#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Kiyan Banuri Issue: The most issue that is most important to my community is the compounding effects of the COVID-19 pandemic during Ramadan, as well as Islamaphobic rhetoric posited by public officials during the pandemic. As a Muslim, and an active member of the Muslim community, the cessation of congregations--praying at Mosque, reading the Quran, and other issues--have made Ramadan isolating and starkly different for many Muslims. And, tweets of political officials have spread anti-Muslim rhetoric as against the rule of law, social distancing, and gaining preferential treatment. These issues have deep impacts in the Muslim community, and I have felt the lack of knowledge and media coverage of the faith have lead to prejudice and Islamaphobia, especially during these trying times. I believe that exposure of Islam and its traditions, as well as emphasizing the commonality between Islamic and other value systems are important, especially in a time when households are on edge due to various issues such as job losses, the fear of infection or infection, etc. Bio: Kiyan Banuri is a Pakistani-American Muslim who hails from Utah. He currently studies International Relations and Japanese at Tufts University. Prior to college, Kiyan was heavily involved in Policy Debate, ranking amongst the top 25 in the United States, presiding Utah State Champion for 3 years in a row, researching various issues such as immigration, foreign policy, education, and surveillance policy. Learning the power of his own voice, he now wants to promote communicative effectiveness by helping others with their voice and ideas through opportunities in political campaigns, consultancy, and volunteering. He volunteered with the Emerald Project as an Ambassador, helping the non-profit combat the misrepresentations of Islam. And, he currently serves as an Executive Board member of the Tufts Association of South Asians, where he coordinates cultural events and celebrations on campus; these events attract hundreds of attendants, from around the east coast. He also serves as a selected consultant for 180 Degrees Consulting, the world's largest university-based consultancy. He aided in social media marketing, financial, and proof-of-model projects for various non-profit clients. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009655756571 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiyan-banuri-440289196/ Instagram: @kbanuri Photo credit: Kirt Thorne #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
Kiyan Banuri & Being Muslim During COVID - #plugintodevin