Böcker av Michigan State School of Journalism

Sometimes generally referred to as "the nones," agnostics, atheists, humanists, freethinkers, secularists and skeptics compose one of the fastest growing faith categories in the United States. Because they are treated as "nones," some people face discrimination as nonbelievers, despite their varied and strong beliefs, values and morals. This basic guide, "100 Questions and Answers About the Religiously Unaffiliated," describes the differences, explains why discrimination and laws force some to hide their beliefs and why they would like to shed the label of "nones." Religious freedom and the First Amendment's establishment clause come up frequently.The key issue for many is whether the First Amendment's guarantee of religious freedom also guarantees the right to be free from religion.Legal issues include school prayer, the obligation to support tax-exempt religious properties and requirements that people profess belief in God to be allowed to vote or hold office.Life magazine called Madalyn Murray O'Hair, whose lawsuit ended mandatory prayer in public schools, "the most hated woman in America." The Secular Coalition for America's website directory withheld the name of its communications consultant because "unwarranted prejudices and discriminatory practices ... affect atheists and humanists. Consequently, s/he felt it was best to be incognito for now, since working for an organization that protects the rights of nontheists might result in lost opportunities with other clients."In this guide's forward, Dr. Phil Zuckerman writes, "Understanding secular people is important for many reasons. For one thing, secular movements, leaders, values and ideals play significant roles in the political landscapes of the world. From the first sentence of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, to Article 20 of Japan's Constitution, from France's laïcité to Vietnam's atheistic dictatorship, and from the founding of the Mexican Republic to India's current political struggles, in many countries secularism is a central pillar of both stability as well as conflict."Additionally, secular men and women are often unjustly stigmatized as immoral scoundrels or angry curmudgeons - negative stereotypes that don't actually accord with reality yet prove to be both persistent and pernicious. For instance, in some societies, such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Malaysia, hatred and fear of the secular is so strong that those who don't believe in God can be imprisoned, tortured or even executed. Here in the United States, many state constitutions - such as those of Tennessee, Texas and Mississippi - currently outlaw anyone who doesn't believe in God from holding any publicly elected office."Dr. Morgan Shipley's introduction says, "For the more than 85 million Americans who identify as nonreligious, we witness a turn to secularization as both an explanation for the lack of belief and a source for fulfilling the areas of life commonly associated with religion, such as morality, togetherness and agency. For the nonreligious, then, we find more than a rejection of God and faith. Instead, we uncover various ways humans highlight virtue, pursue a sense of belongingness, celebrate progress and rely on rational discourse to construct meaningful and morally driven lives." Questions include:Who are "the nones?"Who is under the umbrella of the nonreligious?What is an atheist?Who are agnostics?What is secularism? Who are humanists?Who are freethinkers?What is irreligion?Are Pagans and Wiccans nonreligious?What does it mean to be spiritual but not religious?What values do nonreligious people hold? How does one respectfully console a nonreligious person?Do nonreligious people pray?

Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world. It is a young religion, having been founded in 1469. It has been in the United States for almost 150 years, but is still relatively unknown. Perhaps you have seen someone wearing a turban in public or seen Sikhs mentioned in the news and wondered who they were. Maybe your neighbor, coworker or friend is Sikh, and you want to learn more without making them feel offended or annoyed.Many people have questions about Sikhs: What are the key beliefs of the Sikh religion? Do they worship in a Sikh temple? Why do Sikhs have long hair? You may wonder who is the Sikhism founder, how to pronounce Sikh, how Sikhism differs from other religions or what to call a Sikh turban. This guide answers all these questions and many more to help you learn about this optimistic and service-oriented faith.The questions in this guide were created by interviewing Sikhs and asking them what they wish people knew about Sikhs and their religion. Whether you know a Sikh personally or just want to learn about this young and growing religion, "100 Questions and Answers About Sikh Americans" includes information ranging from Sikh history, Sikh beliefs and values, Sikh persecution, Sikh articles of faith, Sikh worship and Sikh demographics. It represents varying Sikh perspectives, not just those of one region, division or age.Encouraged by the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund and the Sikh coalition, this book is an education tool, complete with questions for discussion and reflection at the end, perfect for a school class or an interfaith learning community. It informs readers about gurdwaras, or the Sikh house of worship, and the 11 gurus. It includes answers about the three core tenets of Sikhism, the role of women in Sikhism and Sikh volunteerism and service.If you would like to learn more about Sikhism, whether to feel more prepared to interact with Sikhs or to familiarize yourself with a new religious perspective, this guide is for you.

