The "Muslim Refusenik"

[jaala]

I attended a speech and Q&A session with Irshad Manji[1] tonight. This speech was focused more on why as both a Muslim and a supporter of diversity and human rights she supports the existence of Israel... rather than on her usual calls for reform within Islam (as discussed in her book[2] and on her website).

The auditorium was packed (to overflowing) with a good mix of people; both kippot and hijab were visible, for instance. Some left looking pleased, some looking extremely displeased, and a lot more looking perplexed or intrigued at some level.

I may not agree with all of her rhetoric but her courage and willingness to tackle extremely contentious issues head on is inspiring. I have a lot to think about after that speech and Q&A, browsing her website, and reading reviews of her book on amazon.com.

Now, after "wasting" two hours after the presentation ended, I have to complete my assignments for tomorrow. Rrrr...

[1] I remember way back when she was the host of QueerTelevision on Citytv. That must have been a while ago. I ran across the show only a few times--perhaps it was on at some awkward time?--but I remember her magnetic personality.

[2] Which I haven't read and didn't have money to purchase, by the way.

Comments

[gridlockjoe.livejournal.com]

*light bulb goes on* I knew I knew htat name from somewhere! I remember seeing Irshad Manji on CP24 right before QT was spun off into its own show.

And one of the Citytv blooper files posted to the Net recently shows Irshad fainting right at the beginning of a "Q Files" segment.

[jaala]

"And one of the Citytv blooper files posted to the Net recently shows Irshad fainting right at the beginning of a "Q Files" segment."

Where?

[gridlockjoe.livejournal.com]

Here (377 K, right click 'n' save).

It was one of the batch of Citytv outtakes highlighted by Gord Martineau.

Ouch

[jaala]

That's actually a bit scary.