In partnership with five of New York City’s largest interfaith organizations, Intersections International adds its voice in calling on Lowe’s home goods store to reverse its decision to withdraw its advertising for the television program “All-American Muslim” on TLC.
Misleading stereotypes about American Muslims should never infiltrate popular consciousness. In a joint statement, our coalition reminds Lowes that “in New York City, where we once walked in the shadows of the Twin Towers, many still mourn the victims of intolerance—the nearly 3,000 innocent men and women who perished on September 11, 2001, among them an estimated 60 American Muslims.”
The statement added, “their families and other victims continue to experience the after-shocks of the fallen Towers … [they] continue to be challenged by daily stereotyping while serving our city as first responders, teachers, doctors, nurses, elected officials, community and interfaith leaders.”
Intersections International’s Executive Director, the Rev. Robert Chase, pointed out that “this decision sends the message that misinformation and stereotypes can be tolerated, which is antithetical to the very core of American values. We must stand together to protect religious pluralism in this country.”
The TLC program offers a window into the everyday lives of American Muslims and their faith. Rev. Chase adds, “as an important corporate citizen, Lowes should reconsider its decision to pull its advertising, and join Christians, Muslims, Buddhist, Jews, Agnostics, Atheists and all others who support this program’s ability to shatter stereotypes about American Muslims.”
To read the PrepareNY coalition press release, click here.
