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Post by HardheadedSofthrtd on Apr 23, 2003 2:37:08 GMT -5
As most of you have probably heard by now, there is an article on Mr. Islam in the May issue of GQ magazine. For anyone not interested in purchasing the magazine, I've posted scans of the accompanying photos over at my sneaky little wallpaper site: www.milanositaliankitchen.com/csyiJust go there and click the "GQ Scans" link. -Joanne |
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Post by robinssong on Apr 23, 2003 8:08:56 GMT -5
Hi Joanne, Thanks for the info! Excellent site and great photos!  Love, Sanna |
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Post by Aisha on Apr 23, 2003 9:05:32 GMT -5
Hi Joanne, thank you for linking us to that. The artwork is pretty good, except the eyes, they made him look rather sinister. Is there a link to the article somewhere. It sounds like an interesting one.
Love,
A'isha
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Post by cristalina on Apr 23, 2003 9:51:02 GMT -5
Maybe I'm the only one, but I really don't like them pictures at all, they seem a bit creepy to me.
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Chris
Oh Very Young
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Post by Chris on Apr 23, 2003 10:05:11 GMT -5
I didn't care for the drawings either, they really did make him look sinister. What a shame.
As for the photographs I've seen all of them before, but I hated the captions they placed on them.
Thanks Joanne.
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Post by HardheadedSofthrtd on Apr 23, 2003 10:08:00 GMT -5
Hi Joanne, thank you for linking us to that. The artwork is pretty good, except the eyes, they made him look rather sinister. Is there a link to the article somewhere. It sounds like an interesting one. Love, A'isha Good morning Aisha, I haven't found any links to the article. I've read it through & through a couple of times, and it is the subject of much discussion over at catstevens.com this morning. Here's my take on it, copied & pasted from cs.com (I'm WAY too lazy to type all this over! lol): First off, regarding the illustrations: I saw nothing sinister in either of them. While they may or may not be one's cup of tea stylistically, I think they're very well done. The artist (Paul Davis) was quite accurate with the left eyebrow in the Yusuf illustration.  Now to the article itself: The impression I get is one of an attempt to discredit Islam in general by using Mr. Islam as a poster boy, of sorts. Mr. Tapper seems to be saying, in effect, that if someone who casts onself in such a moderate light as Mr. Islam does himself, and yet still there can be "ties" (tenous though they may be) found to extremists, then what hope can there be of any Muslims ever coming around to the Western, i.e., "acceptable" way of thinking? The irony here is that it would appear that the former associates Mr. Tapper mentions seem to have tried to do essentially the same thing, using Mr. Islam for PR, albeit for a different purpose. Sometimes I feel truly sad for Mr. Islam. As I mentally page through the public record of the arc of his life thus far, I wonder how he can ever have not felt he was being used by others. But I digress... An excerpt from the article: "In the 1980's, Yusuf was a regular participant in the Islamic Circle talks every Saturday at Central Mosque, where he would regularly defend Islamic law. Most such sessions seem to have been innocent religious discussions, but they helped channel Islam's orthodoxy. In October 1989, for instance, he defended the amputation of thieves' hands." Here Mr. Tapper implies that as long as the topic being discussed was acceptable within the context of Western societal norms, everything would be hunky-dory. But if Muslims wish to engage in discussion or debate about Islamic law, they are presumed to be, if not extremists, at least a potential threat. Mr. Tapper apparently is biased not against Mr. Islam, but Islam itself. Why are we treated to physical descriptions of both Sheik Omar Bakri Muhammad and Dr. Muhammad al-Massari (gee, they have beards, who'd have guessed it?) but not Chris Blackwell? Because Mr. Blackwell is an Anglo, i.e., one of "us." In sum, the author has told us more about himself and his socio-political views than he has about his subject. Mr. Tapper, in closing, writes that "in today's world, Yusuf Islam's beliefs and actions might not even qualify him as en extremist. And that is the saddest statement of all." Yes, it is indeed indicative of the sorry state of the world that exremists go to the lenghths that they do. Underlying this "saddest statement," however, is Mr. Tapper lamenting that since Mr. Islam doesn't "qualify" as an extremist, his article is therefore pointless? Realistically, I would never expect to encounter a truly thorough, well-researched article about such a complex life from a mass-marketed pulp publication like GQ. The nature of the magazine dictates that not much in the way of resources would go into such a piece. Now if only The New Yorker would get something together... -Joanne |
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Post by Aisha on Apr 23, 2003 10:36:18 GMT -5
Joanne, thank you for sharing the basics of the article with us. I feel for Yusuf. He is way out there because he is so famous. Speaking as a Muslim of 12 years I can attest to the fact that someone will always try to link you to fanaticism and terrorism. I hear it all of the time and I am no one special, just a suburban housewife. But Yusuf was an icon of an era when he was Cat and people will always analyze every morsel that comes out of his mouth. Why can't they see the man as a person, a real Muslim who is just trying to practice a religion which stands for peace. All Yusuf wants out of life is to please God, serve his fellow human beings and promote peace. I wish there was a way to disconnect him from all of the talk of extremists, but as long as he carries the name "Islam" he will always have this problem. It is a downright shame that little was mentioned about Yusuf's work to help children. I think that is all that he wants noticed right now. He is not connected to anything but feeding hungry children. May Allah (swt) be with him and give him strength.
