9/24/2023 0 Comments Disgraced milwaukee rep![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Taqiyya: In the play, Amir’s nephew says, “It’s in the Quran.In the interest of clearing up stereotypes, here is a brief primer on some of the issues raised in the play: The same themes were presented in the play, Disgraced. It was instrumental in helping Donald Trump get elected as President. In fact, the creation of this massive Muslim bogeyman that must be destroyed was the platform for the GOP presidential campaign the past year and a half. The representation of Islam as a religion to be feared, one that encourages dishonesty, misogyny, anti-Semitism and sympathy for terrorists that attack our country has been repeated ad nauseam by those with anti-Muslim agendas. In addition, after the run of the play, there are plans for a presentation with the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee to address some of the issues raised in the play regarding Islam. Recognizing that the charged dialogue within the play could promote stereotypes, The Rep took it upon themselves to offer a talk back, facilitated discussion, dinner dialogue, or panel after each of the 32 shows, this was a tremendous undertaking. The results include calls for instituting a national Muslim registry, bans on the building of Mosques, and a skyrocketing number of hate crimes and discrimination against American Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim. However, when that portrayal and representation goes beyond dangerous stereotypes, aiming for shock value, it can contribute to the type of anti-Muslim hysteria that has gripped our nation. Muslims are neither the first group nor will they be the last group in America to be stereotypically portrayed in theater, film, art, media or other mediums. Such broad generalizations are not only incorrect, but they lead to a one sided monologue that is meant to silence critics of the play. In some reviews, the Muslim community’s concerns have been summarily and patronizingly dismissed as simpletons that do not understand art, or a community that does not want their dirty laundry aired in public. Some wonder if the fascination with this work of fiction is partly due to the validation of fears many have about Muslims, while vindicating those that have made a living by propagating such fears. While playwright Akhtar is certainly not anti-Muslim, he does acknowledge being raised a “cultural Muslim,” rather than one immersed in the understanding and practice of the faith. It is greatly tempered by their feeling that it could have very well been written by someone with an anti-Muslim agenda. The American Muslim community shared a sense of excitement and pride, that one of their own had finally broken through the glass ceiling by writing a Pulitzer Prize-winning play. This play, written by Brookfield native, Ayad Akhtar, has received tremendous recognition and accolades. He is an “apostate” or former Muslim who spends much of the play presenting an angry and stereotypical understanding of Islam and Muslims. He has changed his name and tries very hard to shed everything that identifies with his Pakistani American ethnicity, in order to be seen as a real American. The main character in this fictional play is a New York attorney named Amir. ![]()
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