Islam in Modern America: An Analysis of how the Documentary Film The Muslims are Coming Portrays

Islamic Culture. By Austin Hazelwood University of Kentucky

General Goal: I want to inform the audience.
Specific Goal: I want to inform my audience of how the documentary film The Muslims are Coming
Portrays Islamic culture in modern day America.
Thesis Statement: I want to elaborate to you how the efforts of the individuals in the film effectively
depict modern Islamic culture in a positive manner, while at the same time progressing the culture itself
subtly away from its more traditional values, into a more current depiction of Islamic followers.
Introduction
I.

II.

III.

IV.

Attention Getter: In modern America, our general perception of Islamic culture and what it
stands for is often manipulated by world events and negative media portrayal. In the
documentary The Muslims are Coming, Islamic comedians make an attempt to bring Islamic
culture to highly conservative, or rural areas of the United States, as well as educate about
what the religion and culture stands for, and how it desires to be perceived.
Listener Relevance: Our world is constantly changing, as are its people. In our nation today,
we have more diversity, more culture, and more people than ever before. Because of this, it
is important that we conscious of others culture. Being well educated in others beliefs is the
first step in developing connections and relationships with those who are different than
yourself.
Speaker Credibility: My interest in researching and gaining an in depth view of this culture
arose from my lack of previous knowledge about it. This prompted me to choose this genre
of culture specifically for my research. My primary method of insight into Islamic culture
stemmed from two separate interview sessions with three personal members of the religion
and culture. With these findings, I was able to obtain a thorough understanding of how the
documentary being discussed directly correlates to an accurate illustration of modern Islam.
Thesis Statement: I want to elaborate to you how the efforts of the individuals in the film
effectively depict modern Islam in a positive manner, while at the same time progressing the
culture itself subtly away from its more traditional values, into a more current depiction of
Islamic followers.

Body
I.

The premise of The Muslims are Coming, and the mission that it wishes to accomplish in
bringing public awareness of the culture, and what it represents today.
Listener Relevance Link: This film provides a prime example of how individuals of Islamic
faith are attempting to reach out to the public in what their culture stands for.
A. The films purpose is to follow the endeavor of four Islamic standup
comedians, as they attempt to bring their own personal touch of comedy,

knowledge, and culture, to areas of the nation that may not have prior
experience with Islam.
1. The members of the project within the film hail from various Islamic
backgrounds. Providing different perspectives of the culture, as well as
different methods in portraying that culture to others.
2. The leader and organizer of the project is a female Islamic standup
comedian. Proving initially challenging in regards to the traditional
values of the faith.
3. 3. Initial challenges arise for the comedians. Sparse, incidents of
intolerance and misunderstandings arise, as well as just general
misconceptions circulating the culture.
Transition: Now that you have insight into the basis of the film, we can begin to look at how the
film holds correlation with Islamic culture and its values.
II.

Several setbacks were encountered by comedians when trying to spread information about
Islam.
Listener Relevance Link: By learning about the challenges the individuals within the film
faced, you will be able to avoid creating such obstacles when communicating or cooperating
with people of this culture.
A. A large setback that befell upon the comedians was the unwillingness of members of
the communities that traveled to listen or inquire into what they had to reveal about
Islam.
1. The main locations that were targeted by the documentary were
communities in the Deep South and Midwest, leading to some
unwillingness amongst locals to welcome the comedians and their
culture.
2. To counteract the lack of knowledge regarding their culture, the
comedians conducted several different methods to encourage people to
seek insight from them about their culture.
3. Some followers of Islam disagreed with the documentarys methods for
depicting Islam to public. While others welcomed their endeavors.

Transition: After overcoming various situations of adversity, the documentary did receive overall
success in accomplishing its goals, as well as giving insight as to why Islam is depicted the way that it
is.
Listener Relevance Link: While the documentary may have encountered setbacks, a large positive
impact was made in spreading knowledge about the culture, knowledge that you can utilize to more
positively approach this culture.

A. The comedians experienced overall success in spreading their message of what modern day
Islam is all about, as well as conveying their own theories regarding the way Islam is perceived in
America.
1. In their travels, the comedians experienced an overall welcoming
attitude of acceptance of their culture, especially when people were
able to gain a better understanding of the subject.
2. By seeking out other Islamic followers within the generally non-diverse
communities they visited, they provided those people a personal source
of this culture to turn to.
3. Near the end of the film, after seeing the success they have achieved,
the Islamic comedians give insight as to why they believe Islam is
depicted the way that is in American society.
Conclusion
Restatement of Thesis: I want to elaborate to you how the efforts of the individuals in the film
effectively depict modern Islamic culture in a positive manner, while at the same time
progressing the culture itself subtly away from its more traditional values, into a more current
depiction of Islamic followers.
Main Point Review: The Documentary film The Muslims are Coming provides a prime example
of the efforts that Islamists in America are pursuing in attempt to convey their culture in a
positive and contemporary manner to the public.
Clincher: The next time you are presented with the opportunity to interact with a member of
Islamic culture, seize that exciting chance to gain new knowledge not only about someone else,
but about an entire demographic that has so much to offer.
References
The Muslims are Coming [Motion picture]. (2013). United States: FilmBuff.
Asekhauno, A. (n.d.). Islam and Culture. Matatu: Journal for African Culture & Society, (40), 257273. Retrieved October 25, 2014, from
http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.uky.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=6&sid=8bfe1c7b-eb32-44edb8c7e74ea116f77f@sessionmgr198&hid=122&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl