Reflections
Most of our work was collaborative. We met over Zoom 1-2 times per week to discuss next steps, debrief about readings, plan for interviews, and work on signposts. Out independent tasks involved reading for background/interview preparation, researching relevant scholars and activists, and communicating with interviewees. We both agreed upon and read a selection of background readings (available on this site under Our Process/Strategic Reflections) and researched 2-3 potential interviewees each. For example, Amani researched and read works by Doctors Elora Chowdhury and Leila Ahmed, and Hana looked into Dr. Shaista Patel and Dr. Zayn Kassam. Ultimately, Amani interviewed Dr. Chowdhury independently (none of Dr. Chowdhury’s available lined up with Hana’s) and we both interviewed Professor Kassam. We are now collaboratively building our final Google Site, where we are compiling readings and online resources, and summarizing information from our interviews.
Most of our work was collaborative. We met over Zoom 1-2 times per week to discuss next steps, debrief about readings, plan for interviews, and work on signposts. Out independent tasks involved reading for background/interview preparation, researching relevant scholars and activists, and communicating with interviewees. We both agreed upon and read a selection of background readings (available on this site under Our Process/Strategic Reflections) and researched 2-3 potential interviewees each. For example, Amani researched and read works by Doctors Elora Chowdhury and Leila Ahmed, and Hana looked into Dr. Shaista Patel and Dr. Zayn Kassam. Ultimately, Amani interviewed Dr. Chowdhury independently (none of Dr. Chowdhury’s available lined up with Hana’s) and we both interviewed Professor Kassam. We are now collaboratively building our final Google Site, where we are compiling readings and online resources, and summarizing information from our interviews.
From the start, we both approached our relationship in a way that resonates with Reagon’s description of coalition building: “wherever women gather together it is not necessarily nurturing. It is coalition building… the barred rooms will not be allowed to exist” ("Coalition Politics," 362). As a two-person coalition coming from different exposures to Islam, we were prepared to acknowledge and discuss our different relationships with Islam, including our varying beliefs and perspectives about the issues this coalition addresses. This allowed us to collaborate with mutual understanding and tolerance. The only minor disagreements we had pertained to what end goals and deliverables we could and should focus on producing. Ultimately, through voicing these concerns with one another and with Professor Chatterjee, we developed a philosophy very similar to what Reagon described as a part of coalition work: “You give this weekend everything you can. Because no matter how much of a coalition space this is, it ain’t nothing like the coalescing you’ve got to do tomorrow, and Tuesday and Wednesday” ("Coalition Politics," 368). As a coalition, we are striving to create emphasis in our process and away from a reinforced mindset focused on an efficient “end-goal.” We recognize that the process is gradual, continuous, and evolving.
From the start, we both approached our relationship in a way that resonates with Reagon’s description of coalition building: “wherever women gather together it is not necessarily nurturing. It is coalition building… the barred rooms will not be allowed to exist” ("Coalition Politics," 362). As a two-person coalition coming from different exposures to Islam, we were prepared to acknowledge and discuss our different relationships with Islam, including our varying beliefs and perspectives about the issues this coalition addresses. This allowed us to collaborate with mutual understanding and tolerance. The only minor disagreements we had pertained to what end goals and deliverables we could and should focus on producing. Ultimately, through voicing these concerns with one another and with Professor Chatterjee, we developed a philosophy very similar to what Reagon described as a part of coalition work: “You give this weekend everything you can. Because no matter how much of a coalition space this is, it ain’t nothing like the coalescing you’ve got to do tomorrow, and Tuesday and Wednesday” ("Coalition Politics," 368). As a coalition, we are striving to create emphasis in our process and away from a reinforced mindset focused on an efficient “end-goal.” We recognize that the process is gradual, continuous, and evolving.