Love,
A'isha
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Post by robinssong on Apr 23, 2003 18:28:41 GMT -5
Joanne, thanks for the excerpts from the article. It's such a shame how prejudiced most articles on Yusuf are! It's so unfair that people don't even try to inform themselves about him. They obviously know almost nothing about Yusuf but think they are qualified to form an opinion. I've got the impression they often don't even want to know anything about him, as they would have to change their preconceived opinions and admit that they were wrong. As for the paintings, I find them quite bad (except for that left eyebrow with the little scar ). I think they don't capture Cat's/Yusuf's facial expression at all - the distance between the eyes is too close, and the nose and the mouth aren't Cat's/Yusuf's either, just to me. Love, Sanna |
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Post by Vivian on Apr 23, 2003 20:59:04 GMT -5
From the discussion on CS.COM, the writer literally tears Yusuf apart!! He is treated in THE MOST UNFAIR WAY imaginable!! According to the writer, Yusuf is "GUILTY BY ASSOCIATION"!! I am MAD AS HELL!!
Peace,Vivian
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Post by Aisha on Apr 23, 2003 22:08:49 GMT -5
To me, the painter didn't capture Cat's gentle nature at all. He looked like a serial killer to me. The artwork was accurate with some of the details, but the eyes were all wrong, not showing Yusuf/Cat's gentleness. That man is known for his gentle eyes.
And Vivian, Yusuf will only be given a break if he denounces everything he believes in and picks up a guitar again. He would have to turn his back on his faith with the same conviction in which he gave up his music career. And even then, some will still hold his past against him.
Sanna, some people don't like change. It scares the crap out of them. By admitting Yusuf is a good guy he/she might actually have to discard biases and excuses for hating someone. Some people need someone to bash to make themselves feel good about themselves. I hope Yusuf realizes this and doesn't let this new episode of "Yusuf The Evil" get under his skin.
Love,
A'isha
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Post by Vivian on Apr 23, 2003 22:18:46 GMT -5
Well, I know it won't do any good, but the editor of that magazine WILL hear from me!! When someone trashes a SWEET person like Yusuf, I just can't be quiet about it!!
Peace,Vivian
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Post by Vivian on Apr 24, 2003 10:21:10 GMT -5
Don't worry, folks! I don't plan on getting nasty in my leter, but the writer of that article is going to know EXACTLY where I stand! Once I have it written, I will post it here!
