Reza Aslan

Islam is one of the most politically divisive subjects in America today. Often misunderstood, Islam has been overly politicized and misrepresented in the media, particularly through gross generalizations based on a few hundred extremists. Recent examples include the controversies surrounding the mosque several blocks away from Ground Zero and Pastor Terry Jones’ call to burn the Koran.  Americans with such misunderstandings have drastically inaccurate and negative perceptions of Muslims, and therefore desperately need clarification through alternatives to misguided portrayals of Muslims through the media.

Dr. Reza Aslan has been successful in serving as a voice of reason as a scholar, an author, and a member of the Muslim community in this country. Author, Dr. Reza Aslan started his cross country book tour for the launch of his latest book “Tablet & Pen” at the Monterey Institute on Thursday, November 4 where he addressed a packed Irvine Auditorium.

While briefly discussing his latest book, Aslan spoke to his audience about how American history is riddled with bigotry towards Jews and Catholics, and now, towards Muslims.  He emphasized the inevitable shaming of those discriminating against Muslims today.  Select politicians and media sources exemplify ignorance and racism when they prioritize ratings over human dignity.

Dr. Aslan delivered his speech effortlessly and without notes, keeping his audience, both in Irvine and online, on their toes with sobering facts and humorous antidotes.

Dr. Aslan’s writing and commentary are complemented by his outreach efforts with a budding organization called Aslan Media (http://www.aslanmedia.com/) that aims to bridge the gap in understanding of Middle Eastern culture in the west. A team of students from Professor Kropp’s Entrepreneurship class are tasked with developing a revenue model that can sustain Aslan Media’s efforts to connect with youth via social media like Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, blogging and podcasting.

Dr. Aslan continued his book tour on The Colbert Report (November 8, 2010.)

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