Thank you for writing about Khaled, though I know that isn't a pleasant memory to have revisited. As I sit hear looking at the Pacific Ocean on a beautiful morning, it fills me with such sadness to know that Khaled, Reem, and everyone else who died will never see another sunrise.
As for no longer putting up with those movies, as a gay man I can relate. For so many years, film was filled with the worst stereotypes and it got so exhausting. Thankfully, things changed. I hope you'll run into fewer and fewer of those stereotypes as well.
And they had such beautiful sunrises over the sea, too! I'm glad it changed for you, and I think we can learn a lot from the way the gay community and other communities demanded better treatment. I'm at that demanding point now. I guess I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it anymore.
Thank you for your voice of reason and strength in the sea of propaganda that we have normalised in society. The world hurts right now, your words and wisdom help heal ❤️
That top photo was/is so devastating Noha, I'm so grateful you wrote this now. It feels like we are a long way away from recognizing our connection and ability to learn from each other.
We really are. There are bullies at the top that benefit from having us all fight amongst each other while they kill some of us and rob the others blind. I always remember this article I read years ago in Rolling Stone magazine about how the white elites convinced poor white people that the divider was race instead of class when slavery was first abolished. There's a lot of lessons to be taken from that... We'd all be so much better off if we worked for everyone's benefit.
Oh man, so many tears. My heritage is Native American, Mexican, and Norwegian. I have been studying my Native American roots and now I cannot stand how they are portrayed in media and even cartoons. It hurts, it pains, it degrades.
Roberta, I have been horrified at the depiction of Native Americans and Native Canadians in media for years. And then I read books by Joseph Boyden, thinking I was reading the words of a Indigenous man only to find out he had faked his native identity! It's so awful!
Oh that is sad. I like to do a research on the author to see what tribe they represent. I also look at the name and research that also. Native Canadians had the same thing happen to them as in our country. By the way, tell your Canadian friends that we are NOT all like Trump. Most of us aren't. I love your country. We are praying for you as I hope you are praying for us. We seem to need a lot lately.
No matter who you are, if you are not white, you will be portrayed as a caricature. I am Mexican + European, we are still portrayed as gang bangers, wetbacks, and illegal immigrants. It does hurt but it also makes me think twice and be more empathetic. Unfortunately too, Hollywood doesn’t care as long as it makes millions.
Thanks for writing this Noha, and giving us insight into your world. Like Michael Jensen here, I'm also gay and spent most of my life starved for positive representations of us. I lived in Singapore and experienced first hand the beauty of Islam and the generosity of my muslim friends and workmates. Their homes were always open to me. In solidarity, I'll also give not one more cent to any entertainment that demonises you and your people.
Thank you so much, Karl. I really truly appreciate your solidarity. We need to stick together. I've never been to Singapore but I have many friends from Singapore and they are wonderful people! Generosity and hospitality is a thing in Muslim culture across the board, to the point where sometimes we overdo it lol....
Funny story, a friend from work in Singapore invited me to his home for Eid al-Fitr. His huge family was all there. And I brought a bottle of wine. The hilarious good naturedness with which it was received still makes we laugh. It sat unopened in the middle of the table, and made every smile. I’ve always felt so welcome by my Muslim friends.
Thanks so much, Grace. I used to tolerate it, probably because I felt like I couldn't ask for more, and probably because I didn't truly understand where it led. Now it's impossible to unsee where it takes us.
NOHA...my heart reacts and feels so deeply whenever I read your words. You have been blessed with such a beautiful gift of putting thoughts to paper and I am immensely grateful for you. You speak for me and so, so many others. Thank you my sister. As the mother of three sons, one white and two black...identical twins!, I have witnessed the different ways that I have had to raise them. Because of their beautiful black skin, the world responds to them differently and it breaks my heart. May we always keep the memories of our beloved Khaled alive along with all the other men, women and children who have lost their lives in this tragedy. And may Allah continue to hold them in the palm of His hand. Much love to you, Noha. ❤️
Oh Casey, thank you so much for sharing these words. They mean the world to me. And what you've said about seeing the very real world differences between how you have to prepare your Black boys and your white boy for the world. It's heartbreaking. My older son is 14 now, taller than me. A beautiful brown boy and I'm teaching him to understand how to use his sudden strength while holding my breath and hurting over how he is seen differently than his white friends. How his imaginary aggression might be perceived by the world.
I try to comfort myself for Khaled and Reem that they are in heaven right now, that they don't have any pain or any suffering anymore. I pray to Allah swt to heal the ones still on earth, to bring the demonizers to justice. Much love to you too, Casey...
Reem, I don't know if you experienced this but there's so many movies that I definitely watched as a kid that, because it was on Network Television, they cut the more offensive stuff out. Then when I'd show it to my kids now from a streaming service, it was the FULL movie, offensive stuff and all still in it. Mrs. Doubtfire didn't just have that comment, it had this entire scene of Robin Williams making obscene jokes about Sally Field and Pierce Brosnan's characters that I had never seen! I was shocked lol. We had to keep skipping and skipping...
