I met the cast of “All-American Muslim,” enjoy their show AND (gasp!) I’m a Christian

Posted on December 13, 2011 by elizabeth

from left: Jeff, Shadia, Nina, Nawal, ElizabethEsther, Nader @ Anderson Cooper's show

Just before appearing on Anderson Cooper’s daytime talk show, I ran into the cast of TLC’s new show, All-American Muslim. They had just finished taping their segment and were chatting with Anderson in the makeup room.

Anderson surprised one of their relatives–who was a big fan of his–by calling them on a (Nawal’s?) cell phone. That’s when I snapped this picture:

Anderson making someone's day (because he's awesome like that)

After Anderson left to prep for my segment, I ended up chatting with the cast. I was especially intrigued by Jeff who had converted from Catholicism to Islam in order to marry the love of his life–Shadia. Jeff looked worn out, collapsing on a chair next to me and admitting that doing all this public stuff “isn’t my personality.” He struck me as rather shy–but full of heart and openness.

Jeff and Shadia told me about their wedding which they dubbed a grand celebration of “East Meets West.” I found their story fascinating and have watched–with great interest–their newlywed struggles on All-American Muslim. I even cried when Jeff had to give up his beloved dog, Wrigley.

Shadia has a big, vivacious personality and I felt like we hit it off immediately. She has tattoos, brightly streaked hair and an infectious laugh. I felt like we could have talked for hours about what it’s like to be non-conformist women inside our respective religions.

I was stressed about my upcoming segment with Michael Pearl and when Shadia saw me get all teary-eyed about it, she came over and wished me luck with the kindest smile.

I also had a chance to chat with Nawal and Nader–and felt that instant parent-connection. Nader and I started talking about fundamentalism and how harmful it is when an entire religion is defined by extremist groups.

Nawal’s baby boy is 4 months old and she was rushing around trying to find a place to pump breastmilk. Especially after watching this latest episode where Nawal was struggling with post-partum blues, I really appreciated her openness and vulnerability on the show.

The reason I’m writing all this is because I’m embarrassed by Christians who seem to think that All-American Muslim is some kind of dangerous threat to America. A conservative, Christian group has successfully petitioned Lowe’s to pull their ads on the show.

According to Business Insider, the Florida Family Association claims it’s lobbied 60 companies to pull ads from the show. Why? Because they believe All-American Muslim is “propaganda that riskily hides the Islamic agenda’s clear and present danger to American liberties and traditional values.”

Florida Family Association President David Katon explained to NPR that:

Our concern with All American Muslim is that it does not accurately represent the term Muslim, which is a follower of Islam. And a follower of Islam believes in the radicalization, use of sharia law, which provides for honor killings, mutilation of women and numerous other atrocities to women.

Oh, yes. The ol’ “You-Are-Not-A-True-Muslim!” card. I thought only Christians said that about each other (wink, wink).

If the Florida Family Association wants to be fair and honest, then not only does Osama bin Laden “truly” represent Islam, but Timothy McVeigh “truly” represents Christianity.

So maybe the Koran has a more explicit, violent command about converting infidels than the New Testament does. But that hasn’t stopped Christians from killing each other.

The point is, the problem is not All-American Muslim. The problem is in defining an entire religion by its bloody, violent extremist group. The Florida Family Association is painting All-American Muslim as some sort of nefarious conspiracy plot that paves the way for Sharia Law.

But that is simply untrue. The Muslims on All-American Muslim love America. Nader is a federal agent. On Anderson’s show, Nawal said that terrorists disgust her. These people love America and abide by American laws.

What I truly appreciate about All-American Muslim is that it’s rescuing Islam from the clutches of Fundamentalism. It shows the human side of Islamic life in America.

This is not to say that I agree with with Islamic beliefs–I don’t. In fact, some of the things I’ve seen on the show truly upset me. (Dogs are unclean? What?! A 9 year old girl needs to wear the hijab?! WHAT?!)

Still, this is America. America is big enough for everyone.

And if the Florida Family Association wants to exercise a little intellectual honesty, maybe it should start looking at the ways women are mistreated right here in “radical” American Christianity.

This entry was posted in Current Affairs, Evil TV, Politics, RecoveringFundamentalist, Religion. Bookmark the permalink.
  • http://blueberriesforme.wordpress.com Jackie

    I heard something about Lowes & the show. That’s despicable they pulled their ads. I guess they’ve lost my business. Hello, Home Depot! (They haven’t pulled ads yet, right?)

  • http://www.theblahblahblahger.com the Blah Blah Blahger

    I’m a conservative Christian and I LOVE that show. One of my big complaints with “the Church” is when we stop loving and start excluding…what kind of message about Christ does that send?!

  • Pam Brashear

    Nicely put–for some reason this issue has made me SO angry. This country was founded on religious freedom. Shame on Lowe’s. And good for you for speaking up. And for the record, I am a Christian too but so was Hitler (supposedly). Glad I am not being punished for HIS actions.

    • http://twitter.com/MInTheGap MInTheGap

       Hitler was not a Christian.  Another common myth.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ron-Kerns/100000658746013 Ron Kerns

    Can’t stand all these “family associations”….ugh….and to think most “lost”/”unsaved” people probably think that ALL Christians believe and follow with what they all say….(and everyone wonders why evangelizing is getting harder by the minute….groups like these don’t make it any easier!)

