Lowe’s & All American Muslim

(Community Matters) I don’t condemn Lowe’s for pulling out as a sponsor of All American Muslim. Doesn’t mean I’m not disappointed, but I’d rather applaud their originally sponsoring this reality television show which depicts Muslims as everyday Americans. We can’t demand American corporations engage in controversial political debates; of course they’ll try to steer clear and not offend customers. Florida Family Association’s condemnation of depicting Muslims in a positive light is reprehensible; shows them for the fearful people they are.

The reality series about Muslim families living in suburban Detroit, which lost advertising from Lowe’s and other brands after FAA condemned it as propaganda, is languishing in the ratings.

I’m reminded of emails I’ve received from otherwise respectable Christians and Jews arguing against any tolerance for Islam and Muslims – also reprehensible – and yet must be answered gingerly if we’re to bring people back to a center. Admittedly, I often fail at gingerly. I’ll keep trying.