INQUIRE PUBLICATION 9
Anonymous
We live in a world where whistleblowers may be treated more harshly than those they incriminate.
Vigilante justice is a controversial
subject. In the Internet era, the debate
around vigilantism is complicated
by anonymity, premium hacking
skills, and an international network
of hundreds of individuals across the
world. Whether you are for or against
it, the Internet hacktivist group
Anonymous is garnering attention
on a global scale. Their intentions
are hotly debated, as supporters have
dubbed them freedom fighters
and digital Robin Hoods, while
critics have labelled them as cyber-
terrorists. Many argue their actions
restore power to the people, while
others contend that they exist for
no other purpose than to cause
controversies and wreck havoc.
However, it would be unjust to
ignore the positive contributions
Anonymous has made. For example,
their actions have recently pushed the
2012 Maryville rape case back into
the spotlight. Anonymous demanded
an investigation into the handling of
the case by local officials, threatening
to release private information about
officials if those demands were not
met. On October 15th, Missouri
Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder
called for a grand jury review of the
evidence. Whether this was a result of
the pressure applied by Anonymous
is debatable, but it does not seem
unlikely given the surge of media
coverage Anonymous has instigated
regarding this case.
Maryville is not the only rape
case to have drawn the attention
of Anonymous. Three other
rape cases to date, including the
infamous Steubenville case, have
been targeted by the group. In each
judicial proceeding, the contribution
of Anonymous has proven to be vital.
It is no secret that we have entered
a digital era centered upon social
media platforms. In the Steubenville
and Maryville cases, Anonymous
provided crucial pieces of evidence
by retrieving videos and images of
the rapes that had been posted online
and subsequently erased. This raises
several inevitable questions: can
Anonymous now be classified as a
global force of social justice? If so,
does that in any way undermine the
effort and efficiency of conventional
legal systems?
Of course, the influence of
Anonymous goes beyond that of local
(In)Justice
trials. Anonymous has orchestrated
operations on a global scale, from
defending Wikileaks to supporting
the movement of the Arab Spring.
The digital age is in a constant state
of evolution. The more our legal
systems rely on online information,
the more power is given to online
hactivist groups such as Anonymous
and Lulzsec. That this faceless,
nameless entity can bring justice to
the underdogs of our society is, to
say the least, an idealistic notion.
Whether that is the case, however,
remains unclear.
Another important aspect to
examine is that of youth culture
within such organizations. One
must take age into consideration
when examining the types of people
typically drawn to Anonymous
and similar organizations. It would
be safe to assume that the most
tech-savvy individuals consist of a
younger demographic. Add to this
the youthful dream of provoking
change and bringing about revolution
and the result is a group of young
idealists with a considerable amount
of power. The problems raised by this
reality are exemplified in the arrest of
several members of the hacker group,
LulzSec. Nineteen-year-old Ryan
Cleary, eighteen-year-old Topiary
(Jack Davis), and sixteen-year-old
T-Flow (Mustafa Al-Bassam) were
arrested following such high profile
hacks on the websites of Britain's
Serious Organised Crime Agency
(SOCA) and National Health Service
(NHS), as well as on Sony. Short
for Lulz Security, the name itself
refers to youth culture with the use
of the neologism lulz, a variation
of "LOL" or "laughing out loud". In
the eyes of conventional authority
figures, this fact often adds insult to
injury.
Naturally, this triggers a get-off-
my-lawn reaction from conventional
authority figures. They dismiss such
groups and their operations as the
work of hooligans, rejecting any
real-life impact they might have
had. An example of this attitude
towards Anonymous can be seen in
Israels response to the April 2013
Operation Israel attacks. Anonymous
managed to remove hundreds of
Israeli websites in opposition against
their military action within the Gaza
strip. Nonetheless, Israeli officials
Noor Ibrahim
wrote this operation off as a minor age. Despite the temptation we might
disruption with no real damage. have to classify this organization as
The relationship between good or bad, we must keep in
Anonymous and the general public mind the fluid nature of Anonymous
is complicated. Never in history as a group. Although they present
have we, as a global community, had themselves as a single entity or a
digital brain, their operations are
made possible only by the work of
hundreds of individuals.
Many argue their actions anyThe truth remains that if there is
modern authority figure that is of
restore power to the people, the people, by the people, and for the
while others contend that people, it is Anonymous. We live in
a world where whistleblowers may
they exist for no other be treated more harshly than those
purpose than to cause they incriminate. Their mission
controversies and wreck is one that the mainstream would
never dare undertake: challenging
havoc. the government and big corporations
on a regular basis. It takes a certain
amount of courage to champion your
beliefs in the way Anonymous has.
to deal with a similar phenomenon. Whether Anonymous is restoring
We are still in the process of figuring power to the people is a question that
out how to navigate this new power will gradually be answered as the
dynamic brought to us by the digital future of digital hactivism unfolds.
COMMENTARY
Personally I stand on the side of the vigilante. The hiding of the truth
from the people creates a facade of superficial harmony by tucking
away the voices that may potentially lead to protests--protests almost
always being a means of demanding benefits for the people that
composes the body of a nation. If operations have nothing to hide,
hackers have nothing to hack. The so-called vital information the
hackers have stolen are what have been long owed to the people.
- Jean Weng
How can an anonymous group claim to represent the people? Think
about the difference between the adolescent posturing of Anonymous
and the courageous struggles of the Elsipogtog First Nation in New
Brunswick against Fracking. The Anonymous brand of vigilantism
avoids political responsibility because there is neither a program nor
an internal structure through which to hold the group to account.
The Elsipogtog have a program (native autonomy and sustainability),
internal organization (the band council), and are part of a dialogue
with the broader public. They put their bodies on the line, and stand-
tall when the RCMP point sniper rifles at the women carrying banners.
The Anonymous/Occupy style does raise political consciousness,
but the problems of imperialism and sexism are those of power not
awareness. Only the medium of protest is innovative. Canadians have a
long and proud tradition of political direct action that spans from Louis
Riel, to anti-conscription martyrs of WWI, and the Mohawk heroes of
Oka. Direct action has been a progressive force in Canadian history,
but only when there is organization and clear-thinking.
- Mark
In Small-Town Jersey, The Arab Voice
Sings On
By Noor Ibrahim
At 5 am each morning, Walid Rabah can be found sitting snug in the office
cubicle of his modest Jersey newsroom, quietly typing away on a dated HP
computer as the muddled dialogue of a black-and-white Egyptian film echoes in
the background.

In the years since I launched this paper, we have never missed a single issue, he
exclaims proudly as he pulls himself off his chair, adjusts his spectacles and
scuffles for his walking cane.

At 75 years old, the veteran journalist has carried the full weight of the Arab-
American press on his shoulders for three straight decades. Rabah founded The
Arab Voice 29 years ago, claiming the title of Editor-in-Chief of the longest-
running Arabic newspaper in the United States.

We used to be a very angry newspaper, says Rabah, admitting that his editorial
voice has mellowed down since their early beginnings in the 80s. We were angry
at Arab leaders, at the Arab people, at the Arab world.

It was up until 1990, in fact, that the paper was named Al-Ghadab, translated
literally to mean The Collective Anger. As the paper edged into the 1990s,
staffers warned that a name like Al-Ghadab may came across as a bit harsh to the
average reader, opting instead for the more cordial Voice.

Despite the name alteration, The Arab Voice retained its strident tone well into
the 1990s. The weekly paper was riddled with strongly worded op-eds and
satirical cartoons that ridiculed the state of the Arab world, both within the US
and overseas.
Rabah, who had first arrived to the country as a Palestinian refugee, struggled to
find a job in his first few months in the US. The job market was bleak for an Arab
journalist that spoke little English. So, he made the decision to launch the
countrys first Arabic newspaper in Patterson, New Jersey.

The Palestinian-Israeli conflict was just at its prime when we were starting out,
says Rabah, who had worked as a reporter in both Jordan and Lebanon before
settling in the US. The pain was fresh. There was a lot of resentment in our
hearts back then.

In terms of editorial content, The Voice is much less political today than it used to
be. While it definitely dabbles in politics, with last weeks front page headlined
ELECTION DAY: CHOOSE THE BETTER OF TWO EVILS; the focus of the paper
has shifted from rebellious political discourse to a more culturally inclined,
community-oriented paper.

But having been married six times in his lifetime, Rabah was no stranger to swift
transitions in style and character.

According to Rabah, the softening of the papers tone was a response to the
demands of the surrounding Arab community. As the Arab-American population
in the city grew, so did the need for a localized, family-oriented platform for
literature, advice columns, and light-hearted neighbourhood gossip.

As gradual access to Arabic news networks like Al-Arabiya and Al Jazeera grew,
what was missing was a platform streamlined for local Arab residents trying to
raise a family and live their lives in the United States.

People didnt expect us to be here for even a year or two. But here we are, 30
years later, says Rabah.

With a small, but efficient four-man team, Rabah works alongside his daughter,
Elham, who is in charge of graphics and layout designs, and his two editorial
assistants: Wafa Ahmed and Niveen Safi.

Its definitely a humble space, says Safi, as she shows a visitor around the small,
dimly lit office. Having previously worked in newsrooms in the Middle East, Safi
admits that she was expecting a more bustling work atmosphere before she
started working The Voice.

But I guess thats just how it is. Humble space, big influence, she says.

The goal is to fill the gap between Arabs here and Arabs abroad, adds Ahmed,
the other editorial assistant, joining in on the conversation from her
neighbouring desk. We want people to feel at home.

