Video via AsoOmii Jay

Islamophobia (fear of Islam, Muslims, or ethnic groups perceived to be Muslim) is sadly nothing new, but vitriol towards Islam has been increasingly steadily since the beginning of the global War on Terror (you can read more about Islamophobia from Global Citizen's Farah Momen).

Canadian activist, Asoomii Jay, decided to take Islamophobia headon after receiving death and rape threats for being Muslim. She conceived to raise awareness about prejudice towards Islam by devising an experiment called “Blind and Trust,” in conjunction with activist production company, Time Vision. Jay asked fellow activist Mustafa Mawla to stand blindfolded on a busy Toronto street with his arms outstretched. Beside Mawla were two handwritten signs reading, “I am a Muslim. I am labelled as a terrorist,” and “I trust you, do you trust me? Give me a hug.”

The subsequent events is one of the sweetest social experiments I have viewed online, with strangers embracing Mawla. Some individuals give quick hugs while others hold longer embraces.

Twitter post by Assoomi Jay promoting her work

Jay said that the rise in hate crimes is what prompted her decision to bring Islamophobia into public discussion. She referenced the horrific tragedy in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where three Muslim students were killed by a neighbor, as prompting a need for open dialog and acceptance. The relatives of the murdered victims’ suspect that the crime was fueled by racism and religious hatred.

“Blind and Trust” has started a hashtag movement with people re-tweeting and re-posting Jay’s activist efforts under #BlindTrust and #BlindTrustProject. The project embodies how solidarity can be created when individuals step back and look at people for what they are: human beings.

Twitter posting in response to Blind and Trust from Jordan Guild

Twitter posting in response to Blind and Trust from Theresa TK

Twitter posting in response to Blind and Trust from April Dalaman

Jay asks for individuals to “make an effort to eliminate stereotypes and phobia.” This is a worthy goal for every global citizen, and it is important as we move forward in the world to remember to embrace (literally and figuratively) all peoples, regardless of difference.


The heartwarming video has been viewed over half-a-million times. It is a powerful reminder that violence and terrorism are not Islam, and that non-Muslims should learn about true Islam instead of defaulting to stereotypes and hatred. Co-existing is critical in a unified world - so hug it out, and spread the love!

----

Kathleen Ebbitt

Editorial

Demand Equity

Hug It Out. Man combats Islamophobia with hugs

By Former Global Citizen Staff Writer