13 March 2009
Editor Discusses Life as Businesswoman, Mother, Muslim in America
CO.NX webchat transcript, March 12
Kari Ansari, the editor in chief of America’s Muslim Family magazine, based in Chicago, answered questions in a March 12 CO.NX webchat on her life as a businessperson, mother and Muslim in America.
Following is the transcript:
(begin transcript)
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of International Information Programs
Webchat transcript
Life as a Businessperson, Mother, and Muslim in America
Guest: Kari Ansari, Editor “America’s Muslim Family Magazine”
Date: March 12, 2009
Time: 09:00 a.m. EDT (1300 GMT)
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): We are taking your questions for Kari Ansari now.
Kari Ansari: Asalaamu Alaikum
I have been invited to talk about life as a Muslim woman, mother and as a businessperson in America. I am all three of these descriptions on a daily basis. I have an office for my business in our home, just outside of Chicago, IL. My children are 7, 10 and 12 years old and they attend nearby public schools. My husband, Ahmed, works for an organization in Chicago called the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago. He is the Art Director there.
We have been publishing our magazine, America’s Muslim Family Magazine since 2003, and in addition to the magazine work, I am also a graphic designer and copywriter. My clients include many different types of American organizations and businesses. My daily projects are always new and different. For example, during the last two weeks I have written copy for a large digital advertisement that will appear on the side of a major television station building in New York City’s Times Square; I have designed promotional materials for two ladies who are Muslim Real Estate agents in Dallas, Texas, and I have completed the design and layout of a consumer food magazine. This work has me in contact with vendors and service providers from all around the country; this has become easy due to the wide availability of high-speed Internet access across America.
My Muslim friends are involved in all kinds of businesses and professions. For example, I have several friends who are practicing physicians who successfully balance raising their children, practicing medicine and managing married life. They will tell you that they are successful in their medical career and their home-life as a wife and mother because they have supportive Muslim husbands who value their contribution to home and society. Muslim women work in computers, in engineering and most all other professional fields. Many of my friends have taken time away from their career in order to raise their children, but plan to return to work full or part-time once the children are older, and in school.
With all this said, I also have just as many Muslim friends who are stay-at-home moms, who have made a beautiful and fulfilling career of raising their children and making a warm and peaceful home life. I find that both groups of Muslim women have legitimate reasons for participating fully in their “career paths”; I have done both and have been completely happy doing either. My husband has been my best supporter in whatever work I have chosen to pursue during all our married years, and that has made it good for our family. Just as in other places around the world, family life is the first priority of American Muslim women. Making a place of sakina for our families is what we all strive to do, whether it be in Abu Dhabi, Kabul, Cape Town, Jakarta or Chicago.
Question [Halima Mohammednur (IRC Addis Ababa)]: Dear Sister Kari Ansari, Aselam Aleykum Wt. Wb., I would like to ask you the following questions which are related to your talk. What is your purpose in conducting this talk about your life in America? What do you intend to achieve in the end?
Answer [Kari Ansari]: The United States Department of State has asked me to help inform my Muslim brothers and sisters around the world about life in America for Muslims. I am happy to do this, since I have come to realize that sometimes only the negative stories of our experiences are reported to the Muslim world. Over the last years since 9/11, I have decided that my country, America, is a great place to be a Muslim. I am able to practice Islam in security and I know my country, America, guarantees me that right.
Q [IRCAbidjan A]: How do American Muslim women conciliate the religious duties to their professional activities for instance, observing the five daily prayers and the fasting?
A [Kari Ansari]: Most Muslim women that I know who work outside of the home do not report having trouble with salat (prayer) or breaking their fast during Ramadan, it is often an opportunity to explain a little about Islam to their employers and for the most part, employers are willing to accommodate the Muslim. There have been cases where Muslims who work in factory settings, where they are part of an assembly line have had to negotiate with the employer for specific times to leave the line for a few minutes so not to miss prayer times or iftar. We have a very active Muslim civil rights organization, CAIR (cair.com) that has helped many of these workers.
Q [mamu]: …and i wear hijab which in america no one will hire you as a muslim they think you are racist or discriminating, is there any way you can give me advice on this?
