Friday,
January 14, 2005
Muslims Encouraged
by Fox '24' Meeting
Network asks affiliates
nationwide to air CAIR PSA
(Source: Council on American-Islamic Relations)
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 1/14/05) - The
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today said that it is
encouraged by a recent meeting in Los Angeles with representatives of
the Fox television network to discuss Muslim concerns about the drama
series "24."
CAIR called for Wednesday's meeting to address the depiction of a
"Muslim" family that is at the heart of a terror plot in the popular
program. The Washington- based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group
is concerned that the portrayal of the family as a terrorist "sleeper
cell" may cast a shadow of suspicion over ordinary American Muslims and
could increase Islamophobic stereotyping and bias.
At the meeting, which included representatives from CAIR's Southern
California office and from the Los Angeles-based Muslim Public Affairs
Council, Fox officials said they would distribute a CAIR public service
announcement (PSA) to network affiliates and ask that it be aired in
proximity to "24."
TO VIEW THE CAIR PSA, GO TO:
http://www.cair.com/default.asp?page=PSAJun2004
SEE ALSO: "US TV to Screen Pro-Muslim Spots"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4173647.stm
FOX also gave meeting participants assurances that the program will be
balanced in its portrayal of Muslims. Network representatives said that
they had already reviewed existing episodes and removed some aspects
that could potentially be viewed as stereotypical.
"We thank Fox for the opportunity to address the Muslim community's
concerns and for the willingness of network officials to take those
concerns seriously in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation,"
said CAIR Communications Coordinator Rabiah Ahmed. She added that CAIR
looks forward to working with Fox in the future.
CAIR, America's largest Muslim advocacy group, has 30 offices and
chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance
understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties,
empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and
mutual understanding.
A
Response to this
Story from an annonymous blogger:
(Source: In
the Bullpen)
People need to quit taking things so seriously. "24" is a
television
show. If I protested every time a Texan or a red headed step-child was
put in a less than glamorous light, I’d never have time to sleep. Has
anyone seen the face of those who are actively plotting against the
United States in terms of terrorism from foreigners? Of coure you have.
They have two common traits; Middle Eastern and Islamic. The depiction
of a Middle Eastern family as plotting a terrorist attack within the
United States isn’t that far fetched. The vast majority of Americans
understand not all Muslims are terrorists, but almost all terrorists
threatening their lives are Muslim.
Step
4 (cont'd): In a
paragraph, agree or disagree with the blogger's response. |
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