Polite Conversations

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PC Panel Discussion 8: Linda Sarsour, Sharia & Feminism Aug 09, 2017

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Join me, Thomas Smith from the excellent Serious Inquiries Only Podcast (@seriouspod) , and @ShireenQudosi - Trump supporting, Sufi Reformist Muslim Director of Muslim Matters at America Matters - As we have a fiery discussion about Trump, Linda Sarsour, Sharia & Feminism. Links:Shireen's Article in The Federalist: http://thefederalist.com/2017/01/24/linda-sarsours-muslim-identity-politics-epitomize-feminisms-hypocrisy/Thomas' Episode on Sarsour: http://seriouspod.com/sio60-objective-look-linda-sarsour/Linda's problematic associations with RW imams and Sheikhs:https://twitter.com/ViniKako/status/881633914695155714https://twitter.com/ViniKako/status/878700744815333377 http://hurryupharry.org/2015/03/18/yasir-qadhi-mend-and-baroness-warsi/An example of Linda sanitizing Sharia: "Sharia makes a lot of sense" https://twitter.com/dovesandletters/status/823606770006392834---If you enjoy the show please consider supporting via Patreon https://www.patreon.com/nicemangosThe show is entirely funded by listeners like you, and only exists because of your support. Thank you!

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Episode 33 - Masturbating while Muslim Jul 06, 2017

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This episode I chat with writer Hussein Kesvani (@HKesvani) - He gives us a rare look into Muslim 'NoFap' reddit culture, and Muslim MRAs, 'AlphaMuslims', etc. As a journalist interested in these subjects he's delved into these online subcultures quite a bit and provides fascinating insight. MRA: Men's Rights Activism- which has less to do with Men's issues/rights and more to do with hating on feminists. MRAs will disagree, obvs. NoFap : is an internet community forum or sort of support group for those want to avoid masturbation and/or porn. Masjid: Another term you'll hear a few times in this episode = Mosque. Hussein's articles that are referenced in the podcast are linked below:https://melmagazine.com/masturbating-while-muslim-120c09a891a7https://melmagazine.com/the-small-growing-world-of-muslim-mras-cf4a0bccba0eIf you enjoy the show please consider supporting via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nicemangos

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Episode 32 - Cathy Young: SJWs (Social Justice Warriors) vs. Anti-SJWs & Polarized Politics Jun 16, 2017

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This episode I speak with journalist Cathy Young, who sometimes refers to herself as a “dissident feminist” - She’s a former Milo ally, with some interesting insights into the anti social justice scene. We discuss the Social Justice Warrior (SJW) vs Anti Social Justice Warrior divide , the Alt Right, feminism, rape, and the general polarized political landscape.Pls note this was recorded over a month ago, so recent campus events were not discussed

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Episode 31 - Saqib Tanveer: "The Blasphemy Law Should be upheld in Pakistan" May 18, 2017

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This episode I’m joined by Pakistani Journalist Saqib Tanveer (@saqibtanveer), who recently wrote a controversial piece, about the lynching of a Pakistani student over allegations of blasphemy. His piece was removed by the publication that published it initially (The News).(Pls note this episode was recorded a couple of weeks ago, so the arrests made in Mashal Khan’s murder were not discussed.And pls excuse the buzzing sound on Saqib’s end…If I remember Pakistan, that’s gotta be a rusty fan or something.)Here’s a screenshot of the text we refer to throughout https://twitter.com/SaqibTanveer/status/855686726559309824 - I recommend you read this first. Its just a short paragraph. Soon after the Mashal Khan lynching (a horrific incident where a humanist student was accused of blasphemy and murdered by a furious religious mob) many Pakistani journalists, public figures & politicians were intent on 'clearing' Mashal’s name. Proving him to be a pious person who respected the religion. I wrote a blog post http://nicemangos.blogspot.ca/2017/04/the-beast-of-blasphemy-takes-another.html?zx=a05fba0110d35249 , lamenting the fact that this was even necessary or relevant…but I understood the desire to calm the toxic Islamic extremist sentiment that was still thick in the air after Mashal’s unjust murder. As a non-believer myself, obviously I think blasphemy should not at all be a crime, this is a law that doesn’t belong in this century. I have often stated that the government of Pakistan contributes to this dangerous climate where vigilante murders for ‘blasphemy’ occur on the regular by legitimizing it as a crime in the first place. Even politicians who have dared to question the existence of this blasphemy law have been murdered. Right wing preachers have been accused…it’s an Orwellian tool to police people’s thoughts. In the previous episode I interviewed prominent, liberal-secular Pakistani journalist Raza Rumi who survived an Islamist attack. We had a lovely, civil discussion…where he gave me such hope for the future of Pakistan. However, today’s conversation is in stark contrast to the intellectually stimulating discussion I had last episode. Today’s Pakistani journalist is pro blasphemy law, pro blasphemy punishment, as he considers it to be ’the law of the land…which must be upheld'…. This is a frustrating, yet entertaining roller coaster of a conversation that takes many twists and turns in attempts to deny the obvious flaws with punishing people for ‘blasphemy’.——Here are some links for further reading, on topics discussed in the episode:About the influence of Wahhabism in Pakistan:http://www.newstatesman.com/world-affairs/2014/11/wahhabism-isis-how-saudi-arabia-exported-main-source-global-terrorismhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/haroon-khalid/the-influence-of-wahhabism-in-pakistan_b_11329322.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/15/islam-pakistan-barelvi-saudi-wahhabiMashal Khan story: http://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-39603126/pakistan-blasphemy-the-student-lynched-for-being-a-humanistGovernor Salman Taseer shot by his guard Mumtaz Qadri for questioning blasphemy law : http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35684452Mumtaz Qadri murder celebrated and funeral attended by over 100, 000 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/01/funeral-pakistani-mumtaz-qadri-executed-salmaan-taseerPakistan literacy rate http://ilm.com.pk/pakistan/pakistan-information/pakistan-literacy-rate/----If you enjoy this show, pls help it grow by supporting via Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/nicemangos

