Diversity in a Box in Troy at Automation Alley

"Reel Bad Arabs" Film and Discussion Examine Popular Images of Various Ethnic Groups November 5, 2007—Troy, MI—Integration Systems Management, Inc. presents its next Diversity in a Box event "Reel Bad Arabs," Wednesday, November 14, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the offices of Automation Alley (2675 Bellingham, Troy).

The event will begin with a viewing of the film "Reel Bad Arabs." Dr. Jack Shaheen, internationally acclaimed author and media critic, created this groundbreaking documentary that dissects a slanderous aspect of cinematic history that has run virtually unchallenged from the earliest days of silent film to today's biggest Hollywood blockbusters.

The film explores a long line of degrading images of Arabs—from Bedouin bandits and submissive maidens to sinister sheikhs and gun-wielding 'terrorists'—offering devastating insights into the origin of these stereotypic images, their development at key points in U.S. history, and why they matter so much today.

"This event comes at a time that we need more understanding of each other so that we can bridge the gap and build on our differences," explained Faris Alami, CEO of Integration Systems Management, Inc. "This is the first time ever that anything like this has been done specifically in this area."

By inspiring critical thinking about the social, political, and basic human consequences of leaving these Hollywood caricatures unexamined, the film challenges viewers to recognize the urgent need for counter-narratives that do justice to the diversity and humanity of Arab people and the reality and richness of Arab history and culture.

The film will be followed by a discussion on how to deal effectively with these embedded images. The group will examine the popular images of various ethnic groups and learn the realities from invited experts: Michele Hodges, president of Troy Chamber of Commerce; Praf Pande, president of Pande and Associates, LLC; Rana Abbas, Deputy Director at ADC; Robert A. Martin, Leadership Consultant at Oakland Schools; and Steve Spreitzer, Director of the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion.

This event costs $19 for Automation Alley, Troy Chamber members, educators, and representatives from non-profits and $29 for all others. This price includes lunch.

To register or for more information, visit http://www.myismincevents.com/ or call 248-688-5353 x2.
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About Dr. Shaheen:
Internationally acclaimed author and media critic, Dr. Jack G. Shaheen, is a committed internationalist and a devoted humanist. A Pittsburgh native and former CBS news consultant on Middle East Affairs, Shaheen's lectures and writings illustrate that damaging racial and ethnic stereotypes of Asians, blacks, Native Americans and others injure innocent people. He defines crude caricatures, explains why they persist, and provides workable solutions to help shatter misperceptions. Dr. Shaheen is the author of four books: Nuclear War Films, Arab and Muslim Stereotyping in American Popular Culture, The TV Arab and the award-winning book and film Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People. Shaheen has served as a consultant with film and TV companies: DreamWorks, Warner Brothers, Hanna-Barbera, and Showtime.

About Integration Systems Management, Inc. (ISM):
Most small and mid-size companies need to focus on their core business to stay competitive. ISM brings the visionary, dynamic practices of global firms to your company by gathering the brightest creative minds, the most productive sales professionals, and the strongest project managers in the market, together as a project team. ISM's cross-cultural training bridges the gaps in cultural beliefs and behaviors you may encounter among your prospects, clients and employees. ISM will guide you in working with ethnic-specific companies, domestically and overseas. Training services can be customized to your company's specific cultural requirements. Under the ISM banner, the marketing, sales, management and training requirements of small and mid-size businesses are handled quickly, professionally and creatively—without funding a full-time staff. ISM is a member of Automation Alley and the Troy Chamber of Commerce. Visit www.myISMinc.com for more information

Contact: Faris Alami
Phone: 248-688-5353

CONTACT: Faris Alami, (248) 688-5353 x2