Borrow a Muslim from the Library

I'm shamlessly stealing this post from Rami's old blog. What could I do, the original source is in swedish!!! (i did ask for his permission, though :)
(Oh, and Rami just got engaged! Mabrouk!!!!)

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The Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported on March 12, 2005, that the Blågården library in Copenhagen has started a program inteded to explain misunderstandings and promote cultural exchange, through which a Dane can go to the library and, in essence, check out a Muslim for an hour (over coffee paid for by the library). Although the program advertises this service in a tongue in cheek humoristic way, the intent behind it is rather serious.


For Scandianvians, strangely enough, this is probably a good option. Although the Danes are considered the more extoverted than other Scandinavians, the lot of them are usually a bit reserved. On top of that, it is pretty common that Scandinavians and immigrants live in almost separate spheres of existence within the same country. (Of course, individual cases are different, but on average, especially places like Finland). This library system seems to bypass both of these problems. Danes can ask questions and find out more about Muslims and Islam from a real-live Muslim, without having to go through formalities of small talk, afraid to offend. The point of the meeting is education, question, information, view-points, so things go straight to the point. It makes it easier to actually, meaningfully have a discussion with a person you might not otherwise be able to meet, or be shy to ask questions of.

"I believe I have gotten many to let go of their prejudices," says Ali Nicolaisen, 35, the resident Muslim at the library.

"He is tops," said the library chief Ågot Berger. "He is more popular than our most checked-out books...There was such a high demans especially on muslims, that we have had to contact several more to participate." The library also plans on loaning out a Swede, a policeman, a Danish priest, an Arab etc., but the Muslim is the most sought after so far.

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I would totally be for people renting me out of the library. As long as I get to be carried like the guy in the photo :))

I'm curious if we could do that at the Kennedy School... I mean, if not renting people out :), then some sort of 'Ask a Muslim' table or something! What do you think?