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Episode 30 - Raza Rumi: Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan, Surviving an Islamist Attack May 08, 2017

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This episode, I’ve got prominent Pakistani journalist and TV anchor Raza Rumi (@RazaRumi). He was attacked by gunmen in 2014 for being an outspoken critic of the Taliban and just islamism in general.https://www.dawn.com/news/1096198Luckily he survived, and continues to speak out about the threat journalists face today. An incredibly brave man pushing for change in a society very resistant to it. He’s had to leave Pakistan for the time being, and currently lives in the US. I find it painful to think that terrorists get to dictate people’s lives like this, uproot them, scare them, separate them from their families and friends…but I am thankful that people like Raza continue to speak up. Even with bloody and brutal attacks, they didn’t succeed in silencing him. However increasing far right sentiment in the US definitely puts him off. We chat about all this and more. As a Liberal practising muslim, of course Raza has some pretty fundamental disagreements with me about religion in general. and that’s ok! In fact I think critics of Islam now really need to build bridges with liberal and secular Muslims to have their criticisms resonate at all, especially in a time where the risk of polarization is so great and in a climate where the far right is quickly alienating all people of Muslim background. There’s also a misconception...I think, that vocal atheists like myself, won’t acknowledge other contributing factors to religious fundamentalism. So he really tried to drive that home…but I do acknowledge all the geopolitical & social factors that have an impact on increasing the toxicity of religion. I don’t think many sensible non-religious people would deny that yes foreign policy, history, poverty, lack of education all play a role. However the reverse issue is one that is often denied by adherents of religion…that religion itself is a factor. We tussle politely a bit about whether scripture is ‘twisted’ or simply provides the raw material for such interpretations. Anyway, hopefully at some stage we can get together again and schedule a proper discussion based on scripture. This chat was focused on the blasphemy law in Pakistan, the climate contributing to it.. and the recent Mashal Khan lynching in Pakistan, over blasphemy accusations. Mashal was a young student who described himself as a humanist. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/26/lynching-of-a-student-sparks-uproar-in-pakistan-against-blasphemy-lawsOther stories we discussed:Preacher being accused of blasphemy: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/04/pakistani-preacher-junaid-jamshed-blasphemy-accusationsGovernor killed for questioning blasphemy law: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/05/world/asia/05pakistan.htmlGoverner’s Murderer celebrated, thousands attend his funeral: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/01/funeral-pakistani-mumtaz-qadri-executed-salmaan-taseerPlease note: this episode was recorded a few weeks ago, so recent news regarding Mashal Khan’s killer, etc was not discussed. If you enjoy the show please consider supporting via patreon https://www.patreon.com/nicemangos

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Episode 29: Asifa Lahore - Muslim Drag Queen Apr 26, 2017

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This episode, hear me chat with the inspiring, gorgeous, eloquent Asifa Lahore. We talk about how she reconciles being gay and Muslim, doing drag while still adhering to religion. She's a fascinating person!Asifa is creating change & pushing boundaries everyday. She's carving out a path for many LGBT Muslims around the world. Her and I may not agree on religion, but she is exactly the kind of person I think needs to be propped up and supported. She's attacked and hated by both right wing Muslims and Westerners....who have issues with her identifying as both. She starred in a channel 4 documentary called Muslim Drag Queens. Here's a clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbSgJQZelWkAnd do check out her most famous song Punjabi Girl : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS4P5uP2sCs----If you enjoy this show, please consider supporting via Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/nicemangosShare, like, comment interact and leave an iTunes review! xx

