Where do we draw the line?

In the wake of the horrific act that occurred in Connecticut two days ago, words are beyond any explanation or grievance. How someone can do that is beyond fathom. What the parents of those innocent children who were killed are going through right now is something that no one should ever feel. Condolences and words will never suffice. May God give them strength and patience to survive each and every passing second, minute, hour, day. 

The reason I'm posting here today is because I read a something that intrigued me. It was a statement that some say Morgan Freeman made, while others say it was just a hoax and not really made by him. Regardless, I think it had some very important points. The statement tells people to turn off the news and remember the innocent lives lost. It criticizes the way the media outlets have been reporting the news. And that the shooter, and all other mass shooters, are treated like celebrities. Their name goes down and their picture goes up for making history, only to prompt the next person to top their act. It says, "Disturbed people who would otherwise just off themselves in their basements see the news and want to top it by doing something worse, and going out in a memorable way. Why a grade school? Why children? Because he'll be remembered as a horrible monster, instead of a sad nobody." 

It makes a lot of sense. We will always remember the Batman theater shooter because he kept being compared to Joker, giving him exactly what he wanted. Studying and working in media, this statement really affected me. I have always been intrigued with word usage in media and the the immense power it has. When a Muslim commits a horrific act, it's always labeled as "terrorism." But, when the same horrifying acts are committed by others, why is it that it always leads to a psychological disorder? We all know of the power of media, do we know the responsibility that comes with these little things like word usage and choosing what to report? 

The statement ends with, "You can help by forgetting you ever read this man's name, and remembering the name of at least one victim. You can help by donating to mental health research instead of pointing to gun control as the problem. You can help by turning off the news." Would that solve the problem? I don't think so. Turning off the news isn't the solution. However, I believe in changing the way news is delivered. Which is something that is more possible today than ever before, with digital journalism taking over mainstream news outlets. 

Inspirational Quote

"Talking with quiet confidence will always beat screaming with obvious insecurity." I don't know the source of this quote, but as soon as I read it, it touched my heart. It has so much meaning. I loved it and had to share it. Please reflect on it and share any thoughts...

The Lushness of Norway

I have been to many countries in Europe and really never imagined I'd be going to Norway. But, after traveling there, I'm really happy I did. Norway can be described in many words...lush, green, cold, quaint, beautiful, and above all else....Expensive! Of all the countries I've visited in the world, Norway was definitely the most expensive one. I guess not being part of the European Union has helped the country because it seems like they are doing just fine when all the other European countries are going downhill. Everything, from food to clothes to just about everything else, cost about three to four times more than there in the states. One ordinary carry-out veggie pizza was $46, need I say more?

I was very surprised to see so many foreigners living in Oslo. I really didn't expect that. I can honestly say that I saw more immigrants, from all parts of the world, than I did Norwegians in Oslo. I saw a lot more women wearing the hijab than I have ever seen in Los Angeles. Which was a huge surprise for me. Apparently, the ban in France has motivated Muslim women in other European countries to adopt the hijab.

Once again, traveling to Europe, I absolutely loved the public transportation system, something that is hugely lacking in Southern California. It is extremely convenient. No one ever has to own or drive a car to get around. Public transportation is practically at your doorstep and will get you anywhere you need to go. In Norway it was called the T-bane and we used it to get to the city center many times throughout our trip. Which brings me to my next point...People actually walking instead of becoming immobile. Before I went to Norway, I was at a very large convention called ISNA and one of the speakers there was talking about the obesity problem in America. He pointed out that people are becoming like balloons here and it looks like we are competing to become blimps. It made me laugh but I realized how true it was when I got to Norway. He said that people must walk at least 10,000 steps every day to stay healthy. While in Norway I realized how immobile we really are in America, especially Los Angeles. We drive our cars everywhere. Once in a while when I do decide to walk to the corner shopping center, I get people staring at me like I'm crazy. I know that other parts of the country are better at walking, but we need urgent help in Southern California. Maybe if public transportation improves, people will feel less inclined to drive their cars everywhere, which would force them to walk a little more.

While in Norway, we traveled to Lillehammer, the host city for the 1994 Winter Olympics. It was absolutely gorgeous. The air was crisp clean and the views were astounding. Being a giant fan of water, I loved the rivers and lakes the city had to offer, in addition to more greenery than I have seen in all my life. I hear that the West part of Norway is where all the scenery actually lies, but we didn't get a chanBelow is a picture from Lillehammer...

