Katie Couric the CBS anchor who did a fantastic job exposing Sarah Palin's ignorance of foreign policy thinks what America needs to stop the bigotry towards Muslims is a Muslim version of the Cosby Show.
LM is not American so I cannot comment in detail about the impact Cosby had on changing attitudes towards African Americans however, the idea seems worthy of serious discussion. There is no doubt that Hollywood does have significant importance with regard to influencing opinion. Sadly more often than not with the likes of Stallone's Rambo and Spielberg movies coverage is negative in its portrayal of Muslims and Arabs as terrorists. Spielberg in particular who is Jewish has done a fantastic job in promoting Jewish issues through Schindlers list but he has also never missed an opportunity to show Muslims as ignorant particularly in his portrayal of Arabs in the Raiders of the lost Ark movie which simply reinforces prejudice.
However, the idea got me thinking about what impact a Muslim Coronation Street or Muslim Eastenders would have on changing attitudes towards Muslims and between Muslims here in the UK. Currently most soaps here in the UK have traditionally been centered around the Pub which Muslims do not attend so why not have a light entertainment show on perhaps the BBC about a Muslim family. C4 have started a show about a family who hail from Africa so why cant the likes of Akeel Ahmad consider promoting a Muslim family show on the BBC.
[Spielberg] has also never missed an opportunity to show Muslims as ignorant particularly in his portrayal of Arabs in the Raiders of the lost Ark movie which simply reinforces prejudice.
ReplyDeleteThis is a foolish and shallow comprehension of the varied and human Muslim characters portrayed in Raiders of the Lost Ark. What about the Imam? Don't remember him do you? He's there, a scholar and historian. What about Sallah? A professional Muslim and family man who is friends with an American.
You are reckless and arrogant, may God forgive you.
Take your blinders off.