There’s also a huuuuge under representation of non-arab muslims. I understand that America is very black-and-white, but being from Europe, A LOT of muslims are white, black, east-europeans, (non-arab) asians etc. But like judging from media, all muslims are arabs
It's the same way in america except there aren't many eastern european muslims but most of the muslims I've met are west/east african or southeastern asian
Exactly where I live (in the uk) most Muslims are Pakistani that’s where most of us come from. Countries like Bangladesh, India Pakistan. yet they only see Arab Muslims.
@@yuh8740 I’m not talking about GOOD representation. I mean representation overall, anytime there’s a muslim character in movies/shows/books, they’re arab
SOOOO TRUE!! I'm a Muslim woman and I still can't find a good representation of Muslim women in TV series/ Movies. It's like why I can't relate to them 🤷♀️ I live in Indonesia btw. Probably the culture is different 🤷♀️ I agreed what you said about the topic! Well said!
Wow, It's so nice to hear a Muslim girl talk about this. You've said things that I've told my friends and fam when it comes to Muslim representation in media. It's gotten to the point where I just avoid it (unless it's S.K Ali!) I remember a while back getting so excited when Elite came out bcuz of the Muslim representation only to be so confused about her character and that's when I really started to question it. I know few Muslim books about Muslim girls and even fewer about Muslim boys, but the Muslim girl narrative is always this shy, sheltered girl who falls for a white boy and when she starts to break the rules, she finds her true self or gains this happiness. As an older girl, I just wonder what kind of impact this has on the young Muslim community and how it'll shape their decisions. There's been so much emphasis on "accepting who you are" or "embracing your beauty" but we, Muslim girls, rarely get that. I think about it a lot when I see my little sister who doesn't feel beautiful in a hijab but only with her hair, and even with a hijab now she has to wear like the Hala girl. Young Muslims girls are being taught that if you look this way, or act this way, you'll find happiness and you'll fit in; that often means leaving or forgetting about Islam entirely and it's truly depressing. I remember even being confused myself because I never felt this way, and I felt like I almost should. I want to see more Mulism representation but not at the expense of our religion. Yes, those stories should be told, but that is not the ONLY story that exists. You said it right, girl! Amazing video!!!
CocoBooksGalore thank you so much for watching and sharing your thoughts. It is definitely a weird thing to be Muslim and American. It often seems like everyone is promoting authenticity but only when it fits in with their definition. That’s also why I don’t identify as a feminist. If your idea of freedom doesn’t include people who look like me I want NO PARTS. I will keep your sister in my duas. It’s very easy to give into peer pressure and unfortunately Muslim households don’t really encourage girls to love themselves with and WITHOUT hijab. It’s definitely a struggle.
And also, THANK YOU for pointing out that indian Muslims are obsessed with white people. I'm a Bangladeshi and I can confirm that a lot of people from my country would do absolutely anything to be lile western white people. Even if it means casting their religion aside. Maybe it's a long term effect of colonisation , maybe not. But I'm frustrated and sad seeing my own people feeling insecured about our own identity and being so desperate follow western culture. Edit:TH-cam is deleting my other comment where I said that these books and movies are only catering to western people and not us. They show what they want to see. That we are oppressed and we want to be like them but our parents won't let us! And they'll come save us! And that's actually not us though. I'm perfectly happy maintaining my own religion. And it's better not have ANY representation than having these type of misrepresentations that will in the long run hurt our religion.
The only muslim I felt protrayed what I felt as a muslim girl was Sana in Skam (the original one) and also cuz she actually a muslim so you can tell she knows while watching
I'm waiting to see how Ms. Marvel turns out. Obviously, the love interest is probably Bruno, who is white in the show, but as long as they portray everything else of the Muslim experience accurately, I'll be happy.
@@fohanawaz3846 not expecting much from it in terms of muslim representation tbh, i'm gonna swallow it with a grain of salt and focus on the parts that ik will definitely will be good. Expecting much from it in terms of muslim representation will just be a letdown later
PREACH, TAHIRY! PREACH. YESSS that's exactly why that rep is problematic because it makes it seem like Muslims don't want to be Muslims... like if they don't want to be Muslim then just don't???? I really hope you one day write a book about Black Muslim because y'all deserve that rep! It blows my mind that people called us extremists for just not wanting the same narrative. I like how you talked about All American Muslim Girl in a positive light because that one was ownvoices and the author based it on her own life and it brought a lot of discussion about Islam. Like there were lots of study group scenes that discussed things about Islam and even brought the issue about her having a BF. 15:44 YES. THIS. "The best parts of me come from being Muslim." YES. MASHAALLAH, SIS.
Have you read the Magnus Chase trilogy by Rick Riordan, it's a middle grade series about Norse Mythology? I know he's an old white guy (and non-Muslim as far as I know), but he included a Muslim girl named Sam who wears a hijab, isn't with a white boy, and proud of being Muslim and a demigod/Valkyrie; she likes a Muslim boy if I remember correctly (I haven't read the books since they came out). In the second or third book, she's fasting because it's Ramadan and credits her faith for giving her the strength to win a mental fight. I know it's not an own voices story and she's a major side character, not the main character, and I'm white and non-Muslim, but I think it's better than other stories (Elite writers did Nadia, her family, and your faith dirty! Especially in season 2). As far as white, old, male writers go, I think Riordan does a pretty good job with representing all sorts of groups (he created characters with dyslexia and ADD/ADHD as rep for his son who has these conditions! Percy and Sally Jackson are survivors of abuse, and no one excuses what Gabe does to them, there's two same-sex relationships in the Apollo books, and there are multiple characters from different racial backgrounds [Native American, Hispanic, Black, etc.]). I'm sure there's problems in some areas because there's no such thing as perfect, but I find his books to be better than others with similar privileges when it comes to representation.
YESS. Finally someone who gives Rick Riordan the character he deserves for being one of the few authors who can write engagingly, grab the attention of his readers, and include accurate representation without having it seem forced or irrelevant to the plot. That author is PHENOMENAL
I used to struggle with those kind of things because I was forced to wear hijab when I was little girl I started thinking about like oh my hair so beautiful why can't I show it or like I just want to wear shorts blah blah blah and so on slowly I grew into the Muslim side of me and didn't take the wrong path I started loving my religion and so do I today now that I see people are doing the same thing that I've done I understand them they should just take a different faith or understand what islam really does for them I mean you can live without a boyfriend it's not necessary I really love my religion and Allah for guiding me the right way inshallah no one should deal with it 😊
jamila masuud thank you for sharing your story! It’s definitely a complex thing especially because on one hand I think it would be super beneficial to see and hear stories abt Muslims like you who grew into their faith (I would definitely recommend All American Muslim Girl to read because that’s what the story is about ). I definitely don’t want to hear stories about perfect Muslims because non of us are perfect. But it just shouldn’t be so one sided
i'm a desi muslim hijabi and i'm grossed out by all this i don't wanna be white or take off my hijab i love my faith they should show the beauty of islam.
Thank you so much for putting the time and effort in making this video. I’m not muslim but a lot of times when (its rare) I see muslim representation it makes me unconfortable because it doesnt feel real. Like, I would think that the hardest part about being muslim (just like being any way that does not follow the normative white way of living) is other people. Not your faith, not your family, but the part of the world that is always pointing the ways you dont fit in. Sorry for any butchering grammarwise, I’m in a rage (also it’s not my linguage, but who cares). I think Sana from Skam is the only muslim in media that felt real to me, have you seen this series? To me, feels like she really loves who she is. And her love interest is muslim too, they are so perfect. But I would love to now what you think of Sana. Well, I loved your video and your channel. Can not wait to learn more. So I’ll hurry and watch more of your videos.
Luisa Landre ive heard of Skam. People keep recommending it. But it’s so crazy how even u as a non Muslim can see that the depictions od Muslims in media just feels forced and fake af. Thank you for watching! ❤️❤️
Girl this video hit all the points. Everything you’ve said is 100%. I hate the lack of representation of Muslims who want to be Muslim and follow Islam and be with a Muslim. S.k Ali is a queen for love from A to Z. And I’m so freaking over there being NO black Muslim representation when black Muslims are such a huge part of Islamic history and Muslims period. I’m tired of Muslims trying to please their oppressors as well. Like eff that boo, they don’t give a flying fuck about you or your religion love. Don’t get me started on Islam being portrayed as a culture. That’s why people are so ill informed. It’s so sad because a lot of the time it is Muslims telling ppl all the wrong things about us. I’m honestly so proud of you as my Muslim sis speaking on this. You’re an absolute queen and may Allah bless you in all that you do that is good, ameen 💕💕💕 This really makes me rethink the book I wrote as a teenager about a black Muslim girl. I’m starting to think I should try to publish it because it’s necessary if not anything else. I feel so much for Muslims growing up now because everyone is telling them that they shouldn’t want to be what they are and I know how hurtful and damaging that was for me growing up.
YESS! I have read so many books with muslim characters and seen so many trailers of those kinds of movies but to me they don't mean anything to me. I am comfortable with being muslim and I haven't read not one book where the character doesn't want to rip their hijab off or go get a boyfriend. It's crazy, I would also love to see some books with male main characters for those who can resonate with their side of the story. And it's not like it wont be uninteresting to read about a character who doesn't have problems with their faith and instead with their life in general. I just want to say this video spoke volumes! And I couldn't agree more 💗👏
This is such a great video. Thank you for pointing out and clearly explaining why these types of representations aren’t giving. It makes complete sense to me that as a black personal you’d love being Muslim especially because of the strong connection because black libration and Islam. You’ve got some great historical role models as you mentioned. As someone who grew up in predominantly white upstate New York one of my closest childhood friends was Muslim and her family was from Pakistan. Being in her house and around her family it was completely normalized to me. She didn’t wear a hijab but other girls who I did sports with at a young age did and I never thought anything of it. My family was super Christian till I was 10 and they weren’t great about a lot of things but they never talked shit about other religions while I was growing up. I know my friend struggled with a lot of racism and Islamophobia and she was her own person with her own interest, goals and talents. It didn’t define her. She practices in her own way and cosplays while being modest. I bet she’d think this representation is really dumb too. That being said it feels like this narrative is trying to “challenge stereotypes types” and be counterculture by showing the western idea of what a “liberated” Muslim woman looks like but how can you break a stereotype when you’re creating one because of your lack of diverse representation? Give us tons of media of Muslim people minding their own business then in the 100th movie you can have some white boy show up. But this is how representation goes for any marginalize group. We’ll only ever get what applies to stereotypes about our community because that’s supposed to appeal to a bigger audience. On a brighter note Dead End Park has a character who wears a hijab and is lovely. She’s just living her best life so that’s some cute fun representation. I’m now also very invested in and want black Muslim representation. I’m rooting for everyone black.💚
until an actual novelist/author makes a a book about a good skateboarding black muslim girl who sticks to her faith and deals with more than 'being so-called oppressed', im gunna write my own one on wattpad or smthn. also, the hala trailer was terrible. awful. and elite just ruined netflix for me. what elite's basically saying is that he loves her hair, not her. he loves the lust, not her. so whether she was muslim or not, he was just a douchebag who wanted to use her.
