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Entertainment is, by its very nature, a difficult issue to tackle, for it is subject to the whims, peculiarities, and experiential backgrounds of the consumer. What one individual finds engaging might bore another to tears. What comes across as objectionable in one cultural context might find warm acceptance in another.
Muslims - particularly those living in the West - are hit daily with a never-ending barrage of entertainment options. Whether it is films being scattered across the Muslim world via the miracle of satellite media distribution, sitcoms coming over the airwaves in the United States or video games being marketed to the youth, choices have to be made concerning how to spend leisure time. Unfortunately, with Muslims being such a far-flung, diverse grouping of people, it is difficult to apply one standard for entertainment consumption that adequately addresses the multiplicity of cultural contexts throughout the Muslim world.
For instance, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is known and loved by many a Muslim of Indo-Pak origin. However, an American Muslim listening to a song in which he sings of wine drinking might be so offended that he or she might dismiss his entire body of work, never understanding the deeply religious and reverent ragas for which he has come to be known.
Conversely, many American Muslims have come to appreciate the music of Mos Def, a popular African-American Muslim rapper. However, an immigrant Muslim listening to his song "Ms. Fat Booty", with its image provoking title, might discard his CD without ever hearing the deeply reflective, Islamically flavored, socially conscious art for which he has been critically acclaimed.
So Muslims are faced with a conundrum of context, one which is not solved by focusing solely on the plight of Muslims in the West, for opinions are as wide-ranging here as they are in an international context. What is consistent in the West, however, is the pervasive nature of entertainment. Given that media works its way into the very fabric of each American's life - Muslim or otherwise - it is important that Muslims have some voice of reason to help guide them through the fray.
As IslamOnline (IOL) redoubles its efforts to bring you, the reader, timely news and insightful analysis pertaining to various aspects of entertainment and the arts, it hopes to be that guiding hand. Towards accomplishing that goal, IOL will continue to bring you the reviews and coverage to which you have become accustomed. However, in addition to that coverage, IOL will strive to provide the following:
More book reviews: Everyone seems to have a perspective on Muslims. That being the case, Muslims need to know what is being said and whether it has merit. Additionally, Muslims are increasingly expressing their own views on the state of the world, and the Muslim reader needs to be aware of who those people are and how they are contributing to the overall discourse.
A special focus on music: Islam has played a role in popular music since the 1950s and it would behoove Muslims to know what their brethren are doing in the musical arts. Muslims might also consider staying current with mainstream musical expression, as music often serves as a sounding board for generations. As such it can be a powerful tool in analyzing the prevailing state of society.
Interviews: Maybe you've heard of them; maybe you haven't. But they are people with firsthand experience in the realm of arts and entertainment. Hearing what they have to say on their chosen craft can provide insight and illuminate issues of importance to the Muslim reader.
So expect this and more from IOL over the next few months and help support IOL by giving us your feedback on our coverage. We thank you for your readership and look forward to continuing our service to you.
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