Whattt!! Definitely missed that! Also we watched most of the movies in Abu Dhabi so there was more censoring! Also there Bart Simpson was Better behaved, i remember being shocked when I saw how bad he was on american television
Yeah my husband grew up in Kuwait so he definitely also got the censored versions. I think that the in theater versions probably looked the same as the eventual streaming versions I saw. But I saw so many of these movies on network tv with commercials in them, so they needed to make it "family friendly" and cut time out of the movie. win win...
Bart Simpson well behaved sounds hilarious. I can't even imagine it.
I hear you and feel you Noha. What a heartbreak for that lovely man, his granddaughter and the thousands of nameless victims we don't know anything about. I don't watch those Hollywood films, and I'm glad you are here to breathe life into a culture and people I was 'educated' to demonize, and dehumanize. It really breaks my heart in more ways than I can say here :(((
You're so right, Imola. There's Khaled and there's Reem and then there's thousands more we'll never hear of, and that's even more of a tragedy. Thank you for avoiding those films, and for seeing through the "education" that tried to demonize and entire people to you. You give me so much hope.
As you give me hope Noha!! Maybe we should collaborate on a writing project to offer an alternative “education”? Just an idea. But I’m really passionate about this. Whatever reasonable voice we can bring to the insanity.
Amo Khaled was such a gentle soul ❤ May Allah SWT raise his ranks in Jannah. This was a touching tribute. And yes, I too am done with movies and shows that don't love us back. ❤🫂
Thank you for writing about Khaled, though I know that isn't a pleasant memory to have revisited. As I sit hear looking at the Pacific Ocean on a beautiful morning, it fills me with such sadness to know that Khaled, Reem, and everyone else who died will never see another sunrise.
As for no longer putting up with those movies, as a gay man I can relate. For so many years, film was filled with the worst stereotypes and it got so exhausting. Thankfully, things changed. I hope you'll run into fewer and fewer of those stereotypes as well.
And they had such beautiful sunrises over the sea, too! I'm glad it changed for you, and I think we can learn a lot from the way the gay community and other communities demanded better treatment. I'm at that demanding point now. I guess I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it anymore.
Thank you for your voice of reason and strength in the sea of propaganda that we have normalised in society. The world hurts right now, your words and wisdom help heal ❤️
Those are really kind words, Emma. Thank you... I've always felt so seen by you and I know we'd be kindred spirits if we ever met ❤️❤️❤️
For sure ❤️
That top photo was/is so devastating Noha, I'm so grateful you wrote this now. It feels like we are a long way away from recognizing our connection and ability to learn from each other.
We really are. There are bullies at the top that benefit from having us all fight amongst each other while they kill some of us and rob the others blind. I always remember this article I read years ago in Rolling Stone magazine about how the white elites convinced poor white people that the divider was race instead of class when slavery was first abolished. There's a lot of lessons to be taken from that... We'd all be so much better off if we worked for everyone's benefit.
Oh man, so many tears. My heritage is Native American, Mexican, and Norwegian. I have been studying my Native American roots and now I cannot stand how they are portrayed in media and even cartoons. It hurts, it pains, it degrades.
Roberta, I have been horrified at the depiction of Native Americans and Native Canadians in media for years. And then I read books by Joseph Boyden, thinking I was reading the words of a Indigenous man only to find out he had faked his native identity! It's so awful!
Oh that is sad. I like to do a research on the author to see what tribe they represent. I also look at the name and research that also. Native Canadians had the same thing happen to them as in our country. By the way, tell your Canadian friends that we are NOT all like Trump. Most of us aren't. I love your country. We are praying for you as I hope you are praying for us. We seem to need a lot lately.
'Berta
No matter who you are, if you are not white, you will be portrayed as a caricature. I am Mexican + European, we are still portrayed as gang bangers, wetbacks, and illegal immigrants. It does hurt but it also makes me think twice and be more empathetic. Unfortunately too, Hollywood doesn’t care as long as it makes millions.
I think you’re right on the fact that it both hurts and makes us more empathetic. That’s the one advantage.
Thanks for writing this Noha, and giving us insight into your world. Like Michael Jensen here, I'm also gay and spent most of my life starved for positive representations of us. I lived in Singapore and experienced first hand the beauty of Islam and the generosity of my muslim friends and workmates. Their homes were always open to me. In solidarity, I'll also give not one more cent to any entertainment that demonises you and your people.
Thank you so much, Karl. I really truly appreciate your solidarity. We need to stick together. I've never been to Singapore but I have many friends from Singapore and they are wonderful people! Generosity and hospitality is a thing in Muslim culture across the board, to the point where sometimes we overdo it lol....
Funny story, a friend from work in Singapore invited me to his home for Eid al-Fitr. His huge family was all there. And I brought a bottle of wine. The hilarious good naturedness with which it was received still makes we laugh. It sat unopened in the middle of the table, and made every smile. I’ve always felt so welcome by my Muslim friends.
HAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAA ok you just made my day that is the best! Feels like something from a tv show 😂😂😂.
But seriously I’ve been on the receiving end of so many gifts of wine with which I can do nothing 😅.