"100 Questions and Answers About Latter-day Saints" is part of the Michigan State University School of Journalism series on cultural competence.This guide has sections on identity, religion, practices, values, social issues, families, education, work and politics. It busts biases, myths and stereotypes.The guide is written for those who want authoritative answers to basic, questions about this faith. It is a starting point, for family members, teachers, people in business, places of worship, government, medicine, law enforcement, human resources and journalism who want to get a fast grounding. The guide relies extensively on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints writings and suggests resources for greater depth. Questions include: What are members of the church called? Why are members called "Saints"? Why is the use of the title "Mormons" now discouraged? What does "latter-day" mean? Are Latter-day Saints Christians? What are other differences? Do Latter-day Saints evangelize? Why are some men called elders and some women called sisters? What are core church values? When was the church established? Who was Joseph Smith? How many people saw the golden plates? Why did the church leave New York State? Have there been schisms and offshoots in the church? What were "the Mormon Wars"? Where did the church settle? How are today's leaders changing the church?

"100 Questions and Answers About Chaldean Americans, Their Religion, Language and Culture" is part of the Michigan State University School of Journalism series on cultural competence.This guide has sections on identity, language, religion, culture, customs, social norms, economics, politics, education, work, families and food.The guide is written for those who want authoritative answers to basic, questions about this immigrant group from Iraq. It is a starting point, for family members, teachers, people in business, places of worship, government, medicine, law enforcement, human resources and journalism who want to get a fast grounding. The guide suggests resources for those who then want greater depth. Questions include: Who are the Chaldean people? Are Chaldeans an ethnic group or a race? Do Chaldeans identify as white? Are Chaldeans Arabs? How is "Chaldean" pronounced? What does Chaldean mean? Was there a country called Chaldea?

"100 Questions and Answers About Gen X and 100 Questions and Answers About Millennials" is a double guide in the Michigan State University School of Journalism series on cultural competence. This guide has sections on demographics, seismic events, values, technology, pop culture, education, work, money, sex and love, and politics.The guide is written for those who want authoritative answers about these important generations and how we all work together. It is a starting point for people in business, educators, government, marketing, law enforcement, human resources and journalism who want to get a fast grounding. The guide suggests resources for those who then want greater depth.Questions include: When was Gen X born? How many Gen Xers are there? Who are Xennials? Are Millennials good at multitasking? Why has college debt become such a problem for Millennials?

This guide has sections on terminology, identity, relationships, families, health, safety, school, work, visibility, coming out, civil rights, politics and religion.The guide offers quick, accurate answers to basic, introductory questions about gay, lesbian, bisexual and other sexual orientations. It is a starting point for people in business, schools, places of worship, government, medicine, law enforcement, human resources and journalism. The guide suggests resources for those who then want greater depth.Questions include:How many sexual orientations are there?Does everyone fit into a category?Are bisexual and pansexual the same?What does heteronormativity mean?What about homonormativity?Why do some gay people say "queer" or "faggot?"What is intersectionality?What percentage of Americans identify as gay?Are gays more feminine and lesbians more masculine?Do gay and bi people have only gay and bi friends?Are people born gay?Can sexual orientation change?How is dating different in the LGB community?

100 Questions and Answers About Police Officers is part of the Michigan State University School of Journalism series on cultural competence.This guide has sections on Training and Certification, special assignments, police culture, use of force, community policing, police jargon and police funeral etiquette.The guide is written for those who want quick answers to basic, introductory questions about police, sheriff's deputies and public safety officers. Questions include:Why do people become police officers?What are the personal rewards of police work?How dangerous is police work? How does police work affect families?How much formal education is required?What does police academy training include?How does police academy training prepare police for real-life situations?Is training different for men and women?What training happens after the academy?What are certification programs for police?What are ranks for police officers?Do most officers start out with road duty?What is the dispatcher's relationship with police?Is everyone who works for the police department an officer?What physical assessments do officers have to pass?Are there also psychological assessments?How are promotions decided?

100 Questions and Answers About Immigrants to the U.S. is part of the Michigan State University School of Journalism series on cultural competence.This guide has sections on identity, language, religion, culture, customs, social norms, economics, politics, education, work, families and food.The guide is written for those who want quick answers to basic, introductory questions about U.S. immigrants. It is a starting point, for people in business, schools, places of worship, government, medicine, law enforcement, human resources and journalism who want to get a fast grounding. The guide suggests resources for those who then want greater depth. The guide was written in 2016 against the backdrop the presidential campaign.