Peace,Vivian
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Post by Aisha on Apr 24, 2003 11:25:53 GMT -5
I have a question. What is GQ Magazine? Is it popular--is it about music. I am still lost in a time warp. I mostly read "Mad" and "True Story"...I know, I know, such 'intellectual' reading material, but it is fun reading that stuff. If I want intellect I have four sets of encyclopedias and three sets on CD-rom....LOL Is GQ very popular, does it reach as many readers as "Time"; do they have their own website? I am wondering because if this magazine is some off-the-beaten path thing we may be working ourselves over little. Vivian, are you going to blast them in 'All CAPS"...LOLOLOL (You know I love you...just teasing you) Love, A'isha |
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Post by Whisper on Apr 24, 2003 11:37:21 GMT -5
JoAnne you are very articulate ( I'm impressed) & I really like the way you have outlined the article. Mr. Tapper? Mr. Who? Who's he? Sounds like the lamentations of a 'never was'. Honestly who cares what he thinks. I don't even know who he is whisper |
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Post by Turan on Apr 24, 2003 13:21:08 GMT -5
According to my source of a 19yo male in LA, GQ is a male fashion type magazine. I guess kind of like Vogue ? but for men? Jake Tapper is someone you might agree with sometimes. Check out his articles before you judge. dir.salon.com/topics/jake_tapper/index.htmlCan anyone scan the article? I would like to read it before I have an opinion. One thing that I said elsewhere. This article will pique interest and raise questions and people will come to these fan websites to get answers. This is not a bad thing. Turan |
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Post by HardheadedSofthrtd on Apr 24, 2003 13:42:56 GMT -5
Whisper- Thanks. :-) Took nearly an hour to get my thoughts together in a cohesive manner on that one. LOL Turan- I did try to scan the article, but due to the age of my scanner, the low resolution renders text unreadable. Sorry.  Yes, GQ is very much a "Vogue for men" type of publication. I don't have exact circulation figures, but they're way up there, I'm certain. One final comment on Mr. Tapper's article and the reaction it seems to be generating: I would highly recommend that one read it before getting in a lather. It isn't entirely negative. -Joanne |
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Post by Aisha on Apr 24, 2003 14:52:21 GMT -5
Joanne, maybe you can get the article photocopied and take it to someone with a more powerful scanner. I would love to read it and give it a fair chance. The caption under the picture can be taken in a good way and a bad way.
Love,
A'isha
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Post by boneheadedwoman on Apr 24, 2003 15:54:34 GMT -5
Scathing article, in my opinion. Cat Stevens was great, but sometimes I feel like I'm trying to put a square peg into a round hole to make Yusuf Islam jibe with any of my beliefs (besides religious beliefs). This is a lot of guilt by association, to be sure, but even my children are not so naive as to think they can hang around with the class clown, and not get into trouble! I know he's done a lot of good, and for that, I commend him most heartily. But this shadow of doubt that surrounds him will probably linger for quite some time. Specifically, the Salman Rushdie issue won't go away until he understands/acknowledges the fact that the controversy he stirred up was only in part about the fatwa. He has denied endorsing that, and I for one, take him at his word. However, the larger issue for me is freedom of speech! Yes, he has the right to express outrage at a novel he considers blasphemous. But he sought to have the book withdrawn from publication. The Ayatollah sought to have the author killed, and Yusuf didn't express dissent. That's a pretty extreme form of censorship, eh? I will always have lingering doubts about Mr. Peace Train because of that.
I'm sure what I've written will be troubling or hurtful to some at this site. I haven't meant to offend any one. Actually, I probably wouldn't care at all about any of this, except for the fact that Cat Stevens nurtured my soul for many years. For that reason, I will always care about his public persona. I sincerely hope he gets good press from now on.
