The Pakistani Spectator

Would you please tell us something about you and your site?
I’m the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Muslimah Media Watch. On our site, my contributors and I critique media representations of Muslim women. We look at everything from music to movies, advertisements to cartoons. Our aim is to speak out as Muslim women and challenge the representations of us that are so often wrong in the media.

I’m an Iranian-American Muslim feminist who also writes about race issues for Racialicious and publishes articles in different outlets.

Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?

I don’t think it’s actually possible to remain the same (in anything) if one continues to do it, even without consciously working on it.

I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?

It’s always gratifying to receive emails from Muslim men and women who appreciate what we do; it’s also great to read emails from non-Muslims who appreciate our writing because it opens their eyes to how a different perception of Muslim women than they normally see in Western media.

What do you do in order to keep up your communication with other bloggers?

The internet is the greatest resource for that. Email and Facebook are my main methods. There are some bloggers that I’d love to sit down to tea with, but haven’t had the chance yet, unfortunately.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

It’s the only kind like it (as far as I know).

If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it’s paid for - what would your top 3 choices be?

Iran, Spain, and Greece. In that order.

What is your favorite book and why?

It’s hard for me to choose favorites because reading is one of my favorite pastimes. But I recently finished a great anthology of contemporary Iranian literature named Strange Times, My Dear.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

I don’t know if I can choose favorites, but I have immense respect for Latoya Peterson, who’s taken over the reigns at Racialicious and is doing a great job to see that the site grows and evolves. I also have a great deal of respect for Natalia Antonova, who is the editor of GlobalComment and ArabComment, two incredibly diverse sites. I also enjoy and contribute to TalkIslam.info, too; it’s a forum-style blog that has great discussions and news.

Is there anyone from your past that once told you you couldn’t write?

Not that I can remember. I’ve been writing since I was in first grade. I made a little book and the teacher put it on the bookshelf with the others. Reading and writing has always played an immense role in my life.

What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?

Dialogue is an important step to understanding and accepting each other. Even though the internet seems to strip away some people’s courtesy and politeness when dealing with each other, simply having ideas around for awareness and debate serve a great role.

Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?

Because we aim to cover any and every issue about Muslim women in the media, we have a diverse range of topics. Headscarves and homosexuality always seem to draw the most comments.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

I know many Pakistanis, and they are wonderful people. Through them, I get the sense that Pakistan has a beautiful culture and warm people, and I often notice a lot of cultural similarities between Pakistanis and Iranians: things like great hospitality, for example.

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?

Through my blog, I have come into contact with very exciting people and opportunities. The blogosphere has definitely enriched my understanding about all things: Islam, race, feminism, etc.

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?

I’d like to thank you all for reading and invite you to check out our site at http://muslimahmediawatch.org/

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