Q [MONCEF]: How do you manage to 'thrive' in a post-9/11 era in a place where being a muslim might be a source of phobia and distrust? Best regards.
A [Kari Ansari]: Distrust of people springs from ignorance. If Americans don’t understand what Muslims believe in, value, and cherish, then they feel wary of us. As an American Muslim who makes my living communicating with words and pictures, it is my duty to inform my neighbors about my faith community and its teachings. This obligation to inform and educate is why my husband and I have been publishing our magazine and working with other Muslim organizations to promote understanding of Islam and Muslims. I’ve come to realize that quite often my experiences as an American Muslim has been most positive when I am feeling most positive about myself and those around me. If I expect the worst from my non-Muslim neighbors, then it may be that is what I experience, however, when I expect to be treated with dignity and respect, for the most part I am not disappointed.
Don’t misunderstand me here; it is definitely a challenge to rise above the media stereotypes and mistrust that comes from people who are ignorant of the real nature of Muslims and Islam. However, when we as Muslims follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad and treat our neighbors with respect and kindness, Americans respond in kind. Muslims who positively engage in American society help bring about social change and have a positive influence on the perceptions of Islam among non-Muslims.
Q [wafa]: What do you think about image of muslims in USA after 9/11?
A [Kari Ansari]: I think that now we are making great strides in dispelling the misperceptions of Muslims in the American public square. Traditionally, Muslims in America have been in the medical and engineering fields, but now we are seeing a second and third generation of Muslims coming of age as Americans and they are successfully pursuing new and different career paths in journalism, media, and entertainment. This sea change is bringing about new mainstream awareness of the Muslim community. These young Muslims are telling our story instead of having other folks tell it for us – quite often incorrectly.
We now have two Muslims serving in the United States Congress; there are more elected officials who are Muslim on the state and local levels. President Obama’s campaign mobilized thousands and thousands of Muslims in crucial swing states and they worked hard in the closing days of the election to make sure Muslims got out to vote. These same people are staying mobilized, and they are energized by the success of their efforts. I have a dear friend who is actively engaged in civic events in her city. She has been asked to run for public office for this city, and the folks encouraging her to serve are her non-Muslim neighbors; I’m happy to report that she has agreed to enter the race for election next year. This is wonderful. These examples of civic engagement will, insha’Allah have a positive effect on our image in America, but more importantly, it should have a positive effect on the world.
Q [mamu]: i am muslim lady who attend college in usa in cosmetology and cannot find job. all the salon have men which i have to do their hair too.
A [Kari Ansari]: Because most Muslim women would not feel comfortable cutting the hair of an unrelated male client (due to Islamic modesty requirements between men and women), being a Muslim hair stylist would have many challenges associated with working in the United States where unisex salons are commonplace. However, I think this career can also have many benefits if you are assertive enough to market yourself just the right way.
I wear hijab and am always on the lookout for a ladies-only hair salon, and when I find one, I become a loyal customer. Many independently owned salons have a private room, often referred to as a “wig room”; you could approach the owner of these salons and say that if hired, you will promote her salon to the Muslim community thereby reaching into a new untapped market of customers. It’s a win-win situation for you and the salon owner. In our current economy we all have to look for creative ways to promote our unique qualities and abilities.
Q [IRCAbidjan - Mrs Fofana]: How do their husbands react to their muslim wives commitment to their professional activities?
A [Kari Ansari]: I think that individual couples work out what they feel is best for them and their children. Some Muslim men are very adamant about their wives being at home for them and the children, while other men are happy to see their wives out working. The problems arise when either the man or woman are not happy with the situation. As I may have mentioned earlier, it is not easy to manage a family on one income in America and so some men may need the financial contribution of a second earner, and this can put strain on the marriage if the woman would prefer not to work away from home, especially if she has children. It is easier if the couple has extended family, a grandparent, or aunt, but often immigrant Muslims have left their families behind and then lose this kind of family support.
Q [Abduselam Dettamo (IRC Addis Ababa)]: During divorce which law system is applied to Muslims – Shei’a (Islamic) or government Law system?
A [Kari Ansari]: In the United States, there is no Shari’ah court system.
