In this episode of the Demystifying Diversity Podcast, Daralyse Lyons interviews members of the Muslim American community about their personal and professional experiences. Daralyse speaks with community leaders, advocates, and experts about their lived experiences practicing Islam in the United States and their efforts to fight against Islamophobia. By examining the irrational and baseless fear of Islam in the United States, Daralyse illuminates the culpability of political leaders, everyday Americans and the modern media in perpetrating discrimination. She discusses the increase of Islamophobia that occurred after 9/11, as well as the increase in discrimination that occurred after the 2016 election, and the devastating, Anti-Muslim laws that were passed.

It is imperative that hope and faith be accompanied by action. Through the stories and experiences of the voices in this episode, you will be asked to examine your own actions, or lack of actions, and to examine your beliefs and biases.

Activism starts with discomfort and self-reflection, and it is only by becoming attuned to our own identities and experiences that we can develop empathy for others.

As we move forward, it is essential to ask yourself in what ways you have been assuming your experience to be the “center” or “norm” and how you can make an effort to get to know others for who they are, and not for what you think they represent?

Learn more at:

https://www.demystifyingdiversitypodcast.com/

Voices Featured:

-Aliyah Kabir

-Asma Rehman

-Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu

-Dr. Mona Masood

-Nihad Awad

-Salima Suswell

-Hediya Sizar

Episode sponsors:

Next Level Trainings. For $50 off on Shift, their introductory virtual training (and a FREE voucher to their in-person Discovery training), go to nextleveltrainings.com/diversity and enter the promo code diversity.

Lavin & Associates, a branch of Primerica. Contact Jon Lavin directly at 610-453-2331 or email him at Jonlavin@me.com for a free Financial Needs Analysis.

Demystifying Diversity: Embracing Our Shared Humanity Buy the Book