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Tali Tenang Rap-Up Song

January 12, 2011 in Change, Ideas, Politics & Governments, RA, Religion & Faith, Video by Zain

Very recently, a rapper did a song to recap current affairs of 2010. I must say I’m crossed at 50-50, between liking the song and the fact that (probably) the most significant project I’ve done, was acknowledged in the song. (Bottom most video).

I would like to leave it at that, but there’s a chance many would be wondering what I’m referring to. In January 2010, there was a court case deciding the usage of the word Allah, which led to the attacks on places of worship.

The mood in the country was simply said: dark. Even some rational people, weren’t level headed due to emotional knee-jerk reaction. So I was part of a group of people that wanted to do something, that said a lot, without saying much. And we had a 6 day timeline.

Me, Juana and Jennie came up with Tali Tenang. An event where everyone was invited to come to Bangsar LRT, bringing a piece of string as long as their arm, in a white t-shirt with a Malaysian flag. Together we formed one long piece of string and walked together to Bangsar Village, then sports centre.

Our objective was not to make a stand on either the court ruling, nor how we felt about the attacks. We were just there to send good vibes by smiling and waving to anyone who saw us. The rest, let them make what they want of it. The support and love received for this project, could jerk a tear.

Anyway, the project received mention on the 30th second of the song below. Many days ago when twitter was buzzing what some people there liked the most about 2010, Tali Tenang was also mentioned.

- http://zainhd.com/2011/01/tali-tenang-rap-up-song/

Malik Imtiaz BFM Podcast

December 19, 2010 in Change, Ideas, Individuals, Knowledge, Politics & Governments, Religion & Faith by Zain

I’m quite certain I mentioned him somewhere previously in one of my blogposts (after I interviewed him for my Constitutional Law assignment on Article 11 Group in 2006, I think), but can’t locate it. Either way, click here to listen the recent on-air conversation with the human rights lawyer, activist (his blog). I especially liked what was said in the earlier segment of it. http://bfm.my/assets/files/InConversation/2010-12-10_InConversation_MalikImtiazSarwar.mp3

- http://zainhd.com/2010/12/malik-imtiaz-bfm-podcast/

M2: Leading Men of 2010

December 16, 2010 in Change, RA, Self by Zain | 6 comments

Some weeks ago I was asked to be part of this. I’ve not actually seen the magazine as I was away during the issue party, but they emailed me this. Thank you M2 magazine for the recognition, honour and also Marina Mahathir for recommending them to me. More importantly, thank you to the people who has been part of the progress, the work I’ve been involved in. In many and not some ways, this is yours too.

I’m not going to explain how the selection or nature of the work of the people selected for this was done as I may have inaccurately understood it, but one that I do remember was, even if you’re a man contributing valuable work as a fund raising personnel in a pre-dominantly women staffed NGO, then you’re in the scope as well.

*Please note that the top picture, was a mock by them and not the actual cover of the magazine. Click the second picture to read the writeup.

- http://zainhd.com/2010/12/m2-leading-men-of-2010/

You Park Like an Asshole

December 8, 2010 in Change, Ideas, People, Photo by Zain

Clever. Click here to view more.

- http://zainhd.com/2010/12/you-park-like-an-asshole/

Article – Muslim and Women Media Studies

December 2, 2010 in Change, Knowledge, Woman by Zain | No comments

‘Much of the progress is due to American Muslims who have focused on aspects of their lives that make them human rather than Muslim.’

Today I read article, Terrorist No More, regarding Muslims image/character in the US/Hollywood. I think, the Jewish community at some point did this too and there’s definitely a move to do the same by the feminist, relating to another article I read recently that stated, among many things that, ‘one in five (women) were portrayed (in films) with some exposed skin between the mid-chest and upper thigh regions.’

That article, I feel is a more must read than the one above. Besides discussing not feminism per se but mainly sexism, it also discusses the psychological effects, based on media studies. For example, they’ve noticed that, ‘when one or more women are involved in writing (a film), the number of female characters jump.’ Which gives an indication of how neutral one’s imagination can get. Read that article, The Shame of Family Films, here.

Above is a picture from the film Taqwacores.

- http://zainhd.com/2010/12/article-muslim-and-women-media-studies/

11.1.11 Mahasiswa Tidur Bangkit

December 1, 2010 in Ad, Change, Ideas, Individuals, Moments, People, Politics & Governments by Zain

Very interested to see what happens of this.

- http://zainhd.com/2010/12/11-1-11-mahasiswa-tidur-bangkit/

Madrid Longboard Pinup Girls Crew

November 18, 2010 in Art, Change, Europe, People, Politics & Governments, Woman by Zain | 3 comments

Not much to add on this video, except that the reason really why I’m putting it here is to highlight that such a group does exist, probably beyond Madrid. Girls on skateboards. Not just one or two, or a group, but that it’s probably far more widespread than what you see. Oh and to add a new point, on that probably ten years ago, the image girls with/on/near a skateboard was less than rare. And more so in this video, one was in a dress, which I’m sure you’re going to end up seeing more of. Either as a symbolic statement, or as a sexy approach to sell a message (i.e. pin-up/pinup girls).

A nice insight to that last point, check out a FB acquaintance of mine from Israel, Tali Shapiro, who runs a blog on pinup. Culture, politics, art and society, relating to the matter. She also writes for political blog PULSE.

*Thank you Ali Abdul Kader, long boarder from Singapore, for sharing video above.

Videos from Pump Up The Volume & hideNseek

November 16, 2010 in Change, Ideas, Knowledge, People, Politics & Governments, RA, Religion & Faith, Video by Zain | No comments

Shortly, at 9.30am I’ll be on BERNAMA TV. And last night I did the talk at Bangsar Village* and above are two videos of me speaking at it. Click here to watch videos from other speakers. A few very good points were raised by Marina Mahathir and Sivin Kit. I’m not sure which video it is, but try looking for that video on that youtube channel.

As a member of the audience Niki Cheong asked a very good question/raised a very good point, if there’s any move to educate teachers about child abuse because to him parents and teachers who expect and impose upon their children to get straight As for example, is considered child abuse. He relates this story to his niece/nephew who was crying after receiving her UPSR results, because he/she didn’t receive top grades and the teacher was telling her about how she had told the student to focus on that subject.

*Click here to read about these two things I’m talking about event.

Thank you Yeoh Ee Ping for taking the effort to record the session and promptly uploading it. Very much appreciated.

- http://zainhd.com/2010/11/videos-from-pump-up-the-volume-hidenseek/

Video: Stereotyping Peace for Iran

November 10, 2010 in Change, Ideas, Individuals, Middle East, Politics & Governments, Religion & Faith, Video by Zain | No comments

I hope the people viewing this, can apply the same view towards other groups of people and society in whatever category of segmentation. Nothing to do with how much I enjoy Iranian food, but my what a brilliant initiative this is. Well written as well, shot and conceptualize, not falling into the cliche trap.

*Thank you Sharifah Athirah for sharing this.

- http://zainhd.com/2010/10/video-stereotyping-peace-for-iran/