Q [Abduselam Dettamo (IRC Addis Ababa)]: Is there any restriction to Muslim women way of wearing in office and school? Are they allowed to wear Hijab – if they want to?
A [Kari Ansari]: We are allowed by law to wear hijab in the workplace and at school. The federal government has even sued a school district on the behalf of a young girl who was forced to remove her hijab at school.
Q [IRCAbidjan1 (Aminata Kane)]: I see that you wear a veil, what is the regard of American people on the veil?
A [Kari Ansari]: It can be a challenge to wear hijab in America, simply because the public doesn’t always understand the reasons behind wearing it. Common misperceptions are that a Muslim woman’s husband forces her to cover, or that she wears hijab 24/7, and even that she doesn’t have hair! It is also confusing to Americans because some Muslim cover and some do not. This requires a lot of explanation and that is not always possible. People like me in the media business try to write and publish wherever possible and explain the hijab.
Q [Abduselam Dettamo (IRC Addis Ababa)]: How many Muslim women are living in U.S. of America? From which what percentages of them are employed in organizations to earn a living?
Kari Ansari: I really don’t have those statistics, however, in general Muslim American women are highly educated, and they do work in many different professional fields such as medicine, law, computer science, philanthropy, etc.
Comment [koffi]: i am koffi. i come from malui.
Comment [Loni]: There have been many similar cases in the UK where schools also must allow girls to wear the hijab.
Q [Abduselam Dettamo (IRC Addis Ababa)]: Is there a considerable influence of Hollywood cinema on Muslim women who are living in U.S.?
A [Kari Ansari]: The majority of Muslim women in America are well educated and I would say they are not influenced negatively by Hollywood. That’s not to say they we don’t watch movies, but I know my friends and I avoid movies that are provocative or sexually explicit. We have so many choices in terms of television and cinema here in America; it’s easy to find options for viewing that don’t compromise our values of modesty.
Q [Ahmed Abdellah (IRC Addis Ababa)]: How Muslim women face the none Islamic ways of living, like eating unhalal food, ways of wearing …etc, In all ways of their living style, how much is their awareness in these regard?
A [Kari Ansari]: You might be surprised to know that many Muslim women immigrate to America and find that they become a more “serious” Muslim here than they were “back home”. Because dhabia meat is not served everywhere, they have to find Muslim butchers, the American style of dress is not Islamic so they have to shop carefully and search long and hard to find appropriate dress, most of their neighbors are not Muslim, so they find friendships with other Muslim women of other cultures, there is no adhan filling their ears five times a day they have to remember salat times. Muslims find that they cherish their Islam and they work hard to preserve it in their daily life, and the United States guarantees them that right to practice Islam.
Q [Jack Bauer]: I’m Jack Bauer, I’d like to ask you a question: how is Islam practiced in U.S?
A [Kari Ansari]: Islam is practiced in as many ways as it is around the world. What makes Islam very unique in America is that we have Muslims from every corner of the globe. There are Shia mosques, Sunni mosques, there are Muslims who would say they follow the path of the Salaf; there are Muslims who practice Sufi-ism. It is endless, and it is quite wonderful and beautiful. I am a convert to Islam and I can tell you that I am most happy when I am at a gathering that includes as many Muslims from as many different countries as possible. My friends include Africans, Indonesians, Arabs, South Asians, Chinese, Americans, Mexicans, and the list goes on. It is wonderful, and I think it is just as Allah wanted.
Q [Jack Bauer]: Do you think that America will have a great percentage of muslims in its population?
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): Jack, to learn more about America's Muslim population, see: http://www.america.gov/st/diversity-english/2008/December/20081222090246jmnamdeirf0.4547083.html.
Q [Ahmed Abdellah (IRC Addis Ababa)]: It has been said that there are many people who are alcoholic, drug taker, who do crime of rape and hence do exhibit bad behavior in the U.S. America. How does the society face this problem? Is there any specialty on American Muslim women? Whom do they prefer to attack?
