LOS ANGELES (Agencies)
American Muslims were urged Wednesday to thank the Fox television network and the creator of animated sitcom 'The Simpsons' after it recently aired an episode that used comedy to challenge Islamophobia.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) praised the episode called "Mypods and Boomsticks," which sought to highlight anti-Muslim sentiment by featuring a young Muslim character named Bashir and his family who faced discrimination after moving to the fictional town of Springfield.
The episode showed how the lead character, Homer Simpson, wrongly suspected Bashir's family of being involved in a terrorist plot while his son Bart Simpson befriended Bashir and defended him from bullies. |
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A thank you letter In a letter sent to the sitcom's creator, Matt Groening, CAIR praised his efforts and thanked him for challenging anti-Muslim prejudice.
The letter said Sunday's episode "brought to light how Americans can work toward mutual respect and inclusion by getting to know their neighbors."
"The episode also builds on the values that have made America the great nation it is-- a nation in which citizenship is about finding common ground and building a better society. American Muslims have been doing just that by making daily contributions to our society that are often unrecognized," the letter said.
"Because of its acceptance in popular culture, comedy is often one of the best vehicles for challenging stereotypes and intolerance," CAIR's Executive Director, Nihad Awad, said, adding "Fox and Matt Groening are to be congratulated for tackling the disturbing phenomenon of Islamophobia."
CAIR is America's largest Islamic civil liberties group has 35 offices across the United States and Canada.
CAIR says its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. |
