This dissertation examines the role that culinary entrepreneurship communities of practice, using... more This dissertation examines the role that culinary entrepreneurship communities of practice, using Lave and Wenger's Legitimate Peripheral Participation (LPP) model (Lave & Wenger, 1991), can lead to better social and economic inclusion for Middle Eastern Muslim refugee chefs in Utah. The life history approach was used to construct life histories for two Middle Eastern Muslim refugee chefs in Utah who joined the Spice Kitchen Incubator (SKI) program. SKI is a community of practice funded by the International Rescue Committee to assist refugee chefs in the resettlement process. This was an exploratory study, and given the limited number of cases reviewed, the conclusions cannot be generalized. However, this study concludes that SKI, as a community of practice, despite the many difficulties faced by refugee programs in the period 2016-2018 (the study period), had a positive impact on the social and economic inclusion outcomes for the participants.
This paper presents a scholarly rebuttal to the claims made in the documentary 1946: The Mistrans... more This paper presents a scholarly rebuttal to the claims made in the documentary 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture. The central thesis under examination is the film's assertion that modern Christian condemnation of homosexual behavior stems from a mistranslation of the Greek term arsenokoitai as "homosexual" in a 1946 English Bible translation. Employing a historical-critical method, this study analyzes the original language of the biblical texts, reviews ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman contexts, and surveys contemporary scholarship. Lexical evidence from standard Greek lexicons and the context of arsenokoitai in Scripture demonstrate that the term refers to male same-sex intercourse, echoing prohibitions in the Old Testament, rather than being an invention of modern bias. Historical sourcesincluding ancient Jewish writings and early Christian commentary-reveal that homosexual acts were understood and condemned long before 1946. The translation history of the term is reviewed, showing continuity in meaning across centuries. The paper concludes that the claim of a "mistranslation" in 1946 is unfounded; the biblical stance on homosexual behavior is rooted in the original texts and historical context, not a modern linguistic error.
Interfaith dialogue is widely promoted as a pathway to global peace and mutual understanding in a... more Interfaith dialogue is widely promoted as a pathway to global peace and mutual understanding in an age of religious diversity and ideological polarization. However, meaningful dialogue is often hindered by deeply entrenched theological asymmetriesmost notably, the systemic indoctrination and doctrinal supremacism prevalent in many Muslim-majority societies. This paper critiques two prevalent but inadequate approaches to dialogue: the relativistic universalism that downplays doctrinal differences, and the apologetic self-effacement that disproportionately targets Christian and Jewish identities while overlooking persistent Islamic exclusivism. Drawing on historical precedents, legal frameworks, and contemporary sociopolitical trends, this study offers a theologically grounded and morally consistent model for interfaith engagement. It argues that authentic dialogue must be anchored in truth, reciprocity, and reform, including educational transformation, theological clarity, and mutual accountability. Only when dialogue refuses both romanticism and reactionism can it fulfill its promise as a vehicle for justice, peace, and genuine mutual recognition.
This essay critically examines the concept of "suicidal empathy," a term used by scholar Gaad Saa... more This essay critically examines the concept of "suicidal empathy," a term used by scholar Gaad Saad to describe excessive compassion that undermines societal cohesion, values, and security. Drawing from philosophy, psychology, and sociology, the essay explores how unbalanced empathy can lead to unintended consequences, such as destabilizing social systems, eroding trust, and fostering resentment among insiders.
The discussion begins with a definition of suicidal empathy, contrasting it with reasoned compassion that considers long-term societal impacts. Psychological perspectives are then examined, highlighting the risks of "empathic distress," where unchecked compassion overwhelms rational decision-making. This section also discusses how empathy can conflict with justice, create identity threats, and lead to moral licensing, where compassion justifies harmful actions.
Philosophical insights are explored through Nietzsche’s critique of pity, Levinas’s elevation of empathy as a moral imperative, and Arendt’s warnings against uncritical compassion. Together, these perspectives underscore the need to balance empathy with critical thinking and accountability.
The essay also delves into sociological analyses, discussing Durkheim’s concept of anomie, Putnam’s research on social capital, and Bourdieu’s theory of symbolic violence. These frameworks illuminate how empathy, if misapplied, can erode social cohesion and foster divisions.
Concluding with a call for balanced empathy, the essay argues that compassion must be bounded by reason, justice, and long-term thinking to avoid its potential pitfalls. It advocates for a framework of empathy with accountability, ensuring that compassionate actions align with societal stability and collective well-being. This balanced approach preserves empathy as a force for unity and progress while mitigating its risks.
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Papers by Jabra Ghneim
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The discussion begins with a definition of suicidal empathy, contrasting it with reasoned compassion that considers long-term societal impacts. Psychological perspectives are then examined, highlighting the risks of "empathic distress," where unchecked compassion overwhelms rational decision-making. This section also discusses how empathy can conflict with justice, create identity threats, and lead to moral licensing, where compassion justifies harmful actions.
Philosophical insights are explored through Nietzsche’s critique of pity, Levinas’s elevation of empathy as a moral imperative, and Arendt’s warnings against uncritical compassion. Together, these perspectives underscore the need to balance empathy with critical thinking and accountability.
The essay also delves into sociological analyses, discussing Durkheim’s concept of anomie, Putnam’s research on social capital, and Bourdieu’s theory of symbolic violence. These frameworks illuminate how empathy, if misapplied, can erode social cohesion and foster divisions.
Concluding with a call for balanced empathy, the essay argues that compassion must be bounded by reason, justice, and long-term thinking to avoid its potential pitfalls. It advocates for a framework of empathy with accountability, ensuring that compassionate actions align with societal stability and collective well-being. This balanced approach preserves empathy as a force for unity and progress while mitigating its risks.