Most of the newsroom reporters work outside the office and report back to Rabah
by the end of each day. About a dozen freelancers and contributors from the
Middle East are included in each issue of the weekly paper.

With a print circulation of over 20,000, the newspaper now reaches seven states:
New York, Boston, Washington, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Connecticut, and New
Jersey. Beyond the print issues, The Voice maintains a strong online presence as
well.
While the newspapers slice-of-life theme has become more prominent
throughout the years, Rabah claims that they still maintain a sliver of the
defiance that made the paper so notorious in previous years.

When we criticize, were not afraid to do it harshly, he says. If we see a mosque

that isnt contributing to the community in a positive way were not afraid to
call people out.

At the time of the first intifada, Rabah had organized a citywide protest that drew
thousands to Patterson. Five thousand people came through right here on Main
Street. That was the first and only time I got a warning from public officials, he
says.

When asked if he was worried about Donald Trump, who has called for the
implementation of a Muslim registry, a ban on Muslim immigration and falsely
claims that Muslims in New Jersey were applauding the events of 9/11 Rabah
upheld that he has no apprehensions about being a target of Islamophobic
rhetoric or hate crimes.

What people should understand is that, if we are threatened by someone like

Trump, we will always come together, he says, as he shows off vintage
newspaper editions of The Arab Voice, sifting through three decades worth of
issues packed into cabinets around the office.

At the end of the day, we stand as one. That just doesnt change.

The Last Bookshop Standing
By Noor Ibrahim

Welcome to Grandmas Place! says Grandma Dawn Harris-Martine, as she

scuffles for her cane, adjusts her eyeglasses, and stands up to greet a family of two
a young mother and her toddler that have just stumbled into her Harlem
bookstore for the first time.

Walking through the doors of the corner shop with the twinkly window lights and
the big yellow sign that reads Grandmas Place, they wouldnt guess that it has
been a national beacon for African-American childrens literature for over a
decade with authors across the country hoping their books can find a home on
the jam-packed shelves of her 17 year-old family-run store.

For long-time Harlem residents, Grandmas Place is intrinsically embedded in

the neighborhoods identity as the go-to stop for books, toys and educational
games. The boutique is specifically geared towards children of color, carrying a
large selection of books by African American authors, and offering toys and dolls
that are just as ethnically diverse as the community itself.

At 77, Grandma Dawn has been with Harlem through all of its cultural and
artistic peaks, the violent and crime-infested lows, and most recently, the wave of
newcomers that stumble into her store every week. The fact that Ive been here
so long, Im just stubborn, she says,I started because I wanted my kids to see a
successful black woman. 20 years from now, I still want my grandchildren to own
the shopand to pass it on like I did.

Author Israel Cook first came knocking on Grandmas door on an early January
morning last year with a trunk full of his new book, Princess Planet Books, a
series which focused on showcasing princesses from diverse racial backgrounds.
Along with an approval to sell the books in her store, Grandma Dawn helped fund
a reprint of his series, offering a $1,000 to help Cook meet the demand for his
books at her store.

As a starting author, I just had a vision. I didnt have money. She looked beyond
that it was one of first places that made me feel at home and that my product
was welcome, says Cook.

But with soaring rent prices and a changing neighborhood demographic,

concerns over the sustainability of the shop are buzzing in the background.
Every year they raise my rent 5 percent, says Grandma, The new restaurant
next door wants to use this as an extension for their kitchen. They see my age and
what the economy is like and they assume Ill be leaving soon.
For neighborhood friends, authors, and shop regulars the significance of
Grandmas Place goes beyond that of a regular business.

You can feel her energy and passion for helping young people. You never feel like
its a business you feel like its a mission for her, says Ty Allen Jackson, author
of the popular childrens books Danny Dollar and The Supadupa Kid. With
gentrification it hurts your soul a little bit to see the essence of Harlem
changing. We have to support our own, and what better place than a childrens
bookstore? What does that say to our children if we cant support them?

Even the neighboring shop owners cant envision a Harlem without Grandmas
Place. Fabrice Warin, owner of Barawine across the street, would always send his
guests to the bookstore across the street. Three years ago I had just had my
baby, and thats when I started to go there so often. She has a true love for
children whenever my wife and daughter are here we always have to stop in to
say hello.

Despite financial pressures, Grandma Dawn is unwavering in her commitment to

keep the shops legacy alive. She hopes that her granddaughter, Chelsea Grant,
who helps run the bookstore, will eventually take over for her.

Shes kind of everyones Grandma, says Grant.

Amid Election-Day chaos, imam considers
moving to U.S.
By Noor Ibrahim

Having been on U.S. soil for just over 20 days, Akram Kassab chose an
interesting time to act as the stand-in imam for the Dar Al-Dawa
mosque in Astoria, Queens.

