Open Dialog: Addressing Perceptions of Islam

CAMPBELL-EWALD, DETROIT


A Common Ground. Our idea is to create a dialog among the opposing sides of the Park51 project.

We propose creating a Web site, aCommonGround.org, where people can air their views and get the truth about the issues surrounding Park51, the Islamic religion or Muslims themselves.

We would use provocative animated Web banners, viral videos and OOH postings to get people to come to the Web site. We'd host time-controlled debates on the issues.

We'd offer up a "chatroulette" exchange, where we pair people from differing sides of the issue so we could watch the exchange happen. We'd post the outcomes of the debates not only on the Web site, but maybe on a video board near Park51.



We'd ask and have people comment on (among other things):

 • Who's funding Park51? Where's the money coming from?
 • What do families of 9/11 victims think?
 • Is it a tribute or an insult?
 • Does democracy win or lose if we build it?

We'll use a mnemonic device: two hands that flash peace signs that come together to form a "Z" for Zero Tolerance for Intolerance. We can virally plant the sign in music videos, on YouTube and with celebrities -- getting them to flash it for us.



We'd hold a Zero Tolerance for Intolerance concert at Ground Zero to bring Muslims and non-Muslims together to help find common ground. Because finding similarities gives you something to build on. And that's the first step to understanding.

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