  • Allison Grace

    Elizabeth,
    Just want you to know that I’ll really think about this. . .I’ve come to feel close to you as another fundie escapee (not as awful as your history, though) and Catholic convert and I will take give this serious thought.  A local (We live in AK.)  priest who has worked in Russia for many years is back here for a visit and giving a talk on Christianity and Islam next week ; I plan to attend now.
    Warmly,
    Allison

  • KatR

    Yeah, I’m not sure that “militant Christians aren’t as bad because they only threaten children with death” is the best argument.

    And the Bible contains the “women have to marry their rapist” thing and the “stone the non-virgins” thing and the “go into the city and kill everyone including the babies” thing. I realize this was all in the OT before Jesus made God all nice and cuddly, but still…..

    • http://twitter.com/MInTheGap MInTheGap

      I don’t think I communicated my point clearly.  Allow me to rephrase.

      My point was that Islamic teachings in Islamic countries use the threat of death to enforce worship of Islam.  They punish and kill converts.  They stone people that commit sin according to their holy book.  They call Jews and Christians infidels.

      The comparison is with “Christian Fundamentalist Extremists”, which occasionally have compounds, multiple wives, worshiping a personality instead of god, etc.  In all of the exposes and documentaries of modern Christian fundamentalism (with the exception of the above mentioned KKK), I have yet to find where people are threatening death and killing people that leave the compounds.

      Maybe I’ve missed some.  If I have, I will definitely retract.

      I have yet to see Christian Fundamentalist Extremists blowing up buildings, killing innocent people, and seeking the death of those that disagree with them.

      I see people like Fred Phelps and his gang making a nuisance of themselves by carrying their signs and protesting funerals, etc.  I see the harems created by some.  But I see more terrorism coming from green activists setting animals free than I see from Christian Fundamentalist Extremists.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ron-Kerns/100000658746013 Ron Kerns

    Then I’ll go with America’s “homegrown” terrorist organization…the KKK. Clearly a “Christian” organization (at least that’s what like call themselves)…I certainly don’t think they are….however, they use biblical scripture do justify what they did, and still do. (bombing, killing, intimidation, etc..etc…)

    Are these people really “Christians”?

    Are those “other” “terrorists” really “Muslim”?

    You think that maybe…JUST MAYBE…those who blow themselves up are taking their ‘scriptures’ out of context? And, are taught in a way that “twists” their ‘scriptures’? Perhaps? (much like many Christians do?)…

    • http://twitter.com/MInTheGap MInTheGap

      Certainly, choosing the Klan instead of McVeigh would have been a better strategy.  The Klan did horrible acts, motivated by racism and they certainly carried the facade of Christianity.

      Are they really Christians?  I think we have to define Christianity based on what the Bible says, just like we have to define Islam by what the Koran says.  I see the teachings of Christ that there is nothing different between man, woman, child, master, slave– that we are all in sin before God and all need a Savior.  Paul himself identified himself as the chief of sinners.

      I also see nothing in the Bible that promotes people taking it upon themselves to enact God’s justice.  Outside of the laws given specifically to Israel, I only find commands to love and God and love one another.

      As far as the Koran and what I’ve seen from it, it does call for death to the infidels, and the majority of practicing Muslims live in countries where it is forbidden to worship anyone but Allah under fear of torture and/or death.  I see that they cannot live in peace with Jews, but prefer to kill them, and encourage those that will kill them.

      When 9/11 happened, many in the Islamic world rejoiced, though the Muslims in America may not have.

      Is it possible that the majority of Islam that believes that America is the Great Satan and wants Israel destroyed and refuses to let Christians worship Christ in their lands is taking their scripture out of context?  I guess it might be.  But it certainly may be more likely that the American Muslims are much like the American Christians– they don’t actually read their sacred works, they don’t believe their sacred works, or they pick and choose what they wish to believe and not to believe and then self identify as the true believer.

  • Hippie Gramma

    How many radical “Christians” have killed abortion providers, or gay people in the name of their religion?

    Religion itself isn’t the problem.  Religious extremism, of all types, is the problem. 

    • http://twitter.com/MInTheGap MInTheGap

       My comment was directed at the McVeigh reference– a common atheist line that’s false, but repeat it enough times and everyone believes it.

      Do people murder, steal, kill, etc.?  Certainly.  Do people use books, be it the Koran, the Bible, etc. to justify their wrong doing?  Certainly.

      EE is attempting to make the point that the Florida Family Association should categorize Christians as terrorists because of the act of one person.  You add “Christians [that] have killed abortion providers, or gay people in the name of their religion.”  I would say, you’re still a little myopic.

      Let’s say that there have been what, 10 abortion providers killed.  How about 100?  How many gay people have been killed in the name of Christianity?

      How many thousands of Christians have been killed in Muslim/Middle Eastern countries?  How many Christian churches are permitted in Muslim countries?  How many people have had their houses ransacked, their families torn apart, and their lives ruined because they claim Christ in a Muslim land.

      While Islam in America may currently be liberal by its adherents, that doesn’t mean that it represents Islam as practiced by a majority of its followers.  For that, you have to compare what’s going on in its home countries.

  • http://thehomespunlife.com Sisterlisa

    It upsets me too. I watched an episode of that show and honestly…it reminded me a lot of some Christian groups and how they treat other denominations that disagree with their interpretations. It reminded me of the suffering in Christianity…Muslim women deserve equality just as much as Christian women do. