Introduction
In this short video, three students talk about their experiences as Muslim Americans.
Consider the following while viewing the video:
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reflections on what it means to be an American
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reflections on what it means to be a Muslim American
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challenges faced due to their ethnicity or religious background
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impact of events like 9/11 and the signing of Executive Order 13769*
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thoughts on stereotypes
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thoughts on civil liberties and/or social equity
*Executive Order 13769 (“Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into
the United States”) was an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump that
affected six majority-Muslim countries and was widely labeled a “Muslim ban.” It was
in effect from January 27, 2017 to March 6, 2017.
Watch the video and discuss the questions below.
Discuss
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In what ways are the reflections of these students similar? In what ways are they different?
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What major challenges/hardships have these students or their families experienced? Are any of these similar to the experiences that you or others in your family have experienced?
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What are some examples of anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States? How did events like 9/11 affect Muslim Americans? What have been some challenges concerning the civil liberties of Muslim Americans and/or social equity-related issues concerning Muslim Americans? What are some major events or decisions (including executive orders or laws) that have affected you or your family?
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A stereotype is a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. What are some of the comments that the students make about stereotypes or biases? Have you ever been prejudged due to a stereotype? What can be done to counter stereotypes? Have your civil liberties ever been challenged? Is so, how?