I love this video tahirah!!!! I am from Pakistan and its a Muslim country and when I struggled with my faith and discovered it all over again and started hijab and then niqab, it was the hardest thing for me to do. My family was against it and I remember crying and asking help from Allah. It indeed made me stronger but when i see movies like Hala it makes me SO angry because there are muslim girls who are fighting to keep their hijab/niqab on but no one talks about them. I have always seen my people represented as terrorist in movies like Iron man and so on and my beautiful language used as a tool to violence and it breaks my heart. I cant even imagine what my muslim brothers and sisters living in america feels. The fact that its so hard for white people to understand that our faith and hijab is a part of who we are. Like what’s so hard to understand? I dont meed saving from a white boy with no personality whatsoever. And like you know we also have problems in studies, with mental health, making a career and so much more. HOW ABOUT TELLING THOSE STORIES? HUH? Also i have only read A very large expanse of sea out of all the books you mentioned and i actually quite love it but i do agree with your point about the white boy but according to the author its her semi-biography and she is actually married to that same person from high school but what I like about the book is that she does not struggle with her faith but instead the story is right after 9/11 and how as a hijab muslim she deals with hate and changing schools and she doesnt hate her parents(very refreshing change) she break dance and an aspiring fashion designer so if you havent read the book I woud definitely ask you to give it a try. Other than that i had no idea about Becky Albertalli’s book and i can already feel how the book is going to be. Allah save me! Also i wont say that i understand exactly what you feel as a black muslim but I know the anger and the humiliation when i see pakistani represented as bombers and it always the same. Also 100% agree with people being obsessed with whiteness. As a south asian whose skin is brown I have heard snide remarks and remedies thrown my way to make my skin white. Like STOP OBSESSING OVER YOUR COLONIZERS
Shehzeen thank you so much for watching!! I definitely want to still read AVLEOS because I’ve heard good things about the Islamic representation and how she comes to terms with her faith.
I loveeeee this video. I know ZERO about the Muslim Faith. And I read a very large expanse is sea but there wasn’t much religion portrayed in there .. I hope there is a book written with what you want some day. Or the hotties will be supporting you when you write it.
And as a Desi American women I do agree that a lot of the culture comes with trying to please white people. Desi women desire white skin, ( that’s a whole ass problem in itself) they want to be accepted by them because we are basically the same. But in reality we are different and better in our own way with an amazing history and religion that we should never let go to please a single soul.
Shazna O YES EXACTLY!!!!! I understand wanting to not be seen as other but if society won’t accept you for who you are then maybe we shouldn’t aspire to be accepted
thank you so much for this video!!! I’m young and when i discovered elité, i was happily surprised that muslims were represented in western media, but when i saw HOW they were represented, i felt confused, i was like ‘this is supposed to be right? and if i didn’t support it am i wrong about it?’ cus it’s not what MY religion represents, it’s what white people, people of different backgrounds or religions represent and they’re trying to push it into islam. i was afraid to speak up about those topics because what might people would say about me and my beliefs, but when i connected with my community more, i felt comfort. it’s something i shouldn’t apologize for. and it’s none of their business. people like you glow for people like me! please keep speaking up and doing what you’re doing and tell other muslims to do the same! the muslim youth needs more of it. subscribed and love from saudi arabia pretty 💘
Omg !! I literally just a made a video that is sorta like this ( being African American and Muslim ) saying it to say wow we are thinking along the same lines sorta kinda
I came here from Aissata's video and you hit home for me on the Black rep. Not all of us grew up in the hood, deal with drugs, and gangs. I get tired of seeing that narrative all the time. Loved this video ❤❤❤❤
This right here is what we need!!! I hope the message will reach lots of people. I immediately subscribed and can’t wait for more content. You are AMAZING❤️❤️
A tv show callled Little Mosque On The Prairie is a great Canadian show. It shows muslims who both love and struggle in realistic situations and how they integrate into a small Canadian Prairie town.
I am so glad that you made this video. You literally took all of my thoughts and frustrations and turned it into a video. I'm just like you were I completely avoid books that have a Muslim character. I already know what there going to be about so what's the point. Anyways love you and your videos !
I am so happy I found your channel. It's been hard to find a AA Muslim woman who speaks to more than just beauty and lifestyle. And you're from the East Coast, love.
Breonna Williams girls yes! I totally agree. Although I do dabble in those things it definitely is not all I am and my channel has no specific genre. I speak my truth above all else. Thank you for joining the fam ❤️
That Hala trailer was 🤢🤢🤢. I definitely agree with you on a lot of things here. First of all that point about Black Muslims being visible as independent artists but not when it comes to traditional media is a definite example of systematic erasure. I don't necessarily agree that it's wrong for a Muslim woman to date, marry outside the religion etc (that's my personal belief, and I respect those who believe otherwise). But yeah, I don't have an issue with Internment or AVLEOS when it comes to them dating white boys or boys outside of their religion (although the white boy thing is getting really old lol). I also don't have an issue with the books not portraying them practicing their faith. Muslim authors should have the liberty to write about Muslims dealing with faith, culture, both, or none. The problem is that Muslims who want to write about faith, especially if it's more traditional, don't have that liberty. You're right in that Muslim stories that aren't faith heavy are more palatable to the Western reader - they become catered to the Westen reader as these exceptional works that 'educate' them into become more 'progressive' and whatnot... which is kinda gross. So although I like AVLEOS and Samira's books, I don't give any flack to Muslims who roll their eyes at it. The problem is that these books get more hype and more praise then books like those by S. K. Ali, as you said. Love from A to Z is leagues better than those, in terms of story, plot, writing, characters, everything. So much better. But it's not as palatable to the Western eye. There needs to be a balance of religious and non religious Muslim rep, and having an overwhelming abundance of the latter makes no sense cause Islam is, well, a religion 🤣🤣🤣. Also it'd be nice to have stories that aren't about faith, Islamophobia, identity politics... Can we just have a story about Muslim girls who skateboards? I like that. Wow. Sorry I talked so much, I can't help it when it comes to talking about Muslim rep 🤣. Like jeez this comment is long 😅😅. Thank you for this wonderful, necessary video!
THANK YOU FOR WATCHING AND SHARING YOUR THOUGHTS. i appreciate your opinions so much and your thoughts definitely add a different perspective to the conversation so once again thank you. I think if we had a good mix of religious and not religious or identity politics not being a factor at all when it comes to Muslim rep it would really help all of us as Muslim consumers not only understand each other better but for all of us to have options 😂😂 (I also wanna see a movie about Muslim girls skateboarding...someone plz make that) thanks again for commenting and always supporting me ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I also 10000% agree that Muslims should have the right to express themselves and tell their stories of what role Islam plays in their lives. That’s why I really wanted to keep reiterating that it’s not about the creators of these media’s that’s the problem. Their stories and how they practice are valid as well.
@@SincerelyTahiry 100%!!! A better mix of representation, and more accurate portrayals of what Islam means to most Muslims is needed! Along with a skateboarding Muslim girl ofc.
Books are my Social Life You may not think it’s wrong for Muslim women to marry outside their religion but it’s prohibited in Islam, still agree with you on the rest tho
Beautiful comment to a beautiful video! When I read "If I Was Your Girl", the author's note brought up something I thought was super important. That her story about this high school trans girl does not represent everyone and some trans people might be upset at it. But no matter how she would have written it, people would have been upset that it didn't represent them. So really we need more stories from more aspects of a community. Having a one sided story will always be insufficient. So yes! We need representation of religious Muslims and Muslims dating outside their religion and Muslim girls skateboarding!! Give us more!!! Woo!
YES YES TO ALL OF THIS!!!! This is exactly why I'm writing a ROMANCE novel with a BLACK Muslim girl and a BLACK _MUSLIM_ man just to prove that Muslim girls can have romance and pure love WITHOUT doing anything haram. They can have conflict WITHOUT doing anything haram.
This was a really great video and you pointed out so many unfair realities in poor representation. We definitely need more Muslim characters who are proud of their faith. It’s tiring seeing the same narrative over and over. I did like A Very Large Expanse of Sea because Tahereh has said it’s basically a fictional autobiography, so it’s very specific to her personal experience. But not ever Muslim book with those issues is like that, and we need to see a wide range of experiences.
This was such a beautiful, eloquent video that shook my world when I watched it a few months ago and I still think about it today. You brought up a lot of really important points and also articulated some frustrations I even had with other minority representation as well that I wasn't able to properly identify. Super fantastic video, wonderful words! I hope to have even 10% of the eloquence you have!
girl yes. when you said you'd rather there was none i FELT THAT. the only show i really love the representation is Kim's Convenience, when muslim characters come in they're just treated like regular people and it's not a whole issue.
samira al-abbas from the Magnus Chase trilogy is in my opinion, such a good representation of Muslim girls. some things are a little iffy but overall I think she is written very well. she is smart, brave, and proud of her religion. As a long time percy jackson stan I was very happy to see rick riordan write a Muslim character.
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL THIS TIME!!? THIS VIDEO IS AMAZING. Thank you so much for this! I can't believe we have to beg for more Muslim characters who actually love Islam. Many of us know Islam is our biggest strength so to only see the 'struggling muslim' narrative is just tiring at this point
I saw this on my twitter tl and retweeted just based on the thumbnail because I already knew you were going to say nothing but facts in this video. That Hala trailer made me sigh out loud bc just like you said I knew exactly what was coming lol. It’s sooo disappointing that the only Muslim stories that are hyped are the ones surrounding white boys and/or struggles with faith when although that is the reality for some, it is absolutely not for the majority. Also hoping for more black muslim stories in the mainstream media in the near future because there really is such a severe lack of them. If you have any recommendations I would love to get some! This video was amazing and I can’t wait to watch more from you 💓
Mariam Reads Sometimes girlllll that trailer was just dry. Like we’re over it. 🙄😭 there’s seriously a lack of creativity but MashAllah thanks for watching love 💕
Shukran for making this video, it's so Important, especially with today's climate with the laws being passed In France and the genocide happening in China. New subscriber, love from a fellow hijabi muslimah in South Africa 💕 Btw, you're so beautiful MashaAllah 😍
Sincerely Tahiry we gotta a long way till people see Muslims come in every race and not just brown. Keep up the good work I like your views on representation of Muslims in media. I’m tryin to be filmmaker myself but I was so close to producing an independent short film but miss rona had other plans, inshaallah if I get the funding I’ll give y’all all the representation we deserve. I’m giving you coming of age stories, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, comedy and action all while portraying us right.
