Freedom Of Religion ... To What Extent?

A couple of months ago, I was asked to moderate a panel discussion at a conference for corporate diversity officers, people who work in personnel and human resources and so on. The panel included two other consultants who work in that field. At one point, one of the consultants, a Muslim woman, asked us to close our eyes, and we did. And when we opened them she had added to her standard issue (forgive me) business attire a very large Muslim headscarf (it's actually a particular style called an Al Almira). If you are interested in the different styles of coverings here's a very nice primer from the BBC.

Anyway, she asked us how our opinion of her changed because of what she was wearing. It was a slightly uncomfortable moment. The thing of it is, we could still see her face.

But what if we could not?

That's the core of a very interesting conversation going on in France right now. President Nicholas Sarkozy has suggested that his government should ban the wearing of the Burka in public.

Now, set aside the administrative issues. How would you enforce this?

Arrest people?

Issue a ticket?

And the constitution (a differnt constitution than ours, but one that recognizes freedom of religion) what then does it MEAN? What does it feel like to those who are most affected?

We decided to ask two different Muslim women with two very different opinions. And one of the things they have a different opinion about is even whether the burqa is the same as Niquab, which covers the face (except for the eyes).

Here's a blog that discusses Niquab.

It is interesting to even contemplate that we would be discussing these matters. It's a French issue at the moement, but there was at least one case of a Muslim woman fighting to keep her face covered in a driver's license photo. She did not prevail.

Another sign of our changing times. What accommodations do we make to each other to practice our religion as we see fit, and yet maintain the core values of the community and nation?

Interesting we think.

And tomorrow, we have a special Independence Day treat for you.

Something for the head, heart soul ... and taste buds.

Check it out.

-- Lee Hill

4:05 PM ET | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

 

Telling You More From Where I Stand (Literally.)

Hi, "Tell Me More" world. Argin Hutchins, here ...

Lee Hill, our resident digital media guy asked me to do a blog posting about today's show. And I have to say that his request caught me off guard for one huge reason: today, I directed the program (our usual Director is Rob Sachs, who's enjoying some time off).

Most people don't know what's involved in doing that job, so let me explain ...

Think of directing a live radio program as if you were a train operator. Your primary responsibilities are to make the train run on time, and to steer clear of incidents. You are not necessarily worried about what's happening in one particular train car, or how many people are in another. And in that same vein (similar to a train conductor), when I direct, I don't always hear all of the show. My role isn't so much to listen to content, but my primary concern is that that we are playing the proper audio at the correct time for our listeners. (All I really hear during the show are the highlights.)

For instance, we had a conversation today about the Stonewall "rebellion" -- or "riots," depending on who you talk to -- where New York police raided a gay bar in 1969. Apparently that happened a lot in the late 1960s, but this time the patrons fought back.

Even though I was busy in-studio directing the program, I was still drawn to our guests' vivid memories and feelings about how they witnessed what happened. Towards the end of the conversation, one of the guests, Danny Garvin, became quite emotional when explaining how heartbreaking it is to have a loving same-sex relationship for 17 years, and be treated with less respect than married heterosexuals, who sometimes take their marriages for granted.

So, even when sitting in the Director's chair (which certainly has its stressful moments), there are some stories that compel your ear to listen.

Until next time ...

-- Argin Hutchins

-- Lee Hill

4:51 PM ET | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

 

Once A 'Freak', Now A Legend

Douglas Hopper, here ...

Thanks for the cue, Michel. I've been following the media coverage of the "King of Pop." The tributes have been amazing. But all the LOVE has made me remember a time when MJ was the subject of more ridicule than respect.

Before Michael Jackson suddenly checked out of this world last week, he could count on me. I considered it my responsibility to defend him when strangers and friends would write him off as a "freak" because of his gender-bending, race-shifting personal expression.

We never met. And we probably had nothing in common. But I empathized with MJ. As a gay man, I too have been scolded and laughed at for not fitting into "normal" social categories. I know what it feels like when the way you live becomes the brunt of vicious jokes. And I know what its like to be the victim of unfounded assumptions. Some call it intuition. I call it judgment. Or at the very least a lack of compassion any human deserves.

Jackson never admitted that he was gay OR straight. There are few people, if anyone, who will ever know. But perceptions are often more important than reality. And stereotypes lurk in our imaginations.

So, when Jackson was accused twice of molesting young boys, was he given the benefit of the doubt?

No.

In fact, many people didn't even think twice. Michael was condemned before, during and after justice was served, even after a jury acquitted the man on all counts. But with little or no evidence to support the notion, the pop icon was publicly deemed a pedophile. He became one of America's greatest fears: a sexually ambiguous man who can't control his twisted desire to violate young boys.

Innocent until proven guilty? Not the King of Pop.

Well, that is until now, as he rests in peace.

