Disney princess? Why was the term 'injin' used to describe Native Americans in Pocohontas? There are several issues that can be raised regarding Disney movies. Lucky for critics, I'm glad Disney has moved to Pixar films and that the new generation of children don't know Disney the way we did growing up.

No where in the Quran does it say that a women must be treated by a women doctor or vice versa, but I do know that if the options are available then it should be preferred.

In my personal opinion, I think that any women who chooses to be seen and treated by another women is entitled to. Living in America we pay so much money for health care and medical treatments that we deserve to have a say in who treats us. This option is exercised all the time when insurance companies provide lists of eligible health care providers in the scope of insurance coverage. As a younger girl and even now as a young women, my father always chose the best male health care provider for my younger brother and himself and the best female health care provider for my sisters and my mother. As a Muslim, you can arrange to help yourself and it's not that difficult to meet your needs. When emergency situations arise and you are unable to meet with your desired primary health care physician, then you can by all means request a male or female physician but it is important to note that it is permissible if the gender of the physician is not the same as yours and because of constraints in the health care system you may have to make do with the service you receive for the time being.

As I stated earlier, my primary health care physician has been a female all my life. I don't even consider the fact that I am Muslim to be a role in this decision but but rather that I am a female. I feel more comfortable being seen, touched, and treated by another female because I am able to discuss personal issues with her and feel completely relaxed. In response to RumSwizzle90, this is not because I am concerned that a male doctor would look at me "sexually" but rather because I am conservative with my body and would prefer that another man not see it.

This clip was very riveting to watch and when I saw it posted here on our blog. I was very excited because my friend told me about how this clip was showed in one of his BBH classes so I was compelled to watch it. I find the discrimination against the Muslim woman in the hijab disgusting. It’s amusing to me that this case study was set up in Texas because I am from Austin, Texas and within our Muslim community I have heard several scenarios of racism and discriminatory treatment towards women who wear hijab. These cases of discrimination have shot up and become much more frequent ever since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. They have become more frequent because people view Muslims as the enemy, regardless if they are American Muslims or Muslims.

The clip takes me back to conversations that we have had in our class. We talked about who is an “American.” Several American Muslims in the class stated that they do not feel like they are Americans even though they were born here. They are treated differently because of their ethnic features. The woman in this video clip stated that even though she was born here people look at her and say that she is not an American. Why does someone’s religion prevent them from calling themselves American? What will it take for us to be accepted? This racism and hatred towards Muslims and Muslim Americans is a dark road that certain individuals in our society have started to go down. This road leads to no where positive and I applaud the individuals in the clip who stood up for the woman because to me, that is what a true American is.

I think that what you point out is a fascinating phenomenon amongst Americans and after reading your reflections I think about conversations that I have had with many American friends and they have been very similar to the pattern that you point out.

I was born and raised in America as a Pakistani-Muslim-American. My cultures, lifestyle, and traditions made me unique and stick out a little bit more than all my other American friends at school. Every single time they were sparked with curiosity about any of my cultures they would inquire about it, but in such an extreme cautious manner - always padding their questions with cushion phrases such as "I hope you don't mind me asking" or "I hope I don't offend you, but...". I think that this occurs because Americans are raised to and strive to be so politically correct and non-discrimantory that they almost feel like they cannot ask these questions that they are so curious about because they feel as if though they may offend you.

I first would like to start off by thanking Cassidy Herrington for the great courage and strength she exemplifies in her social experiment. In order to truly understand the nature of the hijab Herrington has immersed herself into the subculture group of the hijab. She studies the nature of the hijab in an ethnographical fashion - she becomes part of the subculture to gain true understanding of it and experience it first hand.

Herrington shows strength and courage that some Muslim women are not even capable of showing. As a Muslim women, I do not think that I would have the strength to wear the hijab the way Herrington did. Yes, of course I wear the hijab to the masjid out of religious respect and ritual, but after that I take it off and it is no longer a part of me. I do not embody and incorporate the hijab into my lifestyle so unlike Herrington, I am not able to fully experience the racist and ignorant tensions associated with being a Muslim.

Herrington’s commentary was insightful to read and it makes me curious to further research other case studied where women have conducted social experiments similar to Herrington’s. However, one hole that I see in her report that I would have liked to read about is how she felt spiritually deep down inside by covering her hair. In group discussions, Muslim women talk about feeling freedom from society and constructs that society has created. These women are not judged by their looks but rather their character. I would have liked to read about Herrington’s experience in this topic. Did she feel free and released from society? Aside from Mr. Ashraf Yousef, did any other men treat her differently? Reading these things would have made this article more insightful for me.

This is the first time I have ever heard this lecture by Sam Richards and I found it truly eye opening. I like to think that I am a empathetic and understanding person, however after hearing this lecture I have realized that I have many journeys ahead of me that I must make in the shoes of others.

As people living in such a complex and mixed society we always strive to be worldly and understanding; open to the cultures, concepts, and norms of others. However this goal exists in theory and is difficult to achieve. In reality, one is easily swept away by a cloud emotions, passion, and anger during debates and conversation where two cultures that have different belief systems are at stake with one another. This cloud not only hurts us, but it pushes us away into a darkness filled with misconceived notions.

When engaging in debates and conversation it is important to take a step back and examine the entire picture. There are so many little parts that are crucial to one's understanding. Only when you comprehend all those little parts will you finally be able to piece the image together and appreciate it for what it really is. The situation with the Middle East and the United States is just like that. An image that we must step back and analyze - with all its causes and effects. The people in the Middle East are no different from those in America. As an American Muslim, I hear the stories of Arab Muslims and realize that my story is no different from theirs. As an American Muslim, I hear the stories of Americans of other faiths, and again I realize that my story is no different from theirs. As people, we are all tied together by our similarities and the things that make us unique.

I thank Sam Richards for this enlightening lecture. Next time I find myself feeling distant and cold hearted during a conversation or a debate I will remember this important idea - to be empathetic. That the other person, deep down inside, is just like me and has their own struggles. Empathy is the bridge that we must use to overcome ignorance and in America.

I believe that Middle Eastern countries have a very traditional culture and that it they have collectively worked hard to preserve and protect this culture. I see this valuable aspect from conversation to conversation in the mindsets and attitudes of the Middle Eastern students - that they have respected and cared for the the traditions of their culture.

I think it is important to differentiate culture from religion. Certain individuals in the Middle East may choose a lifestyle of homosexuality but it is critical to note that Islam does not permit homosexuality and this lifestyle is not supported. Many individuals who are homosexual practice secretly, to prevent shame from falling upon their families. The Middle Eastern culture and traditions do not support and accept homosexuality. I agree with Anas 100% when he states that the Middle East will not support gay marriages anytime soon. Homosexuality in Islam is not permissible. It is haram. Those Muslims who may consider themselves homosexual must understand that this is their personal challenge from God to overcome and conquer. I feel that as Muslims we are all faced with challenges everyday that test our Iman, or our faith. For example, a homeless person maybe tempted to steal food. Or a business man or woman may consider unethical practices in return for profit. Whatever our challenges are, it is our goal to overcome them for the sake of Islam and God. I feel that those who consider themselves homosexual or question their sexuality should view this confusion as a challenge from God to show devotion and live in accordance with the rules of Islam.