I wish I had found this video earlier & your channel in general! The way you just echoed so many of my thoughts on this 👏 mA wishing you all the best, always 💛
Assalamu Alaikum, thank you for posting this. I am a revert in the US and I can't tell you how absolutely shocking it is everytime I consume a piece of media glorifying this ridiculous narrative about how Muslims interact with the rest of the American culture. It's shocking that there is a young hijabi kissing a boy in this trailer. It's so frustrating that this is the only narrative that gets pushed...it's the exact opposite of representation, it's about showcasing the experience of SOME people. Selectively picking and choosing which stories fit the American culture's obsession with "individualism" and "freedom."
THANK YOU FOR SAYING THIS!! Let's keep this conversation going because we seriously don't ever talk about the toxic nature of Muslim portrayal and non-existent Black Muslim portrayal.
I was just talking to a friend that almost every single book I read had a white, blonde, blue eyed love interest and I'm so tired of it. It's not that those people aren't beautiful, but OTHER PEOPLE ARE ALSO BEAUTIFUL!! AND I WANNA SEE IT!
This video😩 💯💯💯💯 i wish you lived in the U.K. haha I'm writing my dissertation about African and Caribbean Muslims and i feel like you would be the perfect person to interview!
Lmao ironically I am a Muslim girl that wears a hijab and my mom literally went w me on a 3 hour hunt to get me a skateboard cuz I’ve been wanting to learn it and I’m currently trying to
hey :) just leavin a comment to let you know that one of the only representations of muslim girls i had was nadia from elite, and i honestly never thought there was anything wrong with that, until i started listening to what muslim girls have to say about it and educated myself on the topic. as a white person, i was very ignorant, and i still have a lot to learn regarding this topic, so thank you for talking about it !
Bro fr. So glad to see someone pointing this out. I was so excited when I first saw a Muslim character, but oh wow, why do I even get my hopes up lmfao. Very typical of a western show honestly, idk what I was even expecting lol. That scene with Violet declaring she's not Muslim and then drinking alcohol was like a slap to the face smh. It hurts to see that from my all time favorite childhood show .-.
This video was really well done. It felt very thought through and well explained. White non-muslim here. To be honest, the only Muslim representation that comes to mind outside of background characters walking around in movies/shows is a Muslim character in one of Rick Riordan's books. It's been a long time, so I don't remember much, but that was my first exposure to the experience of a Muslim person. Other than that, I'd occasionally see hijabi when my family went to very popular attractions like a big zoo, but I'm sad to say that middle school (maybe early high school?) me (pre those Riordan books) felt sorry when I saw them because the little I had learned about Muslims were 9-11 (though I knew that was a radical minority), stories of abusive marriages, and the general stereotypes of forced to wear hijab Muslim women. I hate that the state of representation is so abysmal that that was my emotional reaction back then. These past few months I've been doing research into a few different faiths including Islam because I didn't want all the characters in a webseries I'm writing to be Catholic, atheist, or agnostic just because that was what I knew how to write from experience. Writing the diversity I want to see is difficult when I know so little, so I am learning as much as I can, making sure the blogs and such I read are written by Muslims, and will look for readers for the script before going forward into production. The most prominent Muslim character is not in the story as long as most of the others (maybe a fifth of the planned series?), but I would still consider her a major character of the story arc she's in. I'll call her S. S is a black Muslim who is happy with her faith and comfortable with herself and also states at one point that she wants to find a Muslim partner one day-- I decided all this months ago so I'm happy to hear these are good inclusions. There is also an ex-Muslim character (I'll call D) who obviously isn't Muslim rep since she's "ex", but her family is Muslim, so she is "culturally" Muslim like the way that I am "culturally" Catholic. D's cousin is a minor character (who is Muslim) and D is a major character in most of the series (another character has religious trauma, so to avoid coming across as "religion is bad" I wanted 1) a character with a happy and healthy relationship with said religion and 2) a character who stepped away from the faith they were raised with with no ill will or family trauma-- D was initially going to be ex-Christian but I had enough Christianity going on and I wanted to somehow include more Muslim-related conversations before S comes in, even as small as D mentioning her cousin couldn't answer the phone if she called right now because she's currently praying and how because D didn't grow up eating pork the idea of eating it is still unappealing to her). This is my first baby step into writing Muslim characters and I'm sure I will learn and grow from any feedback I get and improve on the next try. And one day, maybe I'll write practicing Muslim characters in bigger, more long-lasting roles, once I feel confident and comfortable enough in my knowledge to do so. I'll probably always leave main character Muslims and storylines about Islam itself to those with the lived experience, though. No matter how much research I do, it would never be my story to tell! So, Muslim writers out there, keep writing! We all want to hear your stories! Thanks again for making this video! You seem like a lovely person and your voice in even just this video has reached so many!
I just want them to create a hijabi character of colour (black, desi etc.) that actually portrays islam and not culture and changes the standards of beauty. Somebody who doesnt need some white guy to be her saviour or feel like she must remove her hijab to feel empowered or liberated because hijab IS a symbol of liberation and empowerment against society's standards and she is her own hero
I'm making a series of comics and I want to make sure the Muslim characters in it are good representation. So anyone with information and experience please let me know. Thanks:)
Just discovered your account. As a Muslim women i agree that the representation and portrayal in media is simply ugh, and i never connect with the characters as they always portrayed as oppressed etc and not embracing their faith.
@@SincerelyTahiry Yes of course! Credited, quoted and had the vid sent to my department as a cool rec, thank you for talking about things that people refuse to talk about
I totally love your video.S.K. Ali is my favorite writer. Saints and Misfits is my favorite book ever and I love the idea of hijabi’s and niqabi’s that it sends out. When I first saw the Hala trailer I was so happy seeing the thumbnail because it had a hijab I but after watching I was so mad and upset and I read Saints and Misfits to calm down🙂.
I'm non-muslim, I've seen in the moon girl series that there's a minor character Fawziah who's a part of the volleyball team. Not many lines as it's the one episode but that's the most recent character that comes to mind. Then after that I don't recall any characters that I've watched, although there was this one show I have been meaning to watch about this band, and one of the girls is also a hijabi and she either plays bass or lead guitar.
💗 a topic that is well needed, you’re speaking facts 🙌🏽 We’ve seen 1001 narratives of white people struggle and approximately one narrative of a Muslim American struggle, that is just not right.
Really appreciate of what you're doing coz we must educate those who mistakes culture and Islam and we must represent us Muslims girls and what deen teaches us thank so much sister may Allah bless each and everyone of which wisdom and patients ❤️
Salaam, OMG I agree with everything you said. I really want to read literature where the muslims especially girls and woman are happily practising their religion.
Bruh SKAM Norway is still the ONLY realistic Muslim representation I have ever seen in my life. I'm so glad you made a video on those because it seems like no one talks about it. As much as I hate it, I doubt American media will make a portrayal of a Muslim who is happy and content with their religion because that goes against everything they want to push about us.
The "muslim girl gets out of her toxic household" trope doesn't bother me. What bothers me is the fact that they go from 100 to 0 especially when it's for a white boy. Like they really hate being Muslima they go from Muslima to Atheist like??? Can we have a movie about just a Muslima going through life and embracing her identity??? Or even a Muslima knowing the difference between Islam and her toxic parents??? It doesn't even have to be a Muslima, we also need Muslim boys representation but they don't do it cause Americans are so obsessed with the "Muzlim girl is oppressed and forced to wear the hijab and she wants to get out of Islam" trope. Can we get non-hijabis too? Desi Muslims, Black Muslims, Asian Muslims like DAMN 90% of Indonesia is Muslim. But no in their mind the only kind of Muslim worthy of "representation" is the oppressed arab hijabi girl who's secretly atheist.
I'm an unpublished author and my favourite story I wrote has a Muslim character in it but I now think it's only passable representation. He's proud to be Muslim but doesn't really talk about his faith that much and is Arab.
Yes! Like, bruh just a representation of an average muslim! No extreme, neither liberal nor oppressed/extremist, just a normal one, it is not that difficult. :'/
Hi there! I'm currently working on a personal project just for fun on a story set in a Nigerian university, and I'm hoping to create a Muslim character that avoids stereotypes and tribalism while exploring their complexities. I don't want to reduce the character to their religious identity, so I'm looking for hobbies, interests, and quirks that will make them relatable and authentic. I would appreciate any tips or advice from those who live in multicultural and multi-religious countries, or from writers who have experience creating diverse characters, especially Nigerian Muslims, (including Yoruba or Edo Muslims and not just the north) I'm open to suggestions on which university to use (UNIben, UI, Babcock, Afe or ANU, UNN, Nile, or should I make a made-up place?) I'm considering several scenarios, such as a boy dealing with his parent's divorce where one parent is Muslim and the other Christian. I don't want their reason for divorce to be religious, whether it's a girl struggling with body image due to her skin colour or possibly having a condition like vitiligo or albinism and being curvier than the ideal skinny look, or a girl striving to make a name for herself as a business owner despite coming from a wealthy family. My goal is to create a multi-dimensional character that can exist within a diverse group of friends while attending university. If you have any tips or advice to share, I would love to hear it! I'm also searching for a non-common Muslim name that would fit the character. i need a nigerian name While originally, I had considered writing about a university student who had recently discovered his parent's funds Boko Haram, I realized that this would not align with my aim to avoid tribalism and the religious basis that already exists in Nigeria. If you're familiar with the story of the "Owner of Abuja's Wonderland Amusement Park, Amigo Supermarket, linked to terrorism," then you'll understand the vibe I was going for. However, I want to emphasize that I am not looking to be offensive in any way, and my primary goal is to create a relatable and authentic character that I can write as a beginner. add a reference to media like I guess anime, movies or popular real-life Nigerian Muslims
I came here bc I’m non Muslim and Ik black ppl can be portrayed wrong in media so when I saw elite i had to go get educated bc Nadia (the Muslim in the show) was giving me some feels I didn’t know were accurate
Thank you for trying to educate yourself! So many other non Muslims have told me that they also felt really uncomfortable by western portrayals of Muslims. Especially if they have Muslim friends or family members. They know first hand how devoted many of us are to our faith. I think that it’s so amazing that you recognized the issue and tried to find a better narrative. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Also agree 100% that Muslims are not only Arab and South Asian! The first Muslims of the US for a long time were Black people! Like anyone can be Muslim! Yes, some people mix cultural traditions and religious teachings/practices and that is a whole other topic but that’s because you don’t know the religion well. Also agree with wanting to see stories with mmmm Muslims finding their iman, getting back to the religion and getting closer to Allah (SWT)
What about SKAM Norway? The series has a badass hijabi character played by an actress who's a hijab-wearing Muslim. I felt it was honest. (The whole 4th season is kinda her story)
Seeing only negative light shined on a specific group of people is harmful as hell. Just like you said it’s so important that there’s more than one narrative of people. This has to be frustrating for you.
