Understanding Islam through Virtual Worlds: Collaboration, Culture and Community

The product of a year of research across the Internet and four continents, Dancing Ink Productions' Rita J. King and Joshua S. Fouts explored the potential of virtual worlds as a tool for public diplomacy and a venue for cultural dialog with Islamic Cultures as senior fellows at the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs funded by a grant from the Lounsbery Foundation. The project also produced policy recommendations for the Obama Administration and a graphic book. All available at DancingInkProductions.com

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• public diplomacy
• public diplomacy 2.0
• understanding islam
• virtual worlds
• rita j. king
• joshua fouts
• dancing ink productions
• carnegie council
• second life
• obama
• Ill Clan
• cultural diplomacy
• religion
• koran
• islamonline.net
• alice petty

[davidyamane]

I am working on a sociology of religion textbook, and was trying to find material on on-line religion when I came across this video. It is fascinating and well-done. I intend to show it to my university classes next year if it is still available here.

[DancingInkTV]

@davidyamane We'll keep this live. We also have an HD archive on Dancing Ink Productions website.

I have a new article in Saudi Aramco World that explores the subject further that may be of interest. It's linked off TheImaginationAge blog. Can't paste links here.

[turkmuslim4ever]

lol i know much about games but about this one nothing :P btw i am a muslim thanks to Allah weird stuff i have to say when i look at the character design of the afro guy

[DancingInkTV]

Thanks for your comment. We're glad you enjoyed the documentary.

[julaybib]

I know Muhammad (virtually), the bro who wants shoe wearing Muslims ejected from the Mosque. Even though I am a progressive and he is Salafi, I support him standing his ground on this issue because I don't think there can be genuine dialogue without mutual respect.

[DancingInkTV]

Thanks for your comment. We agree and feel that the "shoes in a virtual mosque" issue is one which opens up new opportunities for dialogue and respect.

[sydjunaidshah]

Every thing is fine BUT as a Muslim I think avatars must not be looking like HERO or something else while doing any Religious practice

[Fishdogpigsquirrel]

Its like second life but with less titties.

[orientalarab]

@julaybib I totally agree, i also knew Shaikh Muhammad (virtually), most of Muslims there however are modest, but the main issue now is the total disregard and ignorance of religious presence there, much is distorted about the original project goal of coexistence and tolerance based on "authentic Islamic principles". There are recent restrictions even on the new library, that put the project into a limbo, no events related to AL Andalus anymore, no encouragement. All in the name of "democracy".

[AndreahCullen]

how do u join up?? i find this pretty cool...first im ever hearing about this!

[oleedee]

lol what a load of shit :|

telepoting into a mosque as a jew and demanding a conversation is pretty fucking cool though :))

[TheMyamax]

Wow.. Thanks.

Blessings..

[gabe4mdema]

This video was stupid do you really wanna believe what pll on 2nd life say think or do? If ur on 2nd life that means u got no 1st life