Coalition Unites Against ‘Oppression’ of ‘All-American Muslim’ TV Show
A coalition of political entities, religious groups and celebrities have banded together to decry Lowe’s removal of their advertisements from “All-American Muslim,” a reality show.
The association of more than 24,000 Americans includes various big names, like hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, Democratic Representative Keith Ellison of Minnesota, actress Mia Farrow, comedian Kal Penn, actress Heather Graham, CNN anchor Erin Burnett, and many others.
Upset Americans reacted to Lowe’s decision to pull their ads from the program after the Florida Family Association became involved. The FFA claimed that the show “attempts to show Muslims in one manner and ignore the radical leadership,” according to David Caton, the group’s executive director. “It gives a false impression and that subtle propaganda changes peoples' minds and softens peoples' attitudes."
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Lowe’s and a number of other businesses caved into the demands of the FFA, although the home improvement store was the only business to admit it publicly. Because of it, Lowe’s has garnered political and national attention on both sides of the debate.
On the side of those who feel that the FFA and Lowe’s were wrong is the Auburn Seminary.
“We are disappointed to see religion used as a tool to create division and foster fear. Efforts by hard-line religious organizations to scare American national companies from advertising on 'All-American Muslim' are fueled by fear and bigotry,” the president of the organization, Rev. Dr. Katharine Henderson, said in a statement.
The importance of protecting “All-American Muslim,” which began airing Nov. 13, lies first in protecting their First Amendment right to free speech, freedom of religion, and the freedom of the press.
To the coalition of outraged voices, the companies’ removal of their ads violates that essential American tenet.
Now, the opposition to Lowe’s actions is swelling.
“Lowe’s really couldn’t have gone any lower… Lowe’s should reverse their decision to withdraw their advertising from ‘All-American Muslim,’ and issue an apology immediately,” MoveOn.org’s executive director, Justin Ruben, told Politico.
Despite more than 1,800 angry emails, calls, and letters to the Florida Family Association, they, too, say they won’t be backing down.
“There’s a terrorist response to the ideology of free speech in America as it relates to values on the Christian side of the spectrum,” Caton told ABCNews.com.