It's a regifting opportunity!
Ah but I can’t regift it, rules-wise because I’m not allowed ti give anyone rise alcohol either. We’ve always just said thank you and then tossed it.
Oh of course! I forgot that part! Ah well, you’re saving people from hangovers. This is good works.
I’m done too. Thank you so much for beautifully voicing what needs to be said widely, loudly and with great dignity.
Thanks so much, Grace. I used to tolerate it, probably because I felt like I couldn't ask for more, and probably because I didn't truly understand where it led. Now it's impossible to unsee where it takes us.
So true. It is time to stand in our power and demand better for us and everyone.
100%
I see the nur of Mr. Khaled. God bless his soul. And Reem's. And Reem's brother's.
They should all still be here. They were murdered.
They were murdered. Them and tens of thousands of others. Maybe hundreds of thousands. It is truly evil...
NOHA...my heart reacts and feels so deeply whenever I read your words. You have been blessed with such a beautiful gift of putting thoughts to paper and I am immensely grateful for you. You speak for me and so, so many others. Thank you my sister. As the mother of three sons, one white and two black...identical twins!, I have witnessed the different ways that I have had to raise them. Because of their beautiful black skin, the world responds to them differently and it breaks my heart. May we always keep the memories of our beloved Khaled alive along with all the other men, women and children who have lost their lives in this tragedy. And may Allah continue to hold them in the palm of His hand. Much love to you, Noha. ❤️
Oh Casey, thank you so much for sharing these words. They mean the world to me. And what you've said about seeing the very real world differences between how you have to prepare your Black boys and your white boy for the world. It's heartbreaking. My older son is 14 now, taller than me. A beautiful brown boy and I'm teaching him to understand how to use his sudden strength while holding my breath and hurting over how he is seen differently than his white friends. How his imaginary aggression might be perceived by the world.
I try to comfort myself for Khaled and Reem that they are in heaven right now, that they don't have any pain or any suffering anymore. I pray to Allah swt to heal the ones still on earth, to bring the demonizers to justice. Much love to you too, Casey...
❤️
My heart hurts so much for Khaled and Reem
And omg didn't know.about Ms doubt fire comment!
Reem, I don't know if you experienced this but there's so many movies that I definitely watched as a kid that, because it was on Network Television, they cut the more offensive stuff out. Then when I'd show it to my kids now from a streaming service, it was the FULL movie, offensive stuff and all still in it. Mrs. Doubtfire didn't just have that comment, it had this entire scene of Robin Williams making obscene jokes about Sally Field and Pierce Brosnan's characters that I had never seen! I was shocked lol. We had to keep skipping and skipping...
Whattt!! Definitely missed that! Also we watched most of the movies in Abu Dhabi so there was more censoring! Also there Bart Simpson was Better behaved, i remember being shocked when I saw how bad he was on american television
Yeah my husband grew up in Kuwait so he definitely also got the censored versions. I think that the in theater versions probably looked the same as the eventual streaming versions I saw. But I saw so many of these movies on network tv with commercials in them, so they needed to make it "family friendly" and cut time out of the movie. win win...
Bart Simpson well behaved sounds hilarious. I can't even imagine it.
I hear you and feel you Noha. What a heartbreak for that lovely man, his granddaughter and the thousands of nameless victims we don't know anything about. I don't watch those Hollywood films, and I'm glad you are here to breathe life into a culture and people I was 'educated' to demonize, and dehumanize. It really breaks my heart in more ways than I can say here :(((
You're so right, Imola. There's Khaled and there's Reem and then there's thousands more we'll never hear of, and that's even more of a tragedy. Thank you for avoiding those films, and for seeing through the "education" that tried to demonize and entire people to you. You give me so much hope.
As you give me hope Noha!! Maybe we should collaborate on a writing project to offer an alternative “education”? Just an idea. But I’m really passionate about this. Whatever reasonable voice we can bring to the insanity.
I can’t think of a fitting comment but please know how much this moved me and is staying with me.
Thank you so much, Erin. I feel this way a lot where I don't have the right words beyond that a piece moved me. I'm touched to know you felt this way.
What a powerful piece, Noha. Brought tears to my eyes. I fully endorse your decision.
Thank you, Ramya. Watching Khaled with children often brought tears to my eyes too.
Amo Khaled was such a gentle soul ❤ May Allah SWT raise his ranks in Jannah. This was a touching tribute. And yes, I too am done with movies and shows that don't love us back. ❤🫂
Ameen ameen to your dua. and if they don't want us good riddance. I don't want them.
The world loves and misses Khaled so much. The demonization of different cultures is infuriating. The world knows the truth now.
Exactly this. What a beautiful man he was.
Heartbreaking, Noha. Thank you for writing this.
And I’m so glad you’re done.
As I’m sure it’s true for many, I loved the piece that you wrote about the Muslim men you know.
Sending love and warmth to you and them .
Thanks Holly. Even if people want to keep treating us like garbage I can still choose to stop accepting it.
Khaled and Reem changed my life profoundly. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you.