A [Kari Ansari]: America has its share of crime, and substance abuse like any other society, however I cannot say that Muslim women are a particular target of these criminals. I’d also like to point out that the United States is a place of law and order, and ordinary citizens – Muslim and non-Muslims – do not live under a cloud of fear from the problems you have mentioned. You may find it difficult to imagine this if you are watching American television crime dramas! I feel perfectly safe going about my daily business in my city, my children walk to and from their school, they play outdoors after school with friends at the playground, we take walks around our neighborhood. It’s very peaceful and safe.
Q [Halima Mohammednur (IRC Addis Ababa)]: Is there a time when you felt you were challenged by the system because you are a Muslim?
A [Kari Ansari]: Sometimes while traveling by air, I have been quite annoyed and frustrated. I don’t like being singled out in the security line because I wear hijab, I don’t like it that my bags are always opened by the TSA, but it happens.
Webchat Moderator (Mark): Hi everyone. We’re going to make a slight adjustment to your webchat screen. Just one moment as we change the Pods a bit.
Q [Halima Mohammednur (IRC Addis Ababa)]: Do you think Muslims in America are equally treated as followers of other faiths? In the airport, in the work place, etc...?
A [Kari Ansari]: Americans of any faith by law are granted equal protection, however, sometimes in the name of security it feels as if Muslims have been profiled unfairly. We have organizations in America like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), or the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), that work hard on our behalf to bring attention to any discrimination that Muslim travelers, workers and others suffer in spite of our justice system.
Webchat Moderator (Marie): To learn more about the Council on American-Islamic Relations, you can visit their website at http://ct.cair.com/.
Q [Halima Mohammednur (IRC Addis Ababa)]: In some cases, harmful traditional practices like FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) are considered Islamic among few Muslims and the majority of non-Muslims. Is there anything you have done to address such issues in your magazine or any other means?
A [Kari Ansari]: Our magazine has not tackled the issue of FGM, yet. We have covered the issue of abuse of Muslim women by their husbands or other family members in our magazine on several occasions. There was a horrific incident last month where a prominent Muslim television producer has been arrested for the murder of his wife, Aasiya Hassan. Many non-Muslims are calling this crime an honor killing, but members of the Muslim community have been protesting this label on a crime that so clearly involved years of domestic violence against this poor woman. I recently had an Op-Ed published in the Chicago Tribune on this issue, (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-oped0220muslimfeb20,0,1472832.story) and I have joined a national task force of Muslims to support the work of organizations that are struggling to end violence against Muslim women in America.
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): To learn more about Mrs. Ansari’s magazine, you can see her website at: http://www.americasmuslimfamily.com/.
Thank you all for your many wonderful questions. Mrs. Ansari will answer as many as she can. You can check out our Facebook page at http://co-nx.state.gov to comment about this chat and find out about our upcoming events.
Q [Kadidja]: what triggered you to become a muslim?
A [Kari Ansari]: Allah! And the good example of Muslims I knew.
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): If you would like to read about other Muslim women entrepreneurs, please see: http://www.america.gov/st/diversity-english/2008/September/20080918111528maduobbA0.3181116.html?CP.rss=true.
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): This article talks about a Pakistani-American Muslim woman who works as a journalist: http://www.america.gov/st/diversity-english/2008/September/20080918110437maduobbA0.5464289.html.
Q [Salwa]: Salaam alikum! Returning to Kuwait I have realised that many Muslims here are segregated based on their nationalities. What would you suggest for young Indian Muslim children trying to blend with the so called Kuwaiti crowd?
A [Kari Ansari]: This also can happen to a less extreme extent here the U.S. when the Muslim community gets larger. Here in Chicago, we have around 400,000 Muslims and I’ve noticed that people tend to congregate closer to their own nationality, however, as the population grows and the 2nd and 3rd generations come into adulthood, they are less likely to stick to their parent’s ethnic roots and mix it up better. For your situation in Kuwait, maybe starting and sponsoring activities outside of school like say, a peace dialog or a charity event would be a good way to get the kids interacting together better.
Q [IRCAbidjan KONE]: REALY SPEAKING, DO YOU THINK THAT AS BARACK OBAMA HAS SUCCED TO BECOME PRESIDENT A MUSLIM TOO CAN BE PRESIDENT THERE?
A [Kari Ansari]: Yes, I do. And I will tell you that my 12-year-old daughter says she is planning to be the first Muslim Woman president!
Q [macconi]: Were do your parents come from?
A [Kari Ansari]: My parents are American of German and Scottish heritage. Some of my ancestors came to America during the time of Abraham Lincoln from Scotland.
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): To read more about religious diversity in America, see this page: http://amlife.america.gov/amlife/diversity/atworship.html.
Q [Kadidja]: I learnt that is the fastest growing religion in America, it that true?
Webchat Moderator (Sarah): Hi Kadidja, you can learn a lot about Islam in America by reading this publication: http://www.america.gov/media/pdf/books/being-muslim-in-america.pdf.
Q [Jack Bauer]: Will the muslims live peacefully in the U.S?
A [Kari Ansari]: The Muslims in America are living peacefully. We definitely have our struggles with informing the public about the real Islam, the true Islam. But we are working hard at this task, and are energized by it. A recent study came out this week that showed many other religions are losing members in America, while Islam is still growing here. As more and more Americans learn that Islam is a wonderful way of life, that it revolves around serving humanity, that it prioritizes God, and then family above all else, then I believe my Muslim brothers and sisters around the world will one day, see that America is one of the best places for Muslims on earth.
Webchat Moderator (Mark): Hello everyone! My colleagues Marie, Sarah, and Kristin need to move to their next appointment. I will be online with you as we wrap up today's webchat.
Kari Ansari continues to work on answers to your questions. There are many questions coming in so please be patient. Thank you!
Q [Mona Egypt]: As a business muslim woman, do you find difficulties working in an open society?
A [Kari Ansari]: I do not find it difficult at all. I think that wearing hijab actually makes it easier, it tells everyone that I require modest behavior and respect. It is easier for me than maybe because I am a native American and better understand both cultures. In some ways this has really helped me in my business…I am sort of like a bridge between the Muslim culture and the non-Muslim culture.
Q [Mariam Toure]: Can you measure the real impact of your magazine on the American musilm family? When you started the magazine, what was the gap?
A [Kari Ansari]: I can only measure its impact by the response that we receive from readers, and alhamdoulillah, it has been overwhelmingly positive. We try to tackle issues that are of concern to Muslims living in America. We do have a lack of reading materials that are geared toward Muslims, at least in English, written in America. That was the gap, and it is still quite wide.
Webchat Moderator (Mark): Kari Ansari is working on some final answers. In the meantime I am going to add a couple of polls, cast your vote!
Q [Bakayoko Kadidja]: I would like to know if you do not encounter any problem especially for women with a veil when looking for a job?
A [Kari Ansari]: Muslim women in America are allowed to wear whatever they feel their faith dictates; if they don’t want to cover, they don’t; if they want to wear hijab with modest western style clothing, they do; if they want to wear abaya, they do and there are plenty of Muslim women who wear the burka, and no one is allowed to prohibit it. I know that the more extreme the covering, the more curious looks a woman will receive, but Americans are becoming accustomed to us here.
Q [Jack Bauer]: Is it easy to be muslim in the U.S?
A [Kari Ansari]: I want to thank everyone for logging in today. If I were able, I would have answered every single question, because they are all important. I am so happy to see so many of you online from so many places around the world. May Allah bless you all and increase your iman.
Webchat Moderator (Mark): Please join me in thanking Kari Ansari. Visit us on CO.NX FaceBook.
Salwa: Thank you! Jazak Allah Khair!
Mariam Toure: Sister, I envy you. This ideal situation of yours: reconcile your status as businesswoman, muslim and mother. This is possible because you are in the United States which offer great opportunities to anyone with ideas. Thanks to Allah.
Kadidja: may Allah reward you with the best of the rewards.
macconi: Thanks you, and bye.
IRCAbidjan KONE: may the MIGHTY protect your soul.
Mafilasy: only GOD is going to reward.
Webchat Moderator (Mark): The webchat is now closed. We wish to thank Kari Ansari for joining us today. A transcript of today's webchat will be posted to http://co-nx.state.gov and to http://www.america.gov/multimedia/askamerica.html within one business day. Speakers are chosen for their expertise and may not reflect the views of the U.S. Department of State.
(end transcript)