-- Douglas Hopper

1:27 PM ET | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

 

The Mommy Balance

Okay. So, I am juggling mommy world with radio world today. Am on the air. Got reports via email that one kid is throwing up at home, feverish, the other is hoarse. Sigh. Had already determined they would not go to summer camp today. Have seven interviews. Okay, focus, focus focus. Try to focus. Almost missed a time cue thinking about what I should do. How fast I can get out of here? Already been to the doctor with them so ... did I miss something? Or is this just a lagging indicator?

Made me wonder how the parents of THREE or FIVE or SIX OR EIGHT little people COPE with this? How do they ever LEAVE THE HOUSE? Can't even think about it..

Wait! I don't have to ... I can ASK ... how about Diamond Harris, the mom of the first surviving African American sextuplets in the US. Her family was the subject of the Discovery Health documentary. We wanted to know, in the wake of the Jon&Kate plus 8 marital breakup playing out on cable, how having multiples affects a marriage. The Harris sextuplets plus ONE are six years old now. How are they doing? We'll find out

And there's our regular contributor Jolene Ivey; she and her husband have five boys. And they are both public officials. And she has the nerve to look all sane and fabulous.

Sigh. Douglas will have to take it from here ... I have worrying to do.

-- Michel Martin

6:53 AM ET | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

 

The King Of Pop Lives On In Memory

Hi all. Busy day here at TMM. We're putting together some great segments for later this week. We'll continue our coverage of the late Michael Jackson. A group of musicians whose careers were influenced by The King Of Pop plan to play us some of their favorites from the Jackson catalog!

In the same spirit, one of our listeners June Jeffries, sent this in after she heard the news of MJ's death. Thanks for sending June ...

I was driving back from Detroit - land of Motown - today when my husband called to tell me they were reporting that Michael had died. I was stunned. Later, when I was 90 minutes or so outside of DC, I put on the radio. I could then receive WHUR and WMJC. Both were playing non-stop Michael. It was evening; I opened the sunroof, rolled down some windows, drove at 65MPH, and sang along with Michael as loud as I could. I felt so alive. I remembered youth and good times. When I was 16 and Michael was 11, Mary Street, Henri Varner, and I went to Olympia Stadium where the Jackson Five performed as part of their first tour. That was the very first concert I ever went to. Years later, in 88 or 89, I went to the Capital Center here in Maryland and saw Michael as a solo artist. He was electrifying!!! I know Michael was supposed to perform 50 concerts in London. I was hoping that he'd be wildly successful and then do like Celine Dion and Prince and hook up with a casino and perform in Vegas. (Of course I was hoping he'd give up the weird stuff as well.) I wanted to go see him in Las Vegas. I just went to YouTube and saw the Thriller and Billie Jean videos. Since I'm retired and have some time...I think I'll learn those dance routines. I will be sure to wake up set my clock for 6 a.m. tomorrow morning so I can listen to Steve Harvey and Tom Joyner. Ciao ... JMJ

-- Douglas Hopper

4:00 PM ET | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

 

Losing Michael

Marie here, with some thoughts about MJ ...

You know what they say about best laid plans. Every now and again, we have the next day's program sown up and put to bed. This was the case yesterday, when news broke about the death of Michael Jackson. All of a sudden, I was using my blackberry and my cell phone at the same time, trying to keep up with the flurry of calls and email updates. I must admit that most of the calls were from family and friends, expressing their shock and dismay. It was one of those "where were you when" moments. It became clear that the show we planned simply would not do.

Michael Jackson was not just any pop legend. As a colleague put it "he changed the cultural fabric by bringing music and people together across race." He is embedded in our social consciousness and today's program examines the man and the music.

We rounded up black pop culture scholar Mark Anthony Neal and Bryan Monroe, the former editorial director of Ebony magazine who interviewed Jackson for the 25th anniversary of the release of Thriller. We also caught up with R&B singer Howard Hewett, a longtime friend of Jackson's who performed with the star on several hits from the Thriller album and legendary producer Kenny Gamble, who produced The Jacksons.

Michael Jackson had an incredible fan base in Africa, so we decided to check in with NPR's Ofeibea Quist-Arcton in Dakar, Senegal. Of course, the Barbershop guys were chomping at the bit to talk about the legend. And in a rare moment of brazen self-revelation, I decided to share my memories in a commentary. Keep your lighters up, and we'll talk more on Monday.

- Marie Nelson, Tell Me More Executive Producer

-- Michel Martin

2:08 PM ET | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

 

So Much To Say, So Little Time

It's one of those days--actually, weeks--when we are definitely trying to take a sip from a fire hose. The question is, "What to focus on?"

-Gov. Mark Sanford's big news about his extramarital affair (we'll get to it tomorrow in Barbershop, but I want to know--is there something in the water)?

-The Metro accident (maybe later if there's more to say about infrastructure, but for now we're just glad our Jasmine, who was on the train, is safe and recovering)?

-Iran? We'll keep looking for unique voices...

-Shaq moving to Cleveland (Go, Lebron!)?