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Post by Whisper on Apr 24, 2003 18:37:38 GMT -5
Well I haven't read the article, & have no opinion of the man who wrote it. Even if I did read the article I would still reserve my opinion of the man who wrote it. I have no problem with someone not being able to identify with Islam or a Muslim lifestyle. This is very difficult for many to come to terms with. What I do have a problem with is someone holding up one person as being representative of Islam/Muslims/ Islamic Society. I don't know if this writer has done that, but it does get soooo old. I mean it would be the same if people from predominantly Muslim countries said Charlie Daniels represents the majority view of all Christians because he now sings gospel music. Then anytime Charlie Daniels said anything ( or didn't say anything) publically, people could assume most Christians agree with Charlies sentiments on just about everything. Even within Christian families you have some people who agree with this or that whilst someone in their very same family and faith may not. There are so many varying opinions within Islam and so many many subcultures within Islamic societies that to single one person out as a representative is really ludicrous. This happens a lot. I see it happen a lot also when it comes to Yusuf Islam. People hanging on his every word, waiting for him to trip up and make a mistake in something he has said. It is really soo difficult not to put one's foot in the mouth for the rest of your life I can't even manage for a week ;D I think Yusuf may have been quiet about the whole thing because a whole can of beans had already been opened & he really was a very new Muslim and didn't really know that much yet. Maybe he was afraid he would make things worse if he talked at all, or he was very leary of making a mistake. Many Muslims are very very leary of making mistakes when speaking about religion because their are several warnings about 'teaching what one knows not'.- spreading false information about religion is not a small sin in Islam, so many are very reluctant to speak about subjects they are not sure of. I can understand that my religion does not appeal to everyone. What I have trouble understanding is why many people have so much difficulty viewing us on an individual basis. I'm not speaking about anyone on this thread. I thought I'd make that clear since sometimes people think I'm talking about them in an indirect way. Maybe it's because many want things to be simple and easy- " Muslims are like ..this." But things are not simple and easy. Many Muslims do not reflect their religion, but reflect their culture more. There are just so many different personalities /individual attitudes within Islamic culture how could anyone possibly think Yusuf Islam represents them all? He is just one person who happens to be Muslim. Just like Charlie Daniels is one person who happens to be a Christian. Old Charlie can't be the example of what every Christian thinks and feels & Yusuf Islam shouldn't have the pressure of people using him as a yardstick either. That fatwa against Salmon Rushdie made his name in lights. Had they ignored it he never would have made it so big. But freedom of speech is essential whether we agree with it or not. It is as important as the very air we breathe. I'm making myself sick babbling. Really bad when you have just bored the heck out of yourself  I'm going back to the sixties thread whisper |
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Post by Vivian on Apr 24, 2003 20:58:21 GMT -5
Well, I've read the article, and as I thought, the writer, Mr. Tapper, doesn't even give Yusuf a chance!! It is PURE SLANDER, from the first word, right down to the last!! TOTALLY UNFAIR!!
Peace,Vivian
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Post by Aisha on Apr 24, 2003 22:48:11 GMT -5
Joanne, I respect your opinion. It is okay to not agree with Yusuf. I think it is healthy to be honest about how you feel and some people just don't get it all. I think if I pointed out every performer which I don't agree with I would list all of them including Yusuf. (Yes, sometimes crazy ole A'isha disagrees with her beloved 'CAT') But, for me, it is about the music. Except for when I talk about Yusuf. He is more than about music. He is about human rights and peace too. Now, I wonder what Yusuf was really thinking when he first heard about the fatwah. Was he as confused as I was when I heard about it? For me, it was hard to know how to react. Every instinct inside of me said that the fatwah was not okay, but some of the scholars were saying that it was okay. I just listened to my heart, but I am not a person who is well-known (except in psycho wards.) so I didn't have to face what Yusuf faced. I will always wonder how Yusuf felt. I mean, here is this man who has a gentle soul by nature, trying his darnedest to follow the religion he believes in and here is religious text saying that the punishment for a crime is death. Yusuf is a lot more of a peaceful person than I am so I can imagine he was dealing with a struggle within himself. Now this is one of the 'A'isha Alnahar Theories'...don't take it to the bank. Whisper is right. When people hear the word 'Muslim' they suddenly expect a person to be a certain way. I am far from the stereotyped Muslim. Actually I am the class clown Joanne was talking about...LOL People were very upset with me when I got involved with the internet because I fall short of fitting into any particular mold, even a 'Muslim' mold. Muslims, Christians, Jews.... they are all just names when you start looking into another human being. No two people are alike and it is unfair to throw someone into a category and say, "Because you chose this religion, ideal, or profession you have to fit into that mold." And it is unfair to take Yusuf Islam and make him the poster boy for Islam. He is a person and is no more holier than anyone on this site. It is just because he has fantastic talent, a lot of money, good looks, and a big heart that makes him appear bigger than we are. But on the level of humanity he is equal with the rest of us. Sometimes, we (I am probably the most guilty of this) expect too much from Yusuf. It is unfair to him to do that. Yusuf Islam is Yusuf Islam. He isn't the Prophet Muhammad (saws), he isn't Jesus (as), he is just a very nice man. OUCH...MY SOAP BOX TIPPED OVER. Love, A'isha |
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Post by boneheadedwoman on Apr 25, 2003 0:21:07 GMT -5
Very well-said, Aisha! You bring up a lot of good points. I guess the crux of the matter is basically, how much creedence do you give your holy scripture? There are plenty of death penalty edicts throughout the bible, but most of us here don't think about that. We've been living so long with a secular judicial system that we take it for granted, I suppose. People memorize the Ten Commandments, although most of us break at least one or two with alarming regularity. (Thou shalt not covet is the hard one for me!). But as far as I'm aware, no one proposes stoning a person for breaking the commandments. In fact, Liberals like me feel like we're going back to the Dark Ages when legislators bring up hundred year old sodomy laws and try to enforce them today. I guess I can understand a really devout person wanting to live in a religious State (Islamic State, for muslims). But for a lot of people, it's alienating to hear someone say they'd like to live in a place where 1300 year old laws and consequences are enforced. It seems that Yusuf takes the scriptures so much to heart that he probably was feeling torn about the fatwa. But that's where he and I differ! If the only way to be a good ____(whatever, you fill in the blank) is to support the death penalty for someone who writes a novel (i.e. a work of fiction!)then I guess I'm not a good....(Whatever).
