News and views are now available via a multitude of alternate sources. The Internet has become a democratic domain that can enable us not only to communicate across cultures, but more importantly, interact and network with all those who aspire for a more just and humanitarian world; where civilizations, faiths and races cooperate and manage their crises with mutual understanding and the respect of laws - just laws, and via exchange of information.

The media must be actively approached in order to combat exclusion, marginalization and misrepresentation.

All channels of information and communication should be nurtured with the intent of giving priority to truth and justice over sensationalism.

Stopping the influence of sensational news items must be the duty of the hour if we hope to change the bias against Muslims and the already burning fire of seeking to rally an angry nation around a call to war.

Journalists are charged with reporting the facts, without bias and with the utmost levels of journalistic integrity. However, a media bias does exist when it comes to reporting on "Muslim" issues, especially regarding foreign issues like Palestine, Kashmir, etc…

But there is also a lack of Muslim activity in the arena of journalism. Muslims must write to editors when biased, inciteful or inaccurate stories are published or broadcast. Muslims must become resources of information for journalists seeking the truth. And regarding media with an agenda, Muslims must actively speak out in support of objectivity and likewise become sources of information for the truth, in any and all cases.

And probably most importantly, the community has a responsibility to take pro-active steps towards changing situations deemed objectionable. Complaining is not enough. Upset over media coverage of issues regarding the community? Then support, nurture and train Muslim journalists.

E-groups and activists sites are important domains that Islam must approach with a new discourse in a more inclusive manner. Topics such as human rights and civil liberties, malaises of industrial capitalist modernity and horizons of a more humanist milieu, etc… are major issues that Muslims should become involved in on a large scale.

There is canon of information on the Internet that can be used to raise awareness and reach out to others.

It is important to relate your ideas to persons other than those who already agree with you. Seek out to engage in multi-lateral discourse that will bridge gaps between members of society and provide for greater mutual understanding.

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