On our flight back, we flew over Greenland and let me just sum it up in one word...Remarkable! It was covered in beautiful plush white snow. Every inch of it. Wow!

Until next time....safe travels! 

Pacific vs. Atlantic

I just came back from a trip to the east coast, visiting three different states. I was born on the east coast, but have lived on the west coast for most of my life. This past week may not be a fair week to compare the two because of the extreme heat wave sweeping through the east coast, but I'm still going to offer my two cents.

The trip started out in Raleigh, North Carolina. I absolutely loved this place! It was so green. And for the first time in my life I said the words I never thought I'd say..."I would move here." I never thought I would want to live anywhere else in the world other than Los Angeles. In my opinion Southern California is the best place to live on earth! But, Raleigh grabbed my attention. Except for the fact that it was unbearably hot, it was such a beautiful city! I fell in love with the tall deep green trees along both sides of the roads and highways. I'm used to buildings all around me everywhere I go in Los Angeles. But, these trees were such a refreshing change. I know a lot of the country may have this, but I was in Missouri recently and it had a lot of trees as well, but it didn't have the same appeal. So, thank you Raleigh for welcoming me to your city with such a nice breath of fresh air! (Pun intended :) )

The second part of the trip was in Sterling, Virginia and Washington D.C. I love the variety that D.C. and Virginia for that matter has to offer. I went to the Natural History Museum for the first time and it took my breath away! Wow, what a fascinating museum! If anyone goes to D.C., you must stop by. And be sure to allow at least 3 hours for it. The live butterfly pavilion was so cool! I love butterflies and flowers, so for me it was just what I ordered. :) The coral reef IMAX movie was also beautiful. The temperature was scorching hot during the daytime, so our activities had to be limited. Don't worry, we took advantage at night. What I loved about D.C. that I wish we would implement in Los Angeles, is the many opportunities to rent bikes. In and around downtown there are dozens of bicycles available in the middle of the street to rent out for as long as you want. I loved this idea! What a way to cut back on traffic and get in the exercise that we all need. Love love loved it! Especially, at night! So beautiful! Virginia also stands out in the the variety of different ethnic foods it offers. Love the diversity.

The last part of the trip was in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. And as you all may know by now, I'm the ocean's biggest fan, but I'm sorry to say, that Atlantic vs. Pacific....Pacific wins hands down! Myrtle beach was a lot of fun, but nothing compared to the cities along the Pacific Ocean, especially my beautiful Malibu. I will share the one moment in Myrtle Beach that was most special to me. I felt like I was so far away from home and everything familiar for so long by this point of the trip. I really didn't like Myrtle Beach when we landed and were driving around. Again, it was unbelievably hot and Humid! Again, the west coast wins when it comes to weather. Yes, it may be hot here, but the humidity is a whole other story. You feel like you can't breathe! I will take the San Fernando Valley's 100 degree heat any day over any temperature with humidity. Going back to my story, so after driving around for a little while and eating lunch, we decided to find a place for prayer. It was Friday, the holy day for Muslims, and Friday prayer (jummah) is very important. So, we found a small office where the Muslims pray jummah. We went in, it was a small room, split in two for men and women. It was incredibly hot inside. But the moment i sat down and heard the word 'Rasulullah,' an inner sense of peace captured my heart. A feeling of belonging and happiness overtook me and I couldn't help but smile. All of a sudden, it didn't matter that I was on the other side of the country. I felt like I belonged. I looked around me and there were five other women, maybe locals, maybe travelers like myself. And I felt like they were my sisters. I was so happy to be there. Right at that moment the concept of self identity and community had a whole new meaning to me. I was so blessed to be a Muslim, where no matter what part of the world I'm in, I can relate to others and belong to a community. How special.

Below is a picture of Myrtle Beach Pier from the Skywheel. Pale in comparison to the Malibu Pier. Safe Travels!

Love is in the Air

Love. How can one simple word be so powerful? What does it even mean? The answer to this question has been researched for centuries. And yet is there one answer to it? 

