Friday, August 05, 2011

TLC's "All-American Muslim" is probably bad news for Muslims

This fall TLC is bringing "All-American Muslim" to its airwaves.

What does TLC say about the show?
What’s it like to be Muslim in America? TLC answers that question with “All-American Muslim,” a powerful new series premiering in November 2011 that delves deep inside the rarely seen world of Muslim Americans to uncover unique insight into this little known -- and often misunderstood -- community. “All-American Muslim” brings audiences inside Dearborn, Michigan, a mid-sized industrial city that is also home to the largest mosque in the United States. Following the daily lives of five Muslim American families, each episode offers an intimate look at their customs and celebrations, as well as the misconceptions, conflicts and differences they face outside — and within — their own community.
Without having watched a minute of it I can say this show most likely is very bad news for Muslims in America. The show will do very little (if anything at all) to help educate people on what Islam or Muslims are all about. More then likely the show will will play out like other so called "reality" shows that are just garbage television.

Access Hollywood recently spoke with one of the couples on the show.



According to the Washington Post,
The new series is being produced by Shed Media, the indie production house known for such compassionate docu series as “”Freaky Eaters” -- about people addicted to tartar sauce, maple syrup, french fries and such -- cat-fight shows like “Basketball Wives,” “Real Housewives of New York City,” and “Football Wives.”
Actually show might be even worse then what I was first predicting. The same article goes on to quote an executive from TLC by the name of Amy Winter,
Through these families and their diverse experiences, we will explore how they blend their values and traditions with everyday life in America, providing insight into their culture with care and compassion.
Somehow I highly doubt that. Just take at TLC's current lineup of shows. What on that list gives anyone an indication that this show will actually be a good thing? Heck, take a look at the production comany's website. What on that list inspires you? These are the clowns behind shows like Basketball Wives, The Real Housewives of New York City and Freaky Eaters.

According to Shed Media US (the company that is producing the show) the preview clip includes a woman who admits to drinking. According to Entertainment Weekly one of the characters is a woman with tattoos. Still think the show is a good idea?

TLC can claim whatever they want but this show represents a made for TV version of Islam and Muslims and  in no way represents REAL American Muslims although a bigot like Debbie Schlussel not being a fan of one of the characters can only be a good sign right?

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