I admit to being somewhat frightened by the growing number of Muslims in the United States. Their desire to enforce Sharia law could become a serious problem. At the same time I want to support our desire to recognize everyone’s right to practice their religion no matter what that religion may be.
Lowe’s, the nationwide big-box home improvement chain, is facing criticism for its decision to withdraw advertising from a reality cable show about American Muslims. Their decision was based upon pressure from the Florida Family Association. That group described the television program as “propaganda that riskily hides the Islamic agenda’s clear and present danger to American liberties and traditional values.”
“I’m saddened that any place of business would succumb to bigots and people trying to perpetuate their negative views on an entire community,” said Suehaila Amen, one of the cast members of the show, in an interview with the Detroit News.
Thus I am faced with a dilemma. It happened that the program appeared on my television on the TLC channel just minutes before I saw the news item about Lowe’s pulling their advertising support. The program really is a harmless and somewhat silly show focused on five Muslim families in Dearborn, Michigan. Honestly the program was not very engaging. The program definitely did not promote Islam to the rest of American society.
The same channel could provide programming focusing on Hassidic Jews or the Amish. Perhaps they could offer a program about Sikh’s in America. Here, where I live, there seems to be a large Indian and Sikh population.
Lowe’s is just a half mile from my home and Home Depot is 1¼ mile from my home. Lowe’s has the right to do as they wish. The Los Angeles Times editorial in their December 14 edition points out that Lowe’s has the right to cancel their advertising. The Times is correct. I just cannot stand for bigotry!
Coast Contact 