There are so many levels of love. So many types of love. The love you have for God, for your parents, for your spouse, for your children, for your best friend, for your pet, for humanity, I could go on forever. But, in any case, your heart takes control and feels for another.

Valentine's Day is around the corner. You can't forget because every store you walk into, red and pink hearts are everywhere. It has become an incredibly commercialized holiday. What hasn't? Flowers are marketed 200% from original price. Jewelry businesses have taken over commercials. A regular $30 dinner at a restaurant now offers "Valentine's Day Specials" for $275 per couple. And there are more teddy bears in stores than there are people to accept them.

This blog is not about Valentine's Day. It's about love. To take a moment away from the red balloons and express that love to whoever is important in your life. And to simply say thank you. Not only on February 14. But everyday. "Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within the reach of every hand."--Mother Theresa 

In Islam, love is emphasized in all aspects of life. The Prophet (pbuh) said, "None of you has (truly) believed until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." When reading the Qur'an, you can recognize the emphasis put on God's love, compassion, and mercy; and the love and bond between parents and children, between mankind, and the special love created between spouses.

"And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for those who reflect." (30:21)

To me, love is faith. Whether it be faith in God, faith in a person, faith in an object, faith in an idea, or faith in a relationship...you can't have one without the other.   

Far out into the Ocean

Every time I see the beautiful Pacific Ocean in Malibu, my heart smiles. No matter what I'm feeling, no matter how hectic my day has been, no matter what my worries may be, I look at the ocean and I'm in awe.

Is there anything more beautiful? I think about the incredible world underneath, about the even more incredible world on the other side of the ocean, and suddenly I have the same feeling I get when I'm looking out my window in an airplane at all the little houses and lights. The feeling of how small my worries are in such a vast world.

If you've been following the news, something unimaginable happened in Ontario, Canada that has captivated so many. And quite a few people have asked me about it, so I decided to address it here. I'm talking about the honor killings that three members of an Afghan family were found guilty of for killing four female family members. I won't talk about the specific case, since it's available through any news site.

When I first heard about this story, I had the same reaction as everyone else, how is it humanly possible for someone to be able to commit such disgusting acts. I was horrified and in disbelief. I come from an Afghan family and have never come across any other Afghans that behave remotely close to these people. I am one of the happiest people on Earth.

The only message I would like to convey is that human beings are human beings. Put religion, race, gender, and all other forms of identification aside. In the end, we are all human beings. There are good human beings and bad human beings. One specific case, one horrifying story, does not represent the whole. We have to remember that news stories usually encompass the most dramatic cases. While the remaining 95% are not covered.

I remember the day in college when I chose to major in Journalism. Below is an excerpt from my thesis about that day, it's written in story form and it's a small part of a much larger memoir.

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October 7, 2001, the day when the United States officially invaded Afghanistan. I was a student at California State University, Northridge, at the time, majoring in computer science. One day I was sitting in Math class when a student next to me asked me where I was from.

“Afghanistan.”

Her eyes shot wide open as her eyebrows rose.

“But I was born here,” I said.

“Do you have family living in Afghanistan?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“Did they know ahead of time that 9/11 was going to happen?” she asked.

“What?” I responded. “What do you mean?” I didn’t know if I heard her correctly.

“Did they know that they were going to attack the United States?” she asked.

“No,” I told her. “They probably still don’t even know about it. In fact, they are wondering right now why airstrikes are killing them.”

I really thought a lot about why she asked a question like that. Where was she getting her information?

I have been asked a lot of questions about Afghanistan and Muslims my whole life, but this question did something to me. Something must be done, I thought to myself.

And only one answer came to mind: The news media.

That’s when I decided to change my major to journalism.

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One person, one act, one story cannot represent the whole picture. But, by learning from one another, by interacting with our community, we can slowly broaden the horizon.

Look far out into the Ocean...and your heart will smile.

Welcome to my World

Hi! I'm Homaira. I have traveled to more than 20 countries, worked for some amazing companies, hosted my own international satellite show, obtained my Master's degree, written all kinds of print, broadcast, and online content, and I'm a Muslim woman, who's closest friends are Jewish, really they are...Welcome to my world and my journey through my hyphenated life! It's going to be a fun ride so fasten your seat belts and hold on tight! This adventure promises laughs, tears, insight, fear, strength, friendship, charm, courage...but most importantly, lots of love.