Wear A Hoodie this Friday

To my Kenyon Community, The media is ablaze with controversy following the death of 17 year old Trayvon Martin last month. His death (and the debate that has ensued) is one stark example amidst a series of incidents in the last week which have demonstrated the power and pervasiveness of racial, ethnic, gender, religious biases … Continue reading Wear A Hoodie this Friday

Hoodies, Hijabis and the Hunger Games

This article was originally published by the online edition of the Kenyon Observer I remember in the aftermath of President Obama’s election in November 2008, many proclaimed that America was post-racial. I disagreed then and now with this assessment; it suggests that the election of a black President amounted to full eradication of racial prejudices … Continue reading Hoodies, Hijabis and the Hunger Games

“Islam’s Diverse Paths” at Kenyon College

I had the pleasure of being interviewed by the Office of Public Affairs at Kenyon College about our slew of exciting events this spring related to the Islamicate world. It has been incredibly gratifying to watch the program grow and shift along with student interest. One of the unique advantages of the liberal arts experience, … Continue reading “Islam’s Diverse Paths” at Kenyon College

Why I Don’t Call It The Arab Spring

This article was originally published in Kenyon College's MESA Journal, Vol. 3, Ed. 1 (November, 2011). I can already see the entries in future history books: what began with self-immolation by a frustrated young fruit vendor in Tunisia launched unprecedented revolution across the Arab world. Aided by Facebook, Twitter and other social media, movements spread … Continue reading Why I Don’t Call It The Arab Spring