Teens Not Terrorists: Muslim Girl Magazine

One of my many guilty TV pleasures is "24" — Jack is beyond MacGyver in his ability to get out of the most dire situations. I have to say I see where American Muslims are coming from in their complaints about the show. The portrayal of suburban teen terrorist Ahmed (or as he explained to his white friend, it's pronounced Ach Med, with the emphasis being on the "ch" sound you make with the back of your throat) doesn't do much for young people who may already have stereotypical views and fears about their Arab American peers.

One refreshing magazine launch could help begin to challenge some of these stereotypes. It's called Muslim Girl Magazine. From their press release:

Challenging stereotypes about Muslim girls in America, Muslim Girl Magazine re-defines the face of Muslim youth in America. Its innovative content showcases teen girls who are equally proud of their identity as Americans and Muslims, while not shying away from the conflict inherent in being both. It also shakes up the complacency of Muslims themselves by emphasizing the diversity of practice within American Muslim communities, typically a no-go area.

The premiere issue of the magazine features girls who have joined the Peace Corps and volunteered in Indonesia. Advice columns tackle everything from boyfriends to divorced parents to anti-Muslim discrimination. Regular departments range from Qur’an Notes to Hot List reviews of TV shows like The CW Television Network’s “Gilmore Girls.” And a special feature on the hit show “24” directly confronts the biggest elephant in the room — the association of Muslims with terrorism.

Muslim Girl Magazine launched with a planned circulation of 50,000 copies per issue in the first year and expects to grow to 100,000 within two years.

While we know print magazines are facing challenging times, I think some of these niche titles have a shot. Check out their website here.

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