American Muslims Facts vs Fiction

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A Film for PBS Learning Media from UPF

During the 2016 Presidential Campaign Season, candidates have each spoken about Muslims, some making sweeping statements. Candidate Donald Trump has called for a ban on Muslims entering the U.S. and while other Republican and Democratic candidates have criticized his position, what is missing from the discussion is meaningful data answering the most common questions about the Muslims already living in the United States: Who are they? What are their attitudes toward America? How do their values compare to those of other religious groups?

Unity Productions Foundation, a filmmaker for PBS, is pleased to offer you a new short film on the subject for your social studies classroom, appropriate for high school, college or university levels. The film has also been shown in hundreds of community centers, churches and government offices.

Entitled American Muslims: Facts v. Fiction, this 11-minute film uses research from The Gallup Organization, The Pew Forum, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, The U.S. Counterterrorism Center and other leading research organizations to address these questions while also explaining American Muslim contributions.

Standards of Learning Tie-In

Contemporary discussions regarding the First Amendment freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition.
Communicating with government officials, discussing current events and respecting differing opinions in a diverse society.
Understanding diversity, stereotypes and prejudice.
Educators have found the film to be a useful tool. Shenandoah University Professor Calvin Allen said the film was "impressive, the diversity of the Muslim community has been demonstrated well," while Marcelina Edwards of Boston Public Schools wanted to use the film to "create a safe-space for discussing resurfacing anti-immigrant sentiments." Government officials have also given the film good reviews. Most notably, former New Hampshire Governor and U.S. Chief of Staff John Sununu said the film "made an important contribution to understanding the reality of American Muslims."

American Muslims Film Teacher Discussion Guide and film is available for free.. UPF is offering the film at no cost for your social studies classroom/community gathering for people who review and complete a quick feedback form here https://www.upf.tv/films/american-muslim-facts/

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