"To My Professor: Student Voices for Great College Teaching" begins with remarks by students about their professors. They tend not to be the kind of remarks that professors usually hear, and some are harsh. Others are full of gratitude for teachers who inspire and motivate. The "To My Professor" statements are really just starting points that lead to advice from master teachers. Teaching college is difficult and this book has some potential solutions. More than 50 chapters cover situations including expectations, communication, technology, race, gender and religion, mental and physical health.

One Hundred Questions and Answers About Muslim Americans" is part of the Michigan State University School of Journalism series on cultural competence. This guide has sections culture, language, religions, social norms, politics, history, politics, families and food. The guide is intended for people in business, schools, places of worship, government, medicine, law enforcement, human resources and journalism-anywhere it is important to know more about communities. We intended this guide for individuals and for groups.Questions include: How do I say "Muslim?" What is the difference between Islam and Muslim? Who is Allah? Who is Muhammad? How many Muslims are there around the world? Where do most of the world's Muslims live? Are most Arabs in the world Muslim? How many Muslims are there in the United States? Are most Muslims in the United States immigrants? What are the major countries of origin for American Muslims? What are the fundamental components of Islam? What is the Quran? What is the Hadith? What does Islam say about Jesus? What does the Quran say about peace and violence? How does one become Muslim? What is the difference between Shia and Sunni Muslims? Which countries are predominantly Shia and Sunni? Do Muslims believe in heaven and an afterlife? Do Muslims believe that non-Muslims are going to hell? How are Islam, Christianity and Judaism connected? Is the Nation of Islam the same as Islam? Does the Quran promote forced conversions? When do Muslims pray? Where and how do Muslims pray? Why do Muslims pray facing Mecca? What is the kaaba? What is the meaning of the initials "P.B.U.H.?" What is the call to prayer? Are honor killings a part of Islamic teaching? Why is Arabic dominant among Muslims? Who is the leader of Islam? Do people have a choice about being Muslim? What does Islam say about images of God? What should non-Muslims know about visiting a mosque? Why are shoes not allowed in prayer areas? What does halal mean? Are halal and kosher foods the same? Is it true Muslims are not allowed to eat with their left hand? What is "the hand of Fatima?" How long have Muslims been in America? Where do Muslims in the U.S. live? How many U.S. Muslims are converts? How many mosques are in the United States? Is Islam growing in the United States? Are Muslim women free to make their own choices? Why are males and females separated at the mosque?

"One Hundred Questions and Answers About Indian Americans" is part of the Michigan State University School of Journalism series in cultural competence. This guide to Indians in America has sections on India history, population, religion, language, culture, food, gender, family, education, work and politics. It includes Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism. It explains why Indians come to America and the work and customs they bring with them. The guide is intended for people in business, schools, places of worship, government, medicine, law enforcement, human resources and journalism.

"100 Questions and Answers About African Americans" is part of the Michigan State University School of Journalism's Bias Busters series on cultural competence. The concept of this series is to teach cultural competence by spreading awareness about a certain group or community. Ultimately, the goal is to break down cultural and socially constructed walls by opening up discussion among groups."100 Questions and Answers about African Americans" is a factual, helpful and easy-to-read guide that has sections on identity, language, religion, culture, customs, social norms, economics, politics, education, work, families and food. The guide is written for those who want quick answers to basic, introductory questions about African Americans. These books are designed to answer the questions that everyone is asking and no one seems to be answering. This guide is helpful for people in business, education, religious institutions, government, medicine, law enforcement, human resources and journalism who want super quick, easy and insightful information. The guide uses QR codes to direct readers to additional resources for those who want a more immersive experience. Readers will come away more knowledgeable about the biases towards African Americans and better prepared to interact appropriately.Questions in "100 Questions and Answers About African Americans include: Which is preferred, Black or African American? Why do some people prefer to identify as Black? How do multiracial people identify or fit in? What is the African diaspora? What is the Great Migration? What are Pan-Africanism and the Pan-African flag? Why does slavery have a lasting effect? What are reparations?

One Hundred Questions and Answers About Veterans: A Guide for Civilians" is part of the Michigan State University School of Journalism series on cultural competence. This guide has sections on military structure, culture and families, demographics, work, money, deployment and discharge, politics and resources for more study. The guide is written for those who want quick answers to the basic, everyday questions that people ask about veterans. The guide is intended for people in business, schools, government, medicine, law enforcement, human resources and journalism who need a basic grounding.

