WASHINGTON, DC: Twenty-eight million copies of the DVD “Obsession: Radical Islam’s War Against the West were distributed in direct mail and newspaper insert campaigns to swing states throughout America in the weeks surrounding the 7th anniversary of 9/11.
The film claims to be an educational documentary about the threat of terrorism in the name of Islam to the United States. Many people, however, consider the DVD to be anti-Muslim propaganda that does not do enough to differentiate terrorists from the vast majority of peaceful Muslims.
The criticism surrounding “Obsession raises a number of issues, including the secrecy surrounding the Clarion Fund, the non-profit organization responsible for its production, and what many believe is a thinly veiled attempt to influence voters in this year’s elections. Many are concerned that this film abuses its non-profit status to sow fear and doubt in swing states across the United States, just weeks before the presidential election.
The sheer magnitude of this campaign – at a time when the country needs to come together – is daunting. But there are concrete steps that concerned citizens can take to combat this. We are not helpless. We do not have to tolerate in silence.
Regardless of your faith or heritage, if Obsession offended you, then speak out. Engage in open conversations with interfaith groups and cultural forums. We must, as a nation, present a unified front against scare tactics and attempts to dehumanize, belittle or marginalize any segment of our population.
Support initiatives for positive change, like the online group trying to raise money to distribute “On Common Grounds in the same swing states targeted by the “Obsession DVD. In a clear and refreshing contrast to the message of Obsession, this hour-long documentary “tells the story of three groups, Jewish, Christian and Muslim who attempt to overcome their differences by building a house for a poor family in Mexico . in one day! The film offers a format for non-Muslims to learn about Muslims in a positive way.
Use every opportunity to educate people about different cultures and religions, but especially our youngest citizens, so that they may grow up to be citizens of the world, able to govern with compassion and wisdom.
Get involved. Who will speak for us in January if we don’t make our voices heard on Nov. 4? Support the representatives who speak on our behalf – in the state legislature, in the halls of Congress and in the White House.
Understand the issues that affect your community, and research the candidates’ stances. Run for the local school board or city council seat – or aim higher if your aspirations so desire.
Register to vote in this year’s elections, and encourage friends, family, and neighbors to do the same.
Take your inspiration from people like Majid Al-Bahadli, the only Iraqi delegate on the floor of the Democratic National Convention this past August. In a recent interview with LA Weekly, Majid reminded us all of how good we’ve really got it in a country that has never had to vote in a dictatorship: “Where I come from, it was one ballot and one name. You guys don’t know what you have here with democracy. Half the country doesn’t participate! I don’t get it. You vote for who you want and have no fear of being killed. This is an incredible luxury.
Arab American Institute president James Zogby tells a similar tale of a conversation several years ago in Ohio. When asked if he was organizing Arab Americans to vote because they come from countries where people cannot vote, Dr Zogby replied, “No. I’m organizing Arab Americans to vote because they came to a country where people do not vote.
It is up to each and every one of us to answer the question originally posed by Lebanese poet and Arab American Khalil Gibran, and later paraphrased by US President John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country. It is the duty of every American to vote this year; the stakes have truly never been higher.
Don’t give people, like those behind Obsession, the power to silence us. It’s our voice. It’s our future.
Christina Zolais director of communications at the Arab American Institute (www.aaiusa.org) and has extensive experience in marketing, communications and public relations. This article was written for the Common Ground News Service (CGNews).