Lecture over and out!
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Post by Aisha on Apr 25, 2003 0:40:12 GMT -5
Recently corrected name--->Boneheaded, not Joanne. , I think it is difficult for any person to follow any scripture word-for-word. I think it is downright impossible. Even though I am a Muslim I struggle with some of those 1,400 year old laws too. Once Yusuf said something that made a lot of sense. He said that Islam also teaches that you have to follow the laws of the country you live in. That would, basically, throw out so many of those old laws because they are not used in most countries anymore. As for the credence in Islamic holy scripture I believe in it, but also realize that certain things that were applicable when they were revealed may not apply to today. I may bet slammed by some of the more orthodox Muslims, but I can't help believing that way. But the world is not exactly as it was when the Qur'an was revealed. There are more countries and each country has its own laws and people have to follow the laws of the land where they live. Sure the Qur'an says to cut off the hand of a thief, but that doesn't mean we can catch someone who steals from us and start amputating their limbs. (OUCH...that would hurt and be messy huh...LOL) But there are still some countries which practice this and I don't think I could be happy living in those countries. It would freak me out seeing the punishments carried out. As for commandments, I have a few of them that I break 'routinely' and there are portions of Islamic scripture in which I need to improve on practicing, but IMHO, God is loving and forgiving. And about Yusuf, he didn't actually support the death sentence, but people still hold on to a belief that he did. It has been 24 years since all of that came up and it is still following him around. I am wondering how long Natalie Maines' comment about President Bush will haunt her. Speaking of Natalie and getting way off the subject, did y'all see "Primetime Live" tonight? They interviewed The Dixie Chicks and some of the things they are experiencing remind me of Yusuf experiences 24 years ago. I guess history continually repeats itself. And BHW, if not agreeing with the death penalty for some man writing a book puts a person in Hell we can roast marshmallows together. I think killing someone over a book is a bit extreme too. Love, A'isha |
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Post by HardheadedSofthrtd on Apr 25, 2003 1:34:11 GMT -5
Hi Aisha- I'm confused...is boneheadedwoman's name Joanne also? Or are you mixing us up? -Joanne (one of two, perhaps?)  |
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Post by DiddleMingyAdams on Apr 25, 2003 9:55:17 GMT -5
Scathing article, in my opinion. Cat Stevens was great, but sometimes I feel like I'm trying to put a square peg into a round hole to make Yusuf Islam jibe with any of my beliefs (besides religious beliefs). This is a lot of guilt by association, to be sure, but even my children are not so naive as to think they can hang around with the class clown, and not get into trouble! I know he's done a lot of good, and for that, I commend him most heartily. But this shadow of doubt that surrounds him will probably linger for quite some time. Specifically, the Salman Rushdie issue won't go away until he understands/acknowledges the fact that the controversy he stirred up was only in part about the fatwa. He has denied endorsing that, and I for one, take him at his word. However, the larger issue for me is freedom of speech! Yes, he has the right to express outrage at a novel he considers blasphemous. But he sought to have the book withdrawn from publication. The Ayatollah sought to have the author killed, and Yusuf didn't express dissent. That's a pretty extreme form of censorship, eh? I will always have lingering doubts about Mr. Peace Train because of that. I'm sure what I've written will be troubling or hurtful to some at this site. I haven't meant to offend any one. Actually, I probably wouldn't care at all about any of this, except for the fact that Cat Stevens nurtured my soul for many years. For that reason, I will always care about his public persona. I sincerely hope he gets good press from now on. there are a few other little known issues that clear the cencorship up just a little bit, or at least may perhaps make YI's indignation at the book NOT being censored a little more understandable. in england, they do not practice free speech as vehemently as we do over here (i think that was one of the reasons our forefathers left? LOL). in any event, during that time, publications by sinn fein were being banned in england. part of YI's argument was if that is banned because it is offensive (or perhaps considered dangerous , i'm not sure) than why not this book that was considered offensive by a large segment of the population? not arguing the rightness or wrongness of it here, just trying to ad a bit of clarity. |