(Sorry for bad english, it’s not my first language) I am a young girl whose dreams is to be a scenarist or writer one day. And right now, I am working on several stories. But one of them is a story about a class of gifted kids from France (and others characters such as families and teachers) who face adventures and struggles in their daily life. I tried to make very different kids. First of all, they all have unique personalities, hobbies but they still have some common point that creates some group friends inside of the class (they are 19 kids). And I also tried to different looks, I didn’t want to make all of them pretty, only some of it, because I want their personality to be attractive. And I also started to work on their origins, families, backstories etc…Among these kids, there are two girls who are religious. One is Christian, her name is Anaïs and she is an artist who wants to engage her talent in social issues but at the same time, she don’t really realize how and what it really means because she is still a child (but she will grow up). Outside having an amazing artistic intelligence, she is also very organized, one of the rare ones who loves school but she has trust issues in herself and she always wants to give up, wherever she can. And there is also a Muslim girl. Her name is Fleur, she have a Swiss mother and a French father, they are both Muslims. They went to live in France when she was four years old and it’s where she met and first and forever best friend : Louise (who is atheist). At first, the two girls didn’t get along with each other, Louise was often the mean one and Fleur believed everything Louise said. But one day, they had to do a science school project together. They were supposed to find a way to make an homemade little car move without fuel. And together, they did an excellent job. The two are inseparable and they love to create new technologies such as robots, hyper high-tech watches or phones etc…They love shopping and they take their inspirations for their creations from what they see in the stores. They are both gifted kids. But they are quite different. Fleur is more patient and gentle than Louise but she can still be very angry towards someone. She values family (by blood or not) the most but at the same time, she is the one who likes school the less (Louise kinda like school). Fleur prefer to go out and talk about life with her friends. She is also better on French classes than Louise because she reads more books than her. But, Fleur is not very open to new experiences unlike Louise. And despite moving from Switzerland to France, Fleur hates traveling and she actually have plane fear. She always think that they are going to crash and she absolutely don’t want to go in here. However, Louise is way more jealous and possessive than Fleur. The two rarely argue, so when they argue, it means that it’s really bad. But they usually make peace after. Both Louise and Fleur are very sassy. In the future, Louise will be a robot programmer and Fleur will help her sometimes but, Fleur prefer to spend her talent on making amazing outfits and accessories and start her own little independant store. I am still working on it, so maybe there will be things to change. I mean, they are 19 kids I have to work on (without counting the secondary characters), so it’s gonna be long XD but I tried to make gifted kids from different origins, religions, traditions, family system etc…even if they are all French. Because I want to show that gifted kids can be in every country, every culture and have different type of intelligence (not just the stereotypical gifted kids who is extremely smart at maths, even if I am planning to do one who is great at maths and chess).
There are books out there they just don't make it big I think because it doesn't serve in the self interest of the Publishing companies. I have no qualms about self published authors.
I did like the girl Shirin from the book "A very large expanse of see" at first but later on she literally was doing everything our religion forbids us to do like dating a non muslim, making out I mean I could go on and on. Reading that book felt like "cover your hair with a scarf and boom You're a Muslim!"
I heard SO much similar feedback about. AVLEOS and THATS why I never read it. I also don’t like to read books that center around 9/11 too much cuz it’s deeply triggering.
I would love if you would check out Sahar Abdul Aziz, if you want a muslim author that doesn't focus on the romance so much. But I must say as a book reviewer and someone who is constantly looking for a accurate representation of muslims I totally agree with this video and the books you have mentioned. Naima B Robert's she wore red trainers is a great read and if you enjoy romance check out Lyndell Williams. My only gripe with Lyndell is that while she portrays muslims accurately conflict and plot is lacking in her books and this is what I find with a lot of in Muslim authors. They need better plots and real conflict in their stories. And it needs to be believable. Also a really old book but a goodie and I wish she would write again is What we Learned along the way by Nadirah Angail.
what an interesting video! as a desi muslim, I completely understand that most books about muslims are either about us or arabs, and I'm genuinely sad that I can't think of a single fictional thing with a black muslim in it. I think there is definitely a tendency to appease white people unfortunately, but this mainly comes from a cultural perspective than an Islamic one. I am very sick of seeing this portrayal of Muslims in the Western media and was so annoyed after watching the Hala trailer. While this may be a reality for some Muslim girls, it isn't for all, and this reinforcement negatively impacts the mindsets of non-Muslims and young Muslims as well. I didn't mind A Very Large Expanse of Sea though because it's coming from Tahereh's own experience and she didn't want to renounce her religion or anything (as far as I can remember) - it was mostly her dealing with the after-effects of 9/11. anyway, thank you for making this video and I'm looking forward to the next ones! ❤️
Sanna Z yes exactly. I’m also planning on reading AVLEOS because I’ve heard really amazing things about it and I also understand that it’s important to hear the stories of all types of Muslim people and I definitely admire her strength for speaking her truth.
I clicked on the thumbs up before finishing the video caaause I was like: PREACH PREACH PREEEACH throughout the whole video!! I just watched the trailer of Hala and they haaad to use my name hein?😂 but seriously I wasn’t even surprised, I was like oh yeah here we go again!!🙄😒😒
Omg yes everyone praising ALEOS was so annoying when the book has some really problematics aspects in terms of representation but also in terms of anachronism... And I love Tahereh Mafi's other books but this one... meh
Even in Marocco, a muslim country everyone on the Tv is lighter than the population and the most of the women aren't wearing hijab which is really common in Marocco.
What annoys me even more, when you google about those movies like Hala you find tons of articles saying it got such great reviews. GREAT REVIEWS BY WHOM? Non-muslims obviously. Cause so far I didn't see a muslim liking this movie or feeling properly represented by it. I know it shouldn't be a surprise, but not only do they not bother to look into actual muslim experiences while producing such movies - they also don't care about muslim reviews when it comes to judging wether that movie turned out well or not.
I started to learn to draw a month ago because I want to make a funny adult cartoon but I am not very good at working in teams so I don’t want to force an animator to work with me. My story and character building is over, I just need to make good animation and drawings. There is a lot of main characters but one of them is a Muslim girl who have one childhood best friend. They are both extremely smart girls who love fashion, trending stuff etc…But they also love to create and work on new technologies ideas for the future. They wants to leave their name in history with their modern creation such as robots, new phones, high tech clothes, video games etc… But they still have their own personality. Her best friend is kinda the « leader » type, she is always very organized, she can get angry very easily if something is not ok with her and she is the most creative one of the team, she gets almost all the ideas. However, the Muslim girl is the most mature and serious one, she is very good at practicing and building and she has a lot of knowledge, especially in fashion because she wants to specialize into modern fashion. They are called the « coolest girls from the school » only because they do skateboarding very well (which annoy the boys who also do skateboarding but who don’t get that lot of attention XD). The story begin when the main characters are kids, so they only base the skateboarding skills of the girls to determine if they are cool or not because they are kids, they have a very simple vision of like. You have a skateboard ? You are definitely cool. I planned a lot of episodes with those two because they are one of my favorite duo. But I also planned some episodes where they are alone, to see how they work when they are not together. I also leave some scenes for F (the Muslim girl) where she is with her family, where she goes praying or when she does the Ramadan (I don’t know the English word, it’s how we say it in my country) and some other stuff like that but they are more like, background informations, some scenes or some words pronounced in a conversation. There is also an episode planned for her where she met and has a crush on a pretty Muslim boy and she don’t have any idea on how to get close to him so she ask her friends about advices but they don’t work. At the end, she finally stop following the advices and ask the boy if he would like to go watch a movie with her and her family, which the boy agree and it makes her happy. But I am not going to make her only Muslim just for some « diversity ». They are 19 main characters, all different, and I want all of them to be lovable in their own way. So I worked a lot on building their personalities, past, hobbies and even their future evolution. The main message of this cartoon is about learning more about itself to grow up. So I am working a lot of that too, I also studied some psychology stuff and facts about kids behavior and humans developments to make them the most realistic characters and still include a bit of absurdity since it’s a comedy cartoon.
There’s also a huuuuge under representation of non-arab muslims. I understand that America is very black-and-white, but being from Europe, A LOT of muslims are white, black, east-europeans, (non-arab) asians etc. But like judging from media, all muslims are arabs
It's the same way in america except there aren't many eastern european muslims but most of the muslims I've met are west/east african or southeastern asian
Exactly where I live (in the uk) most Muslims are Pakistani that’s where most of us come from. Countries like Bangladesh, India Pakistan. yet they only see Arab Muslims.
What??? I haven’t seen a SINGLE Arab Muslim represented ever
@@yuh8740 I’m not talking about GOOD representation. I mean representation overall, anytime there’s a muslim character in movies/shows/books, they’re arab
What they really want to tell to people is „ take youre hijab of or dont practice your faith then your life will be better and it really piss me off
EXACTLY. It’s an insult to our intelligence as Muslim woman as well as oppressive.
“The fetishisation of white reverts is gross” !!!!! say it louder (tbf my younger self really thought I could eventually convert my crushes loool)
Saarah xxx GIRLLL BEEN THERE!!!!!
IT'S A THING? 😭😭😭
Lmao, we all been there i guess
SOOOO TRUE!! I'm a Muslim woman and I still can't find a good representation of Muslim women in TV series/ Movies. It's like why I can't relate to them 🤷♀️ I live in Indonesia btw. Probably the culture is different 🤷♀️ I agreed what you said about the topic! Well said!
There is never going to be good representation of us because they don't know our stories.
@@learning2fall88 so then it's up for us to tell it
Wow, It's so nice to hear a Muslim girl talk about this. You've said things that I've told my friends and fam when it comes to Muslim representation in media. It's gotten to the point where I just avoid it (unless it's S.K Ali!) I remember a while back getting so excited when Elite came out bcuz of the Muslim representation only to be so confused about her character and that's when I really started to question it. I know few Muslim books about Muslim girls and even fewer about Muslim boys, but the Muslim girl narrative is always this shy, sheltered girl who falls for a white boy and when she starts to break the rules, she finds her true self or gains this happiness. As an older girl, I just wonder what kind of impact this has on the young Muslim community and how it'll shape their decisions. There's been so much emphasis on "accepting who you are" or "embracing your beauty" but we, Muslim girls, rarely get that. I think about it a lot when I see my little sister who doesn't feel beautiful in a hijab but only with her hair, and even with a hijab now she has to wear like the Hala girl. Young Muslims girls are being taught that if you look this way, or act this way, you'll find happiness and you'll fit in; that often means leaving or forgetting about Islam entirely and it's truly depressing. I remember even being confused myself because I never felt this way, and I felt like I almost should. I want to see more Mulism representation but not at the expense of our religion. Yes, those stories should be told, but that is not the ONLY story that exists. You said it right, girl! Amazing video!!!
CocoBooksGalore thank you so much for watching and sharing your thoughts. It is definitely a weird thing to be Muslim and American. It often seems like everyone is promoting authenticity but only when it fits in with their definition. That’s also why I don’t identify as a feminist. If your idea of freedom doesn’t include people who look like me I want NO PARTS. I will keep your sister in my duas. It’s very easy to give into peer pressure and unfortunately Muslim households don’t really encourage girls to love themselves with and WITHOUT hijab. It’s definitely a struggle.
I really want to know your reaction on Elite. I’m excited 🤣
And also, THANK YOU for pointing out that indian Muslims are obsessed with white people. I'm a Bangladeshi and I can confirm that a lot of people from my country would do absolutely anything to be lile western white people. Even if it means casting their religion aside. Maybe it's a long term effect of colonisation , maybe not. But I'm frustrated and sad seeing my own people feeling insecured about our own identity and being so desperate follow western culture.
Edit:TH-cam is deleting my other comment where I said that these books and movies are only catering to western people and not us. They show what they want to see. That we are oppressed and we want to be like them but our parents won't let us! And they'll come save us! And that's actually not us though. I'm perfectly happy maintaining my own religion. And it's better not have ANY representation than having these type of misrepresentations that will in the long run hurt our religion.
Ayyy a fellow Bangladeshi here 😊✌
The only muslim I felt protrayed what I felt as a muslim girl was Sana in Skam (the original one) and also cuz she actually a muslim so you can tell she knows while watching
I'm waiting to see how Ms. Marvel turns out. Obviously, the love interest is probably Bruno, who is white in the show, but as long as they portray everything else of the Muslim experience accurately, I'll be happy.
@@fohanawaz3846 not expecting much from it in terms of muslim representation tbh, i'm gonna swallow it with a grain of salt and focus on the parts that ik will definitely will be good. Expecting much from it in terms of muslim representation will just be a letdown later
PREACH, TAHIRY! PREACH.
YESSS that's exactly why that rep is problematic because it makes it seem like Muslims don't want to be Muslims... like if they don't want to be Muslim then just don't????
I really hope you one day write a book about Black Muslim because y'all deserve that rep!
It blows my mind that people called us extremists for just not wanting the same narrative.
I like how you talked about All American Muslim Girl in a positive light because that one was ownvoices and the author based it on her own life and it brought a lot of discussion about Islam. Like there were lots of study group scenes that discussed things about Islam and even brought the issue about her having a BF.
15:44 YES. THIS.
"The best parts of me come from being Muslim." YES. MASHAALLAH, SIS.
Star Brite I completely agree. Thank you for watching and supporting. It means the world to me. Jazakhallah Khair ❤️❤️❤️
Have you read the Magnus Chase trilogy by Rick Riordan, it's a middle grade series about Norse Mythology? I know he's an old white guy (and non-Muslim as far as I know), but he included a Muslim girl named Sam who wears a hijab, isn't with a white boy, and proud of being Muslim and a demigod/Valkyrie; she likes a Muslim boy if I remember correctly (I haven't read the books since they came out). In the second or third book, she's fasting because it's Ramadan and credits her faith for giving her the strength to win a mental fight.
I know it's not an own voices story and she's a major side character, not the main character, and I'm white and non-Muslim, but I think it's better than other stories (Elite writers did Nadia, her family, and your faith dirty! Especially in season 2). As far as white, old, male writers go, I think Riordan does a pretty good job with representing all sorts of groups (he created characters with dyslexia and ADD/ADHD as rep for his son who has these conditions! Percy and Sally Jackson are survivors of abuse, and no one excuses what Gabe does to them, there's two same-sex relationships in the Apollo books, and there are multiple characters from different racial backgrounds [Native American, Hispanic, Black, etc.]). I'm sure there's problems in some areas because there's no such thing as perfect, but I find his books to be better than others with similar privileges when it comes to representation.
I know the books, but, didn't have a chance to read it yet. I will definitely read it later. Thank you for the recommendation!
YES! Sam is the absolute best and my fave character from the Magnus Chase books
YESS. Finally someone who gives Rick Riordan the character he deserves for being one of the few authors who can write engagingly, grab the attention of his readers, and include accurate representation without having it seem forced or irrelevant to the plot. That author is PHENOMENAL
I used to struggle with those kind of things because I was forced to wear hijab when I was little girl I started thinking about like oh my hair so beautiful why can't I show it or like I just want to wear shorts blah blah blah and so on slowly I grew into the Muslim side of me and didn't take the wrong path I started loving my religion and so do I today now that I see people are doing the same thing that I've done I understand them they should just take a different faith or understand what islam really does for them I mean you can live without a boyfriend it's not necessary
I really love my religion and Allah for guiding me the right way
inshallah no one should deal with it 😊
jamila masuud thank you for sharing your story! It’s definitely a complex thing especially because on one hand I think it would be super beneficial to see and hear stories abt Muslims like you who grew into their faith (I would definitely recommend All American Muslim Girl to read because that’s what the story is about ). I definitely don’t want to hear stories about perfect Muslims because non of us are perfect. But it just shouldn’t be so one sided
i'm a desi muslim hijabi and i'm grossed out by all this i don't wanna be white or take off my hijab i love my faith they should show the beauty of islam.
Period sis. MashaAllah 💗
Thank you so much for putting the time and effort in making this video. I’m not muslim but a lot of times when (its rare) I see muslim representation it makes me unconfortable because it doesnt feel real. Like, I would think that the hardest part about being muslim (just like being any way that does not follow the normative white way of living) is other people. Not your faith, not your family, but the part of the world that is always pointing the ways you dont fit in. Sorry for any butchering grammarwise, I’m in a rage (also it’s not my linguage, but who cares). I think Sana from Skam is the only muslim in media that felt real to me, have you seen this series? To me, feels like she really loves who she is. And her love interest is muslim too, they are so perfect. But I would love to now what you think of Sana. Well, I loved your video and your channel. Can not wait to learn more. So I’ll hurry and watch more of your videos.
Luisa Landre ive heard of Skam. People keep recommending it. But it’s so crazy how even u as a non Muslim can see that the depictions od Muslims in media just feels forced and fake af. Thank you for watching! ❤️❤️
Girl this video hit all the points. Everything you’ve said is 100%. I hate the lack of representation of Muslims who want to be Muslim and follow Islam and be with a Muslim. S.k Ali is a queen for love from A to Z. And I’m so freaking over there being NO black Muslim representation when black Muslims are such a huge part of Islamic history and Muslims period. I’m tired of Muslims trying to please their oppressors as well. Like eff that boo, they don’t give a flying fuck about you or your religion love. Don’t get me started on Islam being portrayed as a culture. That’s why people are so ill informed. It’s so sad because a lot of the time it is Muslims telling ppl all the wrong things about us.
I’m honestly so proud of you as my Muslim sis speaking on this. You’re an absolute queen and may Allah bless you in all that you do that is good, ameen 💕💕💕
This really makes me rethink the book I wrote as a teenager about a black Muslim girl. I’m starting to think I should try to publish it because it’s necessary if not anything else. I feel so much for Muslims growing up now because everyone is telling them that they shouldn’t want to be what they are and I know how hurtful and damaging that was for me growing up.
Omg this comment reminded me to re-read Saints & Misfits- S.K Ali >>>>
YESS! I have read so many books with muslim characters and seen so many trailers of those kinds of movies but to me they don't mean anything to me. I am comfortable with being muslim and I haven't read not one book where the character doesn't want to rip their hijab off or go get a boyfriend. It's crazy, I would also love to see some books with male main characters for those who can resonate with their side of the story. And it's not like it wont be uninteresting to read about a character who doesn't have problems with their faith and instead with their life in general. I just want to say this video spoke volumes! And I couldn't agree more 💗👏
This is such a great video. Thank you for pointing out and clearly explaining why these types of representations aren’t giving. It makes complete sense to me that as a black personal you’d love being Muslim especially because of the strong connection because black libration and Islam. You’ve got some great historical role models as you mentioned. As someone who grew up in predominantly white upstate New York one of my closest childhood friends was Muslim and her family was from Pakistan. Being in her house and around her family it was completely normalized to me. She didn’t wear a hijab but other girls who I did sports with at a young age did and I never thought anything of it. My family was super Christian till I was 10 and they weren’t great about a lot of things but they never talked shit about other religions while I was growing up. I know my friend struggled with a lot of racism and Islamophobia and she was her own person with her own interest, goals and talents. It didn’t define her. She practices in her own way and cosplays while being modest. I bet she’d think this representation is really dumb too. That being said it feels like this narrative is trying to “challenge stereotypes types” and be counterculture by showing the western idea of what a “liberated” Muslim woman looks like but how can you break a stereotype when you’re creating one because of your lack of diverse representation? Give us tons of media of Muslim people minding their own business then in the 100th movie you can have some white boy show up. But this is how representation goes for any marginalize group. We’ll only ever get what applies to stereotypes about our community because that’s supposed to appeal to a bigger audience.
On a brighter note Dead End Park has a character who wears a hijab and is lovely. She’s just living her best life so that’s some cute fun representation. I’m now also very invested in and want black Muslim representation. I’m rooting for everyone black.💚
until an actual novelist/author makes a a book about a good skateboarding black muslim girl who sticks to her faith and deals with more than 'being so-called oppressed', im gunna write my own one on wattpad or smthn.
also, the hala trailer was terrible. awful. and elite just ruined netflix for me. what elite's basically saying is that he loves her hair, not her. he loves the lust, not her. so whether she was muslim or not, he was just a douchebag who wanted to use her.
PERIODDD. write that book love!!
If you start writing a story let me know I’ll definitely read it.
My friend’s name is Hala and she was too excited to watch that show , now she wants to burn her eyes after the trailer :)
I love this video tahirah!!!! I am from Pakistan and its a Muslim country and when I struggled with my faith and discovered it all over again and started hijab and then niqab, it was the hardest thing for me to do. My family was against it and I remember crying and asking help from Allah. It indeed made me stronger but when i see movies like Hala it makes me SO angry because there are muslim girls who are fighting to keep their hijab/niqab on but no one talks about them. I have always seen my people represented as terrorist in movies like Iron man and so on and my beautiful language used as a tool to violence and it breaks my heart. I cant even imagine what my muslim brothers and sisters living in america feels. The fact that its so hard for white people to understand that our faith and hijab is a part of who we are. Like what’s so hard to understand? I dont meed saving from a white boy with no personality whatsoever. And like you know we also have problems in studies, with mental health, making a career and so much more. HOW ABOUT TELLING THOSE STORIES? HUH? Also i have only read A very large expanse of sea out of all the books you mentioned and i actually quite love it but i do agree with your point about the white boy but according to the author its her semi-biography and she is actually married to that same person from high school but what I like about the book is that she does not struggle with her faith but instead the story is right after 9/11 and how as a hijab muslim she deals with hate and changing schools and she doesnt hate her parents(very refreshing change) she break dance and an aspiring fashion designer so if you havent read the book I woud definitely ask you to give it a try. Other than that i had no idea about Becky Albertalli’s book and i can already feel how the book is going to be. Allah save me! Also i wont say that i understand exactly what you feel as a black muslim but I know the anger and the humiliation when i see pakistani represented as bombers and it always the same. Also 100% agree with people being obsessed with whiteness. As a south asian whose skin is brown I have heard snide remarks and remedies thrown my way to make my skin white. Like STOP OBSESSING OVER YOUR COLONIZERS
Shehzeen thank you so much for watching!! I definitely want to still read AVLEOS because I’ve heard good things about the Islamic representation and how she comes to terms with her faith.
I loveeeee this video. I know ZERO about the Muslim Faith. And I read a very large expanse is sea but there wasn’t much religion portrayed in there .. I hope there is a book written with what you want some day. Or the hotties will be supporting you when you write it.
And as a Desi American women I do agree that a lot of the culture comes with trying to please white people. Desi women desire white skin, ( that’s a whole ass problem in itself) they want to be accepted by them because we are basically the same. But in reality we are different and better in our own way with an amazing history and religion that we should never let go to please a single soul.
Shazna O YES EXACTLY!!!!! I understand wanting to not be seen as other but if society won’t accept you for who you are then maybe we shouldn’t aspire to be accepted
thank you so much for this video!!! I’m young and when i discovered elité, i was happily surprised that muslims were represented in western media, but when i saw HOW they were represented, i felt confused, i was like ‘this is supposed to be right? and if i didn’t support it am i wrong about it?’ cus it’s not what MY religion represents, it’s what white people, people of different backgrounds or religions represent and they’re trying to push it into islam. i was afraid to speak up about those topics because what might people would say about me and my beliefs, but when i connected with my community more, i felt comfort. it’s something i shouldn’t apologize for. and it’s none of their business. people like you glow for people like me! please keep speaking up and doing what you’re doing and tell other muslims to do the same! the muslim youth needs more of it. subscribed and love from saudi arabia pretty 💘
aseel z yes I completely understand. I’m glad that this video resonated with you ❤️❤️
Omg !! I literally just a made a video that is sorta like this ( being African American and Muslim ) saying it to say wow we are thinking along the same lines sorta kinda
I came here from Aissata's video and you hit home for me on the Black rep. Not all of us grew up in the hood, deal with drugs, and gangs. I get tired of seeing that narrative all the time. Loved this video ❤❤❤❤
This right here is what we need!!! I hope the message will reach lots of people. I immediately subscribed and can’t wait for more content. You are AMAZING❤️❤️
A tv show callled Little Mosque On The Prairie is a great Canadian show. It shows muslims who both love and struggle in realistic situations and how they integrate into a small Canadian Prairie town.
There are even some black Muslims in the show
I am so glad that you made this video. You literally took all of my thoughts and frustrations and turned it into a video. I'm just like you were I completely avoid books that have a Muslim character. I already know what there going to be about so what's the point. Anyways love you and your videos !
I am so happy I found your channel. It's been hard to find a AA Muslim woman who speaks to more than just beauty and lifestyle. And you're from the East Coast, love.
Breonna Williams girls yes! I totally agree. Although I do dabble in those things it definitely is not all I am and my channel has no specific genre. I speak my truth above all else. Thank you for joining the fam ❤️
That Hala trailer was 🤢🤢🤢. I definitely agree with you on a lot of things here. First of all that point about Black Muslims being visible as independent artists but not when it comes to traditional media is a definite example of systematic erasure.
I don't necessarily agree that it's wrong for a Muslim woman to date, marry outside the religion etc (that's my personal belief, and I respect those who believe otherwise). But yeah, I don't have an issue with Internment or AVLEOS when it comes to them dating white boys or boys outside of their religion (although the white boy thing is getting really old lol). I also don't have an issue with the books not portraying them practicing their faith. Muslim authors should have the liberty to write about Muslims dealing with faith, culture, both, or none. The problem is that Muslims who want to write about faith, especially if it's more traditional, don't have that liberty.
You're right in that Muslim stories that aren't faith heavy are more palatable to the Western reader - they become catered to the Westen reader as these exceptional works that 'educate' them into become more 'progressive' and whatnot... which is kinda gross.
So although I like AVLEOS and Samira's books, I don't give any flack to Muslims who roll their eyes at it. The problem is that these books get more hype and more praise then books like those by S. K. Ali, as you said. Love from A to Z is leagues better than those, in terms of story, plot, writing, characters, everything. So much better. But it's not as palatable to the Western eye.
There needs to be a balance of religious and non religious Muslim rep, and having an overwhelming abundance of the latter makes no sense cause Islam is, well, a religion 🤣🤣🤣. Also it'd be nice to have stories that aren't about faith, Islamophobia, identity politics... Can we just have a story about Muslim girls who skateboards? I like that.
Wow. Sorry I talked so much, I can't help it when it comes to talking about Muslim rep 🤣. Like jeez this comment is long 😅😅. Thank you for this wonderful, necessary video!
THANK YOU FOR WATCHING AND SHARING YOUR THOUGHTS. i appreciate your opinions so much and your thoughts definitely add a different perspective to the conversation so once again thank you. I think if we had a good mix of religious and not religious or identity politics not being a factor at all when it comes to Muslim rep it would really help all of us as Muslim consumers not only understand each other better but for all of us to have options 😂😂 (I also wanna see a movie about Muslim girls skateboarding...someone plz make that) thanks again for commenting and always supporting me ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I also 10000% agree that Muslims should have the right to express themselves and tell their stories of what role Islam plays in their lives. That’s why I really wanted to keep reiterating that it’s not about the creators of these media’s that’s the problem. Their stories and how they practice are valid as well.
@@SincerelyTahiry 100%!!! A better mix of representation, and more accurate portrayals of what Islam means to most Muslims is needed! Along with a skateboarding Muslim girl ofc.
Books are my Social Life You may not think it’s wrong for Muslim women to marry outside their religion but it’s prohibited in Islam, still agree with you on the rest tho
Beautiful comment to a beautiful video! When I read "If I Was Your Girl", the author's note brought up something I thought was super important. That her story about this high school trans girl does not represent everyone and some trans people might be upset at it. But no matter how she would have written it, people would have been upset that it didn't represent them. So really we need more stories from more aspects of a community. Having a one sided story will always be insufficient. So yes! We need representation of religious Muslims and Muslims dating outside their religion and Muslim girls skateboarding!! Give us more!!! Woo!
YES YES TO ALL OF THIS!!!! This is exactly why I'm writing a ROMANCE novel with a BLACK Muslim girl and a BLACK _MUSLIM_ man just to prove that Muslim girls can have romance and pure love WITHOUT doing anything haram. They can have conflict WITHOUT doing anything haram.
When you're finished writing it, mind sending me the link?
Hit me up with the title when published.
thank you for this video! Black Muslim representation is so needed, thank you for being a voice for girls like me x Allah swt bless you x
This was a really great video and you pointed out so many unfair realities in poor representation. We definitely need more Muslim characters who are proud of their faith. It’s tiring seeing the same narrative over and over. I did like A Very Large Expanse of Sea because Tahereh has said it’s basically a fictional autobiography, so it’s very specific to her personal experience. But not ever Muslim book with those issues is like that, and we need to see a wide range of experiences.
alliewithbooks thank you for watching and commenting! I love hearing your thoughts. ❤️❤️ I still haven’t read AVLEOS but it’s definitely on my list
This was such a beautiful, eloquent video that shook my world when I watched it a few months ago and I still think about it today. You brought up a lot of really important points and also articulated some frustrations I even had with other minority representation as well that I wasn't able to properly identify. Super fantastic video, wonderful words! I hope to have even 10% of the eloquence you have!
Thank you so so much love! ❤️❤️❤️
girl yes. when you said you'd rather there was none i FELT THAT. the only show i really love the representation is Kim's Convenience, when muslim characters come in they're just treated like regular people and it's not a whole issue.
Hajira Ahmed i loveeee Kim’s convenience you’re so right. 👏🏾👏🏾
samira al-abbas from the Magnus Chase trilogy is in my opinion, such a good representation of Muslim girls. some things are a little iffy but overall I think she is written very well. she is smart, brave, and proud of her religion. As a long time percy jackson stan I was very happy to see rick riordan write a Muslim character.
mashallah you spittin facts sis. its been like 20 years of the same shit. 'hala' is just 'sabah' but with a younger lead
Ladan kay perioddddddd
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL THIS TIME!!? THIS VIDEO IS AMAZING. Thank you so much for this! I can't believe we have to beg for more Muslim characters who actually love Islam. Many of us know Islam is our biggest strength so to only see the 'struggling muslim' narrative is just tiring at this point
I am so happy I found you're channel you are such a great muslim representation
thank you for being here ✨
I saw this on my twitter tl and retweeted just based on the thumbnail because I already knew you were going to say nothing but facts in this video. That Hala trailer made me sigh out loud bc just like you said I knew exactly what was coming lol. It’s sooo disappointing that the only Muslim stories that are hyped are the ones surrounding white boys and/or struggles with faith when although that is the reality for some, it is absolutely not for the majority. Also hoping for more black muslim stories in the mainstream media in the near future because there really is such a severe lack of them. If you have any recommendations I would love to get some! This video was amazing and I can’t wait to watch more from you 💓
Mariam Reads Sometimes girlllll that trailer was just dry. Like we’re over it. 🙄😭 there’s seriously a lack of creativity but MashAllah thanks for watching love 💕
Shukran for making this video, it's so Important, especially with today's climate with the laws being passed In France and the genocide happening in China.
New subscriber, love from a fellow hijabi muslimah in South Africa 💕
Btw, you're so beautiful MashaAllah 😍
Wait till I have my own production company. I’m also African Muslim and I had someone say “aren’t you suppose to be Arab” 🤦♀️
taemin Nation's Maknae OH. NAHHH that’s wild I would literally wanna fight. Like who tf says that shit OUTLOUD
Sincerely Tahiry we gotta a long way till people see Muslims come in every race and not just brown. Keep up the good work I like your views on representation of Muslims in media. I’m tryin to be filmmaker myself but I was so close to producing an independent short film but miss rona had other plans, inshaallah if I get the funding I’ll give y’all all the representation we deserve. I’m giving you coming of age stories, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, comedy and action all while portraying us right.
