cynical.nihilist
Google
If you’re looking for a place offering conservative, Deobandi-influenced “Desi Islam”, then IC NYU is the place for you.
The place gives off dystopian vibes. It’s grey and depressing. There’s no genuine sense of community. It’s the type of place where you can be surrounded by a thousand people — and feel completely alone. This place feels like Sartre’s version of Hell.
You will need a pre-authorization form and government-issued ID to enter the building. On Fridays, there’s a long line of people waiting for the elevators — and to be checked in by building security. It’s crowded and chaotic. Expect the bathrooms to be flooded.
The spiritual leadership is almost exclusively South Asian. There’s a very particular, conservative culture — which fails to reflect the cultural, intellectual, and spiritual diversity of the broader Muslim community.
The IC NYU community is overwhelmingly South Asian. Unfortunately, this community brings all the “baggage” and stereotypes associated with “Desi culture” — and especially the misogyny and anti-LGBTQ sentiments.
There’s gender segregation.
There’s a “purdah” separating the men’s and women’s sections.
It’s not a safe, welcoming environment for people who are queer.
The atmosphere feels very suffocating, isolating, and stifling — especially in the context of an otherwise left-leaning, socially progressive university community.
To be fair, there are open-minded, socially progressive people.
Unfortunately, IC NYU leadership is stalwartly resistant to adapting its culture — and incorporating progressive and inclusive social attitudes.
It’s not really an environment that deserves your limited, precious time — especially when you’re in a cosmopolitan, progressive city — where there’s a million other people, places, and activities.
It’s not worth the disappointment and frustration.
