Why Muslim Communities Need Media Training

by Ginella Massa

Being part of the Muslim community, I hear all the complaints about our "negative portrayal in the media". Muslims as terrorists, oppressing and abusing their women, reluctant participants in western society. Though we can't deny that there are sectors of our religion who fall into this stereotype, for the most part, Muslims in the west are just trying to live regular daily lives as parents, students, doctors, teachers etc. while committing to their faith.

But how often are Muslim community members reaching out to media, making ourselves available for comment on stories that affect us, and proactively pitching stories to show the true face of Islam? From personal experience working in the field of journalism, it's very rare.

Throughout my career as a producer for a national news channel, and an assignment editor for local news, I've been tasked with finding Muslim guests to speak on stories like the Niqab ban, opposition to Muslim condominiums being built, or allowing prayer in elementary schools. The results were very disappointing. Finding Muslim leaders and community members who were willing to speak on camera has always proven very difficult. Many are reluctant to comment, and turn down interview requests mainly because of fear and lack of understanding of what news organizations are really after.

So how can we as Muslims use news media in our favour and take control of the message being put out about us? I'm making it my personal mission the help get community members educated through media training on how to be in control of the conversation.

Here are a few tips to get started:

Be proactive, not reactive
Don't wait for a news organization to come calling. When there is a story that affects the Muslim community directly or indirectly, reach out to local stations and offer up guests to comment. Be available and flexible, which takes me to my next point..

Act quickly
News is deadline driven. With 24-hour news channels, and newspapers operating online, information and articles need to be written almost as immediately as an event happens. When journalists are under pressure to submit their story as quickly as possible, they won't take the time to find the best person to speak, but rather go for the first one who returns their call.

Think globally, act locally
An issue or event doesn't need to be happening in your city for you to comment on it. FIFA's ban on hijabs in the soccer field may be halfway across the world. But what does it mean for Muslimah soccer players in Vancouver who may strive to reach international level success one day?

Think visually
To tell a story well, reporters need interesting visuals to go along with it. In the case of the FIFA hijab ban, a group of young girls called hijabis to take part in a soccer game and invited media for a "photo op". It proved very successful in getting the story covered on television and in newspapers.

If you would like to get more information about media training or set up a workshop for your community group, contact ginella.m@gmail.com


This blog has been moved to www.ginellamassa.com/blog 

On the Parti Quebecois' Charter of Values

By Ginella Massa

Imagine being told by your provincial government that you have to remove your pants before entering your work place. No slacks, no trousers, no sweatpants, no shorts, no skirts. Only underwear would be permitted. You are welcome to wear pants in the comfort and privacy of your home, and while going about your daily life, but not while on the clock.

Would you feel exposed without pants? Would it upset you enough to march in the street with other pants-wearing citizens? Would you consider a move from the province in protest? Should the government be able to tell you what you can and cannot wear at work, and declare that covering the lower half of your body goes against the province’s values?

Well, this may soon be a similar reality for thousands of Canadians as the Parti Quebecois’ proposed Charter of Values is set to be tabled Thursday. The bill would make it illegal for public sector employees to wear head scarves, turbans, yarmulkes and large crucifixes at work. For many like me, these articles of clothing are more than just religions symbols.  As a Muslim woman wearing a hijab for almost two thirds of my life, it’s a huge part of my identity. Just as you might feel exposed leaving the house without pants, I would feel naked without my scarf tightly wrapped around my head every day. Religion aside, wearing a hijab is so engrained in my daily life -- carefully choosing from my colourful collection of scarves each day, being greeted with a knowing smile by other Muslims at work, and having my colleagues know a little bit about me without ever having to discuss my religion with them. The way others may chose to express themselves with funky socks, red lipstick, or snazzy ties, my scarf is my silent expression of my faith and it’s really for no one else but me. 

Wearing a hijab has never stopped me from achieving my goals -- if anything, it has pushed me to break through the stereotype of the “oppressed Muslim woman.”  As a child, I always dreamed of becoming a journalist. I work in a job where my employer values me for what’s in my head, rather than what’s on it. I could never imagine being forced to give up my career, not because I wanted to, but because someone else had decided that the piece of cloth on my head doesn’t belong. I’m so grateful that I don’t have to face that reality. But so many of my fellow Canadians may soon have to. Imagine, Quebec’s younger generation of Muslims, Sikhs, and Jews having to give up on dreams of becoming doctors, teachers, and police officers.

At its basic core, the Parti Quebecois' Charter of Values is state-sanctioned workplace discrimination. This legislation claims to promote equality in Quebec’s society, but would instead create more barriers to prevent many from achieving just that.

The best part about being Canadian is knowing that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects me.  I cannot be discriminated against for my gender, race, sexual orientation, political belief or religion. The PQ’s proposed Charter of Values is an affront to all of that. And that's not the Canada I know and love.

This blog has been moved to www.ginellamassa.com/blog