"One Hundred Questions and Answers About East Asian Cultures" is part of the Michigan State University School of Journalism series in cultural competence. This guide has sections on East Asian cultures, languages, religions, social norms, politics, history, politics, families and food. The guide is intended for people in business, schools, places of worship, government, medicine, law enforcement, human resources and journalism-anywhere it is important to know more about communities. We intended this guide for individuals and for groups. Questions include: What are major differences between East and Southeast Asia? Is it OK to ask Asians "where are you from?" What is the difference between South Korea and North Korea? What type of governments do East Asian countries have? What is the difference between China and Taiwan? Is Hong Kong different from China? Does one culture dominate East Asia? Do Asians value group success more than individual success? Is collective orientation related to "family honor" in Asian culture? What does it mean to "save face" or "lose face?" Why do some East Asians apologize so often? What is the humility or modesty value? What are Asian customs for bowing? What are gift-giving traditions in East Asia? Are East Asians generally more reserved than Americans? Why do some Asians take "American" names? Why is everyone named Lee or Kim? What is feng shui? Why do Chinese wear white or black at funerals but red at weddings? There's Japanese kendo and judo, Korean taekwondo, and Chinese kung fu and tai chi. Does Asian culture encourage fighting? What are major holidays for East Asians? How do Asians celebrate the Lunar New Year? What is the meaning of different animal years and the Chinese Zodiac? Are there beliefs about certain numbers in East Asia? What are manga and anime? What is Hello Kitty and what is "kawaii?" What is "hallyu," or the Korean wave? Did karaoke begin in Asia? What is behind the emphasis on respect for elders? Do Asian parents try to control their children's lives? What is China's "one-child policy?" Why do some East Asians value males more than females? Do East Asians get divorced and, if so, is it looked down upon? Is intermarriage discouraged? Does knowing one East Asian language make it easier to learn another? What are the major languages in China? Is it difficult for East Asians to learn English? Some East Asians seem to speak loudly and some seem quiet. Why?

"One Hundred Questions and Answers About Hispanics and Latinos" is part of the Michigan State University School of Journalism series in cultural competence. It focuses on the diversity of the largest ethnic group in the United States. This guide has sections on Hispanic and Latino identity, geography, language, religion, social norms, politics, immigration and deportation, education, work, money, families, culture, health and food. It explains terms such as Chicano, Tejano and Texano, Boricua and deals with deportation and immigration. The guide is intended for people in business, schools, places of worship, government, medicine, law enforcement, human resources and journalism-anywhere it is important to know more about communities. We hope this guide works for individuals who just have questions about the people around them. We began by asking Hispanics and Latinos about myths, misconceptions and biases that they run into and wish others knew more about.Questions include: What are the definitions of Hispanic and Latino? How did Hispanic and Latino become official terms? Are there U.S. regional or state preferences for Hispanic or Latino? So people can be one and not the other? What does "Latina" mean? What do "Chicano" and "Chicana" mean? What is the definition of Chican@? What does Tejano mean? What does Boricua mean? What race are Latinos and Hispanics? How many Hispanic people live in the United States? What are their places of origin? Which states have the largest Hispanic populations? Is Puerto Rico a country, colony or commonwealth? Why is Puerto Rico a territory and not a state or a country? Do people living in Puerto Rico vote in U.S. elections? Do Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico pay U.S. taxes? What is Hispaniola? How prevalent is bilingualism? What is Spanglish? What is the English-only movement? Are Hispanics more religious than other Americans? Are U.S. Hispanics mostly Catholic? Is Pope Francis the first Latin American pope? Are Latinos generally more emotional or expressive than other Americans? Are Latinos traditionally modest about their accomplishments? How do Hispanics align politically? What are top political concerns for Hispanics today? How much weight does the Hispanic vote carry in U.S elections? What is turnout like among Hispanics voters? Are Hispanics represented proportionately in government? Who are some nationally prominent Hispanic politicians? What draws Latinos to the United States? What are the "waves" of Latino immigration to the United States? Are most Latinos in the United States today immigrants? Do most Latino immigrants come to the United States legally? What is the "DREAM Act?" What is DACA? What is the "Drop the I-Word" campaign? What is a green card? What are the difference between permanent residency and citizenship? What are remittances? Are Latinos profiled? What is the average educational level of Hispanics? Do Hispanics come to the United States for schooling? Which colleges or universities are more welcoming to Hispanics?