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Post by Aisha on Apr 25, 2003 9:58:40 GMT -5
Hi Aisha- I'm confused...is boneheadedwoman's name Joanne also? Or are you mixing us up? -Joanne (one of two, perhaps?) Oops, I don't think her name is Joanne, but I am a ditz. I always get you and her mixed up. Sorry about that. I will correct it. Hey, what can I say, two nice women with 'headed' in their name and a nearly blind (and senile) typist make for boo-boos...LOLOLOL Love, A'isha |
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Post by boneheadedwoman on Apr 25, 2003 10:57:03 GMT -5
Hi All; Boneheadedwoman here. No, my name's not Joanne. It's Jane, but I usually don't sign at the end of my posts anyway. Thanks for the clarification on the censorship issue...not that it changes my opinion at all. I wonder will there be a response to all this on the YI website. I've been troubled by the "smoke" surrounding his deportations from Israel for some time now, since I first heard about it actually. Whether he knew what he was doing or not, giving money to those people, even under umbrella of charity for children was not a wise choice. There are lots of organizations that help Palestinian children such as Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and Save the Children, and his own old favorite, UNICEF. Why on Earth didn't he help the children through one of those organizations? |
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Post by Aisha on Apr 25, 2003 11:21:58 GMT -5
Hi Jane.... I wanted to get the right 'headed' person....LOL
I was under the understanding that Yusuf's support for the orphans of Hebron was through his own charitable organizations. But when it comes to Islamic charities many people have doubts about them. It is because of events that have been going on in the world. It is very difficult to know exactly where the money is going.
As for going into Israel, many Muslims who enter the country go through interrogation. I don't even know if Yusuf was singled out. I have met others who have been through this. I can understand some of why they do it because of groups like Hamas, but I don't agree with locking a man in a room without bathroom facilities or water under any circumstances, and I don't believe it is right to be abusive to a man who has his small son standing with him. (Actually I don't believe in being abusive to anyone) But that is another issue altogether, which I am sure Christine would not want us going into in depth.
As for any charities I question them, especially some of the larger ones. I like knowing where the money is going. I support Small Kindness not because Yusuf is a Muslim or my mentor, but I like how his organization shows us who is being helped and I like the fact that the UN has approved it.
Love,
A'isha
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Post by boneheadedwoman on Apr 25, 2003 16:32:22 GMT -5
Hi All! Definitely, when we start talking about Palestinian/ Israeli relations, we're getting into a sticky area! But I think most reasonable people would agree, it's a good policy to treat all others with respect and dignity. As to the charity issue, if I were in a prominent position, I would be very careful with where my money went, and with whom I was associating. 'nuff said! He did what he did. Now I'm going to sit back and watch what happens. It's made for some interesting conversation though, hasn't it? |
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Post by Turan on Apr 25, 2003 17:38:34 GMT -5
My understanding is that if you want to help children in the Hebron you will deal with Hamas, no matter who you are. Hamas is the social arm of goverment, though maybe not officially, they take care of the orphans and run the hospitals. That Yusuf does things on a more personal level is laudatory, though maybe foolish sometimes.
Turan
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