U.S. Muslims take to airwaves to fight 'fear-mongering'

[maddezmom]

Source: CNN

(CNN) -- A doctor. A cop. A little girl. A Phillies fan.

They're all Muslims. And, they emphasize in a new commercial set to begin airing this week, they're all Americans.

"I don't want to take over this country," the dozen-plus speakers say in the public service announcement. "I don't support terrorism."

The commercial is an effort to fight back against "the rising tide of fear-mongering" resulting from plans to build a Muslim community center in Lower Manhattan in New York, the group behind it said.

The project, called Park51, has come to be known as the "ground zero mosque," although it is two blocks from the site of the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Its supporters say it will include many other facilities in addition to a space for prayer.



Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/08/30/new.york.islamic.center.campaign/?hpt=T2

[Turborama]

1. K&R Excellent idea

This is exactly the sort of thing that's needed to dampen down the flames of hate and fear.

"It's not clear from their announcement how widely the commercial will be distributed.".

Those sort of details would be useful to know.

ETA I've just added the YouTube version to the videos forum: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x499901

[Rozlee]

2. Yeah, I can't believe how many people tell me about how Muslims are trying

to convert all Christians to Islam and destroy Christianity. I always tell them that I have yet to be approached by a Muslim asking me to accept Mohammad as his personal savior, and what major branch of religion represents the denominations that always knock on their doors that they hide from to keep from listening to their drivel. Christians could take lessons from Muslims in how to be less in-your-face about religion.

[Bragi]

4. I think that's very naive

There is a problem in Islam today, which is that this particular faith has within it a maybe-not-numerous but nonetheless significant and growing radical segment that sees themselves as being at war with the non-Muslim world.

We shouldn't overreact to this, but nor should we ignore it.

Personally, I'd like to see TV ads showing Immams stating their fatwa against jihadist terrorists alongside the ones showing cuddly and friendly Muslims.

- B

[regina1901]

5. Very well said.

Very well said!

[Rozlee]

6. How about how blase Christians are about killing Muslims?

We shocked and awed a city of 5 million people (Baghdad) and cheered while we did. Well, I didn't. We're responsible for the deaths of one million Iraqis. But, so many of our own Christian leaders don't come out and say: "We Christians shouldn't have bombed and invaded a country of Muslims that never hurt us." I think it works both ways.

[Bragi]

7. I agree with your point, up to a point

You will not find in me someone who will rush to defend one world religion over another.

I ascribe to none of them, all of which are, for me, to one degree or another, a blight on mankind.

That said, I think some religions are less dangerous than others.

Right now I'd put Islam at the top of my list of religions that are hazardous to my health, safety and well-being.

- B

[Douglas Carpenter]

3. kick and recommend!!