In the end, we decided to stick with our international stories for today, to focus on the places and people who are not necessarily cresting the headlines elsewhere but which we think you want to hear about. To that end, Amnesty International's Secretary General just returned from Zimbabwe. Why do we care? Because a year ago, Zimbabwe was more or less where Iran is now, dealing with disputed elections that the authorities say propped up the regime but which many people on the ground refuse to accept as legitimate. So we decided to call upon her.

Continue reading "So Much To Say, So Little Time" »

-- Michel Martin

2:37 PM ET | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

 

20 Years Since Radio Raheem, Mookie and Sal

Lee Hill, here ...

Can you believe it? It's been 20 years since the big-screen debut of film director Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing?

We decided to join forces with the online magazine theRoot.com to commemorate the anniversary. Together, we're exploring why the film remains an artistic heavyweight for many, and whether this country has made progress when it comes to respecting differences in an increasingly multi-ethnic nation.

In other words, do collisions of class, race and culture remain so profound that the 20-year-old message of Do The Right Thing still resonates?

If you've even remotely followed Spike Lee's career in film, then you know that this particular project was no exception to his earlier suite of films. Many would agree that his trademark, if you will, in Hollywood has been using the cinema as a vehicle to speak out (and loudly) about issues he thinks are too commonly unspoken of and under-explored by some of the big thinkers of our time -- interracial and interracial divisions, for example (School Daze, Jungle Fever and Bamboozled come to mind)...

So here's a question for you ...

If you remember watching Do The Right Thing when it first debuted in 1989, is the focus on stubborn cultural perceptions and complacent ignorance still relevant in the of this country's first black president?

Or have we moved forward? ... Or nowhere?

And we know that Spike Lee is only one such filmmaker to explore these issues, and that he enjoys a much larger profile than others who also use the arts to examine these realities extensively, and with a much smaller spotlight. So, please, if you think of others whose work line of work lies within the same vein, do share.

(And, I can't resist, what's your favorite -- or least favorite -- "Spike Lee joint"? And for what reason?)

-- Lee Hill

7:51 PM ET | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

 

When Things Collide

Obviously, reading is very important to all of us in the news business. Even those of us in broadcasting must read to keep up, however we read.

We read the newspapers, of course. Now, we also read blogs and online publications and we find ourselves turning increasingly to -- as we've seen in covering the Iranian political crisis -- social media. So yes we will cop to self interest in being very interested in keeping kids reading. Because who else will be our next generation of customers and colleagues? That's why we have tips from our guests, Sari Feldman, president-elect of the Public Library Association, and Jolene Ivey, our regular parenting contributor, on keeping kids interested in literature, along with a nice list of suggested books.

And, now, on a very different note ...

You may have heard about the Metro train crash yesterday in the Washington, D.C. area. There are nine known dead and 70 reported injured. The catastrophe is the deadliest accident in the transit system's history.

What you may not know is that one of our own, Tell Me More producer Jasmine Garsd, was on that train. Thankfully, a few cars back from the impact.

We are very sorry about the loss of life, and, as you might imagine, very thankful that our friend and colleague walked away -- a little shook up but, otherwise, okay. But we've asked her to tell you about it.

Jasmine, how are you? ...

Thanks, Michel. Jasmine Garsd, here ...

I'm doing okay. The adrenaline has worn off and my back and legs are sore from the impact and the walking, but I'm okay.

The train collision was like a very fast movie coming to a screeching halt. I think in moments like these you come to realize two things: how tiny and vulnerable we are in this world of massive machines we've built, and how ignorant we are of that vulnerability.

For a long time now, I've been wondering if the east coast is my home. Yesterday, I received so many calls from concerned friends. My train never made it home, but in a strange way, I suddenly feel like I am.

Thanks, Jasmine. We're glad you survived the wreckage.

-- Michel Martin

2:01 PM ET | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

 

Blame The Media?

One more time, Happy Father's Day, if that applies (and if we didn't catch you last week).

We are still watching the situation in Tehran, as you might imagine. The degree of difficulty has now ratcheted up as the ruling authorities now blame foreign media for fomenting the discord. (So what else is new? This is just like the southern racists blaming "outside agitators" for the civil rights movement. The story never changes does it?) But we will get back into the story as soon as we have something to add that we feel you are not hearing elsewhere.

Until then, we turn to our own national and cultural concerns, and other stories ...

The National Organization for Women held elections over the weekend. It was a hard fought campaign between two aggressive and experienced contenders. We're trying to get a hold of the winner, Terry O'Neill. She's a lawyer and a long time board member and we'd like to hear what she has to say about where she wants to take the organization.

In the meantime, we decided to talk with two writers who have written quite a bit about what women are all about right now -- one is Katherine Spillar, editor-in-chief of Ms. Magazine, and the other is Robin Givhan, the Pulitzer-Prize winning Washington Post fashion editor who has (great for us!) just moved back to D.C. from New York.

Continue reading "Blame The Media?" »

-- Michel Martin

Tags: iran elections

4:14 PM ET | permalink

comments () | | e-mail