Im here to inspect the atmosphere of what its like to work at a

mosque here, said the Egyptian-born imam, who worked at mosques
in both Qatar and Egypt before arriving in the U.S. for the first time
last month.

But with just a couple hours left until polls close, the Election-Day
buzz still lingers in the background of Kassabs office at the back of the
Dar Al-Dawa mosque. The Muslim-American Society had reached out
to him weeks ago with a formal offer to take over as head imam, and
Kassab is using his time here to make a decision about whether or not
he would like to permanently settle down in the U.S.

Im still thinking about it, said Kassab, There are many positives
about living here. People here have the liberty to live and practice as
they please.

But on Election Day, Kassab acknowledged the growing challenges of

Muslim-Americans living in the U.S., with Islamophobic rhetoric on
the rise throughout this years election cycle. Kassab cited the murder
of a fellow Queens imam at a nearby mosque just three months before
his visit to the U.S.

Still, he remains optimistic about a Muslim-friendly society here.

What people need to know is that one of Islams greatest teachings

encourages people to live together, cooperate, and exist in harmony
with one another, says Kassab. We reject any kind of hatred or
division here.
One of Kassabs first khutbas (Islamic lectures) at the mosque was
devoted to encouraging Muslim-Americans to take part in the
electoral process. Its not just a civic duty, but a religious one too, he
said. Once you are part of this society, you need to make your voice
heard.

As the call to prayer echoed throughout the mosque, people gathered

in the prayer area outside of Kassabs office for Salat al-Maghreb, the
sunset prayer. They exchanged greetings with each other, Al Salamu
Alaykum (Peace be upon you), and popped their heads in for a quick
hello to their potential imam.

I just cant imagine the American people standing silent in the face of
hateful rhetoric, said Kassab, as he stood to wash up before leading
the evening prayer.

No one can just wipe us from existence. Im hopeful that things wont
change.


INQUIRE
Childrens Cartoons:
A Cultural Filter
Noor Ibrahim, Queens University
Photo source: therecord.au.com, CC BY-NC-ND 3.0
R ecently, Ive taken up the habit of re-
watching my favorite cartoon shows from
when I was a little girl. There is no feeling quite like the
cold rush of nostalgia after watching the same televised
episode you did as a child. That is often how I find
myself measuring changes in my mindset: by revisiting
the same book or film over different periods of time
and examining the manner in which my perspective
on it might have changed. This is an especially effective
technique in terms of childrens television shows, as
people often fail to consider the fundamental impact
cartoons have in terms of shaping the morals and beliefs
of an individual throughout their childhood.
One of my early memories was waking up early in
the morning and watching an animated cartoon show
called Sailor Moon. The DVD set that my mother
had bought me was a subtitled version (a sneaky early
reading tactic) that was presented as the show had
originally aired. This show was unlike any other I had
seen before. The female heroines were versatile, strong,
and unapologetic. Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus
were two female heroines openly engaging in romantic
behavior. Sailor Uranus took on a more masculine
gender identity, while Sailor Neptune maintained a
more feminine physical preference. The creators of
the show attempted to be diverse in their approach to
introducing different gender identities. Even as a child,
I recognized the fact that these heroines were far from
marginalized throughout the show. Rather, they were
given the space and freedom that allowed their unique
characteristics to flourish in the form of major plotlines
within the show. There was never any mention of labels,
no need for distinct clear cut categories to place each
character in. They were beautiful, powerful women
26
fighting for justiceand nothing else really mattered.
When I got around to re-watching this show, it
was in a completely different context. I was watching
it here in Canada, and I got my hands on the English-
dubbed version. When you are in a position like mine,
it is easier to observe and recognize subtle differences
in cross-cultural realities. In that sense, I consider
myself fortunate enough to have acquired unique
dual insights into two very different realities. After
watching the English version, I began noticing many
differences in the characters and crosschecked to make
sure. The queer partners were now, instead, referred
to as cousins. Any reference to their romance was
filtered out. The character of Fisheye, a gender queer
character, described originally as a miraculous creature
that surpasses gender was being presented as a strictly
female character. All the corners were cut, and all the
categories were divided. There was no more grey area,
no more difference, and no more diversity.
Parents worry about violence and explicit content,
but often fail to recognize that these cartoons are riddled
with subtle social and cultural undertones that children
absorb as the universal norm. Even in the idealistic
world of childrens cartoons, subtle undertones of ideas
that exist predominantly in the real world manage to
manifest themselves on a continuous basisideas that
ultimately act as an ideological foundation for future
generations to come. It is important to recognize
the heteronormative patterns that are embedded in
the cornerstones of every culture, and work towards
challenging them. They exist in many different ways and
on a variety of levels, and the healing process starts with
the way we nurture and expose our future generations.