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Ep 28 - Hina Husain: I Gave my Mom Shrooms so she would Open up About my Father's Death Apr 11, 2017

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Join me, as I talk to Pakistani-Canadian Hina Husain (@HinaTweetsNow) about her experience giving her mom psychedelics to cope with emotional baggage. As Muslim kids, many of us **joke** about 'spiking the Ramadan punch', or serving magic brownies, just to break up the monotony of growing up in a religiously orthodox culture. Hina...actually went and did it! *gasp* Here's a link to her Vice article: https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/i-gave-my-mom-shrooms-so-she-would-open-up-about-my-fathers-deathHere's a recent CBC show on the effects mushrooms can have on depression (when taken in a medically supervised setting) http://www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks/psychedelic-drugs-and-depression-runaway-stars-bird-flu-battle-and-more-1.4036396/can-psychedelic-drugs-work-magic-on-depression-1.4036497Please note: This conversation is not an endorsement of hallucinogenic drugs. Do not try this at home with your parents! The author is just sharing her personal experience, as she wrote about it in a Vice Magazine article. She received full consent from her mother before publishing the piece. If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting here: https://www.patreon.com/nicemangosWith your help I can do so much more.

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PC Panel Discussion 7: London Attack - Attitudes in the Aftermath Mar 28, 2017

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In the wake of the recent London attacks, my thoughts are with those who lost friends and loved ones, with the victims of this barbaric attack.I wish we could say that this type of thing could never happen again…but sadly we see many such attacks occurring year after year.It seems to be the same coping mechanisms, same sentiments that repeatedly come out after such an attack. But how much of the reaction we see out there...is actually productive or helpful in furthering this conversation about Islamic terrorism, its causes and what we can do to tackle growing extremism better? For this episode I’m joined by British Muslim convert Sarah Ager (@SaritaAgerman) and friend of the show Jason Liggi (@Liggi) who works near where the attack happened.We discuss both positive and negative reactions to such attacks…between the ‘nothing to do with religion’ denialism on the left and the demonizing of muslims that tends to come from the right, it’s rare the issues actually get effectively addressed at all.Since Sarah is a convert and I’m an apostate, generally that made for an interesting dynamic. Pls note this conversation was recorded over the weekend. Some new details may have come out since that we did not cover. Links:Tommy Robinson on Rebel Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhrhLovaFs8Longer Tommy interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G54TKESUoLUActor Riz Ahmed on diversity in British Television: http://www.thefader.com/2017/03/03/riz-ahmed-diveristy-parliamentWhite Supremacist who travelled to NYC to kill black men: http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2017/03/27/terror-charges-for-anti-black-killer.html?via=desktop&source=copyurlMy Children’s books: My Chacha is Gay https://www.buzzfeed.com/imaansheikh/pakistans-first-childrens-book-on-lgbtqEid Book: https://www.buzzfeed.com/imaansheikh/eid-mubarak-everyone?utm_term=.eyQlqM761#.iejnYLJg2If you enjoy the show pls consider supporting via patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nicemangos

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PC Panel Discussion 6: Free Speech - The Right vs. SJWs Mar 24, 2017

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Join Me and the legal podcast team from "Opening Arguments" (@Openargs) - which includes Harvard Lawyer Andrew Torrez and his Co-host Thomas Smith, as we discuss the "SJWs are the worst threat to freedom of speech even in the face of Trump" narrative. Here are some links relating to topics we covered:http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/michigan-republican-suggests-kent-state-protesters-article-1.2963902https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jan/25/shooting-milo-yiannopoulos-speech-seattle-chargeshttp://www.thestranger.com/slog/2017/01/25/24822812/uw-republicans-to-protestors-after-shooting-its-time-your-flame-is-put-outhttp://www.cnn.com/2017/01/05/politics/paul-ryan-planned-parenthood-obamacare/https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/wonk/wp/2017/02/24/republican-lawmakers-introduce-bills-to-curb-protesting-in-at-least-17-states/https://www.aclusd.org/en/news/governor-daugaard-signs-discriminatory-senate-bill-149*This was recorded before the healthcare news of today. If you enjoy the show please consider supporting via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nicemangosYou can also support by leaving an iTunes review! https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/polite-conversations/id1086199663?mt=2

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The Complexity of Critiquing Islam Under Trump: Distinguishing between liberals & illiberals Mar 11, 2017

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The Complexity of Critiquing Islam Under Trump: Distinguishing between liberals & illiberals by Eiynah

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