Preach sista this video is so on point. Muslim representations these days is a clown show.
Yess in Elite she’s forced to take off the hijab to go to the school.
I wish I had found this video earlier & your channel in general! The way you just echoed so many of my thoughts on this 👏 mA wishing you all the best, always 💛
Thank you for making this video!!! You touched on so many important topics and I really respect you for doing this ♥️
Assalamu Alaikum, thank you for posting this. I am a revert in the US and I can't tell you how absolutely shocking it is everytime I consume a piece of media glorifying this ridiculous narrative about how Muslims interact with the rest of the American culture. It's shocking that there is a young hijabi kissing a boy in this trailer. It's so frustrating that this is the only narrative that gets pushed...it's the exact opposite of representation, it's about showcasing the experience of SOME people. Selectively picking and choosing which stories fit the American culture's obsession with "individualism" and "freedom."
Found u from Sajid’s channel - can’t wait to binge ur videos
teasee22 thank you loveee. Welcome to the fam ❤️❤️❤️❤️
This was such an insightful video! SUBSCRIBED! ✨
THANK YOU FOR SAYING THIS!! Let's keep this conversation going because we seriously don't ever talk about the toxic nature of Muslim portrayal and non-existent Black Muslim portrayal.
I was just talking to a friend that almost every single book I read had a white, blonde, blue eyed love interest and I'm so tired of it. It's not that those people aren't beautiful, but OTHER PEOPLE ARE ALSO BEAUTIFUL!! AND I WANNA SEE IT!
This video😩 💯💯💯💯 i wish you lived in the U.K. haha I'm writing my dissertation about African and Caribbean Muslims and i feel like you would be the perfect person to interview!
I'm down to be interviewed !! lmaoo dm me on ig and we can pick a date to video chat if ur down
Sincerely Tahiry omg amazing i will send you a message 💛
I felt bad, because I can see how it bothers you but Mashallah your using it to educate people around us Alhamdulillah! May Allah bless you.
Best video I have seen in long time . So true . You have really right info about your religion that makes me so proud and happy
Loving that khimar color !!
MissElite thank you!
Lmao ironically I am a Muslim girl that wears a hijab and my mom literally went w me on a 3 hour hunt to get me a skateboard cuz I’ve been wanting to learn it and I’m currently trying to
hey :)
just leavin a comment to let you know that one of the only representations of muslim girls i had was nadia from elite, and i honestly never thought there was anything wrong with that, until i started listening to what muslim girls have to say about it and educated myself on the topic.
as a white person, i was very ignorant, and i still have a lot to learn regarding this topic, so thank you for talking about it !
this was so necessary 💯Shukran
Being a Muslim is my identity as well as being Fulani/ temne girl
You should check out Young Justice season 3 oh my god, that was a new type of offensive.
Bro fr. So glad to see someone pointing this out. I was so excited when I first saw a Muslim character, but oh wow, why do I even get my hopes up lmfao. Very typical of a western show honestly, idk what I was even expecting lol. That scene with Violet declaring she's not Muslim and then drinking alcohol was like a slap to the face smh. It hurts to see that from my all time favorite childhood show .-.
It is very disturbing that an alien uses the corpse of a Muslim refugee as his new body to do whatever he pleases, like noooo! How awful!
I just found your channel and I love your energy a lot already!😁 Thanks for talking about this😊
Salam from Saudi Arabia🇸🇦
To all Muslims in the world🧕👳♂️
This video was really well done. It felt very thought through and well explained.
White non-muslim here. To be honest, the only Muslim representation that comes to mind outside of background characters walking around in movies/shows is a Muslim character in one of Rick Riordan's books. It's been a long time, so I don't remember much, but that was my first exposure to the experience of a Muslim person. Other than that, I'd occasionally see hijabi when my family went to very popular attractions like a big zoo, but I'm sad to say that middle school (maybe early high school?) me (pre those Riordan books) felt sorry when I saw them because the little I had learned about Muslims were 9-11 (though I knew that was a radical minority), stories of abusive marriages, and the general stereotypes of forced to wear hijab Muslim women. I hate that the state of representation is so abysmal that that was my emotional reaction back then.
These past few months I've been doing research into a few different faiths including Islam because I didn't want all the characters in a webseries I'm writing to be Catholic, atheist, or agnostic just because that was what I knew how to write from experience. Writing the diversity I want to see is difficult when I know so little, so I am learning as much as I can, making sure the blogs and such I read are written by Muslims, and will look for readers for the script before going forward into production.
The most prominent Muslim character is not in the story as long as most of the others (maybe a fifth of the planned series?), but I would still consider her a major character of the story arc she's in. I'll call her S. S is a black Muslim who is happy with her faith and comfortable with herself and also states at one point that she wants to find a Muslim partner one day-- I decided all this months ago so I'm happy to hear these are good inclusions. There is also an ex-Muslim character (I'll call D) who obviously isn't Muslim rep since she's "ex", but her family is Muslim, so she is "culturally" Muslim like the way that I am "culturally" Catholic. D's cousin is a minor character (who is Muslim) and D is a major character in most of the series (another character has religious trauma, so to avoid coming across as "religion is bad" I wanted 1) a character with a happy and healthy relationship with said religion and 2) a character who stepped away from the faith they were raised with with no ill will or family trauma-- D was initially going to be ex-Christian but I had enough Christianity going on and I wanted to somehow include more Muslim-related conversations before S comes in, even as small as D mentioning her cousin couldn't answer the phone if she called right now because she's currently praying and how because D didn't grow up eating pork the idea of eating it is still unappealing to her).
This is my first baby step into writing Muslim characters and I'm sure I will learn and grow from any feedback I get and improve on the next try. And one day, maybe I'll write practicing Muslim characters in bigger, more long-lasting roles, once I feel confident and comfortable enough in my knowledge to do so. I'll probably always leave main character Muslims and storylines about Islam itself to those with the lived experience, though. No matter how much research I do, it would never be my story to tell! So, Muslim writers out there, keep writing! We all want to hear your stories!
Thanks again for making this video! You seem like a lovely person and your voice in even just this video has reached so many!
I love your confidence!
thank you love!!
Gosh I relate to this so much!!
I just want them to create a hijabi character of colour (black, desi etc.) that actually portrays islam and not culture and changes the standards of beauty. Somebody who doesnt need some white guy to be her saviour or feel like she must remove her hijab to feel empowered or liberated because hijab IS a symbol of liberation and empowerment against society's standards and she is her own hero
I'm making a series of comics and I want to make sure the Muslim characters in it are good representation. So anyone with information and experience please let me know. Thanks:)
YESSSSS YOU SAID IT LIKE 👏🏽 IT 👏🏽IS 👏🏽!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Just discovered your account. As a Muslim women i agree that the representation and portrayal in media is simply ugh, and i never connect with the characters as they always portrayed as oppressed etc and not embracing their faith.
i completely agree sis !! 👏🏾
Using this for a masters research paper on muslim rep in media, THANK YOU!!!
That sounds so great!! I’m glad I could help. Please just credit me for anything you use form this video 🥰🥰🥰
@@SincerelyTahiry Yes of course! Credited, quoted and had the vid sent to my department as a cool rec, thank you for talking about things that people refuse to talk about
I totally love your video.S.K. Ali is my favorite writer. Saints and Misfits is my favorite book ever and I love the idea of hijabi’s and niqabi’s that it sends out. When I first saw the Hala trailer I was so happy seeing the thumbnail because it had a hijab I but after watching I was so mad and upset and I read Saints and Misfits to calm down🙂.
I'm non-muslim, I've seen in the moon girl series that there's a minor character Fawziah who's a part of the volleyball team. Not many lines as it's the one episode but that's the most recent character that comes to mind. Then after that I don't recall any characters that I've watched, although there was this one show I have been meaning to watch about this band, and one of the girls is also a hijabi and she either plays bass or lead guitar.
💗 a topic that is well needed, you’re speaking facts 🙌🏽 We’ve seen 1001 narratives of white people struggle and approximately one narrative of a Muslim American struggle, that is just not right.
Really appreciate of what you're doing coz we must educate those who mistakes culture and Islam and we must represent us Muslims girls and what deen teaches us thank so much sister may Allah bless each and everyone of which wisdom and patients ❤️
Salaam, OMG I agree with everything you said. I really want to read literature where the muslims especially girls and woman are happily practising their religion.
Bruh SKAM Norway is still the ONLY realistic Muslim representation I have ever seen in my life. I'm so glad you made a video on those because it seems like no one talks about it. As much as I hate it, I doubt American media will make a portrayal of a Muslim who is happy and content with their religion because that goes against everything they want to push about us.
I am agree! Maybe because she is a muslim too
The "muslim girl gets out of her toxic household" trope doesn't bother me. What bothers me is the fact that they go from 100 to 0 especially when it's for a white boy. Like they really hate being Muslima they go from Muslima to Atheist like??? Can we have a movie about just a Muslima going through life and embracing her identity??? Or even a Muslima knowing the difference between Islam and her toxic parents??? It doesn't even have to be a Muslima, we also need Muslim boys representation but they don't do it cause Americans are so obsessed with the "Muzlim girl is oppressed and forced to wear the hijab and she wants to get out of Islam" trope. Can we get non-hijabis too? Desi Muslims, Black Muslims, Asian Muslims like DAMN 90% of Indonesia is Muslim. But no in their mind the only kind of Muslim worthy of "representation" is the oppressed arab hijabi girl who's secretly atheist.
I'm an unpublished author and my favourite story I wrote has a Muslim character in it but I now think it's only passable representation.
He's proud to be Muslim but doesn't really talk about his faith that much and is Arab.
Yes! Like, bruh just a representation of an average muslim! No extreme, neither liberal nor oppressed/extremist, just a normal one, it is not that difficult. :'/
Hi there! I'm currently working on a personal project just for fun on a story set in a Nigerian university, and I'm hoping to create a Muslim character that avoids stereotypes and tribalism while exploring their complexities.
I don't want to reduce the character to their religious identity, so I'm looking for hobbies, interests, and quirks that will make them relatable and authentic. I would appreciate any tips or advice from those who live in multicultural and multi-religious countries, or from writers who have experience creating diverse characters, especially Nigerian Muslims, (including Yoruba or Edo Muslims and not just the north) I'm open to suggestions on which university to use (UNIben, UI, Babcock, Afe or ANU, UNN, Nile, or should I make a made-up place?)
I'm considering several scenarios, such as a boy dealing with his parent's divorce where one parent is Muslim and the other Christian. I don't want their reason for divorce to be religious, whether it's a girl struggling with body image due to her skin colour or possibly having a condition like vitiligo or albinism and being curvier than the ideal skinny look, or a girl striving to make a name for herself as a business owner despite coming from a wealthy family. My goal is to create a multi-dimensional character that can exist within a diverse group of friends while attending university. If you have any tips or advice to share, I would love to hear it!
I'm also searching for a non-common Muslim name that would fit the character. i need a nigerian name
While originally, I had considered writing about a university student who had recently discovered his parent's funds Boko Haram, I realized that this would not align with my aim to avoid tribalism and the religious basis that already exists in Nigeria. If you're familiar with the story of the "Owner of Abuja's Wonderland Amusement Park, Amigo Supermarket, linked to terrorism," then you'll understand the vibe I was going for. However, I want to emphasize that I am not looking to be offensive in any way, and my primary goal is to create a relatable and authentic character that I can write as a beginner. add a reference to media like I guess anime, movies or popular real-life Nigerian Muslims
Interesting! A fellow self made author I see
Your videos are really informative. Thanks dude.
I LOVE THIS!! Tysm this is my favorite type of compliment 🥰🥰
You should read "Yes I'm Hot in This" by Huda Fahmy, it is a great graphic novel that represents hijabis and their hijabs!!!
It was really relatable alhamdulillah
I came here bc I’m non Muslim and Ik black ppl can be portrayed wrong in media so when I saw elite i had to go get educated bc Nadia (the Muslim in the show) was giving me some feels I didn’t know were accurate
Thank you for trying to educate yourself! So many other non Muslims have told me that they also felt really uncomfortable by western portrayals of Muslims. Especially if they have Muslim friends or family members. They know first hand how devoted many of us are to our faith. I think that it’s so amazing that you recognized the issue and tried to find a better narrative. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Also agree 100% that Muslims are not only Arab and South Asian! The first Muslims of the US for a long time were Black people! Like anyone can be Muslim! Yes, some people mix cultural traditions and religious teachings/practices and that is a whole other topic but that’s because you don’t know the religion well. Also agree with wanting to see stories with mmmm Muslims finding their iman, getting back to the religion and getting closer to Allah (SWT)
What about SKAM Norway? The series has a badass hijabi character played by an actress who's a hijab-wearing Muslim. I felt it was honest. (The whole 4th season is kinda her story)
Seeing only negative light shined on a specific group of people is harmful as hell. Just like you said it’s so important that there’s more than one narrative of people. This has to be frustrating for you.
(Sorry for bad english, it’s not my first language)
I am a young girl whose dreams is to be a scenarist or writer one day. And right now, I am working on several stories. But one of them is a story about a class of gifted kids from France (and others characters such as families and teachers) who face adventures and struggles in their daily life.
I tried to make very different kids. First of all, they all have unique personalities, hobbies but they still have some common point that creates some group friends inside of the class (they are 19 kids).
And I also tried to different looks, I didn’t want to make all of them pretty, only some of it, because I want their personality to be attractive.
And I also started to work on their origins, families, backstories etc…Among these kids, there are two girls who are religious. One is Christian, her name is Anaïs and she is an artist who wants to engage her talent in social issues but at the same time, she don’t really realize how and what it really means because she is still a child (but she will grow up). Outside having an amazing artistic intelligence, she is also very organized, one of the rare ones who loves school but she has trust issues in herself and she always wants to give up, wherever she can.
And there is also a Muslim girl. Her name is Fleur, she have a Swiss mother and a French father, they are both Muslims. They went to live in France when she was four years old and it’s where she met and first and forever best friend : Louise (who is atheist). At first, the two girls didn’t get along with each other, Louise was often the mean one and Fleur believed everything Louise said.
But one day, they had to do a science school project together. They were supposed to find a way to make an homemade little car move without fuel. And together, they did an excellent job.
The two are inseparable and they love to create new technologies such as robots, hyper high-tech watches or phones etc…They love shopping and they take their inspirations for their creations from what they see in the stores.
They are both gifted kids. But they are quite different. Fleur is more patient and gentle than Louise but she can still be very angry towards someone. She values family (by blood or not) the most but at the same time, she is the one who likes school the less (Louise kinda like school). Fleur prefer to go out and talk about life with her friends. She is also better on French classes than Louise because she reads more books than her. But, Fleur is not very open to new experiences unlike Louise. And despite moving from Switzerland to France, Fleur hates traveling and she actually have plane fear. She always think that they are going to crash and she absolutely don’t want to go in here. However, Louise is way more jealous and possessive than Fleur. The two rarely argue, so when they argue, it means that it’s really bad. But they usually make peace after.
Both Louise and Fleur are very sassy. In the future, Louise will be a robot programmer and Fleur will help her sometimes but, Fleur prefer to spend her talent on making amazing outfits and accessories and start her own little independant store.
I am still working on it, so maybe there will be things to change. I mean, they are 19 kids I have to work on (without counting the secondary characters), so it’s gonna be long XD but I tried to make gifted kids from different origins, religions, traditions, family system etc…even if they are all French. Because I want to show that gifted kids can be in every country, every culture and have different type of intelligence (not just the stereotypical gifted kids who is extremely smart at maths, even if I am planning to do one who is great at maths and chess).
I loooooveeee this with all my heart thank you😍😍
A Palestinian Potato thank you for watching ❤️❤️❤️
There are books out there they just don't make it big I think because it doesn't serve in the self interest of the Publishing companies. I have no qualms about self published authors.
I did like the girl Shirin from the book "A very large expanse of see" at first but later on she literally was doing everything our religion forbids us to do like dating a non muslim, making out I mean I could go on and on. Reading that book felt like "cover your hair with a scarf and boom You're a Muslim!"
I heard SO much similar feedback about. AVLEOS and THATS why I never read it. I also don’t like to read books that center around 9/11 too much cuz it’s deeply triggering.
I would love if you would check out Sahar Abdul Aziz, if you want a muslim author that doesn't focus on the romance so much. But I must say as a book reviewer and someone who is constantly looking for a accurate representation of muslims I totally agree with this video and the books you have mentioned. Naima B Robert's she wore red trainers is a great read and if you enjoy romance check out Lyndell Williams. My only gripe with Lyndell is that while she portrays muslims accurately conflict and plot is lacking in her books and this is what I find with a lot of in Muslim authors. They need better plots and real conflict in their stories. And it needs to be believable. Also a really old book but a goodie and I wish she would write again is What we Learned along the way by Nadirah Angail.
i wanna show this video to everyone in the world
Yes, be proud you are a Black Muslim Woman, strong and beautiful!
what an interesting video! as a desi muslim, I completely understand that most books about muslims are either about us or arabs, and I'm genuinely sad that I can't think of a single fictional thing with a black muslim in it. I think there is definitely a tendency to appease white people unfortunately, but this mainly comes from a cultural perspective than an Islamic one.
I am very sick of seeing this portrayal of Muslims in the Western media and was so annoyed after watching the Hala trailer. While this may be a reality for some Muslim girls, it isn't for all, and this reinforcement negatively impacts the mindsets of non-Muslims and young Muslims as well. I didn't mind A Very Large Expanse of Sea though because it's coming from Tahereh's own experience and she didn't want to renounce her religion or anything (as far as I can remember) - it was mostly her dealing with the after-effects of 9/11.
anyway, thank you for making this video and I'm looking forward to the next ones! ❤️
Sanna Z yes exactly. I’m also planning on reading AVLEOS because I’ve heard really amazing things about it and I also understand that it’s important to hear the stories of all types of Muslim people and I definitely admire her strength for speaking her truth.
I clicked on the thumbs up before finishing the video caaause I was like: PREACH PREACH PREEEACH throughout the whole video!!
I just watched the trailer of Hala and they haaad to use my name hein?😂 but seriously I wasn’t even surprised, I was like oh yeah here we go again!!🙄😒😒
Omg yes everyone praising ALEOS was so annoying when the book has some really problematics aspects in terms of representation but also in terms of anachronism... And I love Tahereh Mafi's other books but this one... meh
I agree with you👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Even in Marocco, a muslim country everyone on the Tv is lighter than the population and the most of the women aren't wearing hijab which is really common in Marocco.
What annoys me even more, when you google about those movies like Hala you find tons of articles saying it got such great reviews. GREAT REVIEWS BY WHOM? Non-muslims obviously. Cause so far I didn't see a muslim liking this movie or feeling properly represented by it. I know it shouldn't be a surprise, but not only do they not bother to look into actual muslim experiences while producing such movies - they also don't care about muslim reviews when it comes to judging wether that movie turned out well or not.
I started to learn to draw a month ago because I want to make a funny adult cartoon but I am not very good at working in teams so I don’t want to force an animator to work with me. My story and character building is over, I just need to make good animation and drawings. There is a lot of main characters but one of them is a Muslim girl who have one childhood best friend. They are both extremely smart girls who love fashion, trending stuff etc…But they also love to create and work on new technologies ideas for the future. They wants to leave their name in history with their modern creation such as robots, new phones, high tech clothes, video games etc…
But they still have their own personality. Her best friend is kinda the « leader » type, she is always very organized, she can get angry very easily if something is not ok with her and she is the most creative one of the team, she gets almost all the ideas. However, the Muslim girl is the most mature and serious one, she is very good at practicing and building and she has a lot of knowledge, especially in fashion because she wants to specialize into modern fashion.
They are called the « coolest girls from the school » only because they do skateboarding very well (which annoy the boys who also do skateboarding but who don’t get that lot of attention XD). The story begin when the main characters are kids, so they only base the skateboarding skills of the girls to determine if they are cool or not because they are kids, they have a very simple vision of like. You have a skateboard ? You are definitely cool.
I planned a lot of episodes with those two because they are one of my favorite duo. But I also planned some episodes where they are alone, to see how they work when they are not together. I also leave some scenes for F (the Muslim girl) where she is with her family, where she goes praying or when she does the Ramadan (I don’t know the English word, it’s how we say it in my country) and some other stuff like that but they are more like, background informations, some scenes or some words pronounced in a conversation. There is also an episode planned for her where she met and has a crush on a pretty Muslim boy and she don’t have any idea on how to get close to him so she ask her friends about advices but they don’t work. At the end, she finally stop following the advices and ask the boy if he would like to go watch a movie with her and her family, which the boy agree and it makes her happy.
But I am not going to make her only Muslim just for some « diversity ». They are 19 main characters, all different, and I want all of them to be lovable in their own way. So I worked a lot on building their personalities, past, hobbies and even their future evolution. The main message of this cartoon is about learning more about itself to grow up. So I am working a lot of that too, I also studied some psychology stuff and facts about kids behavior and humans developments to make them the most realistic characters and still include a bit of absurdity since it’s a comedy cartoon.
I hear what you're saying and I get it .. I'm so sick of seeing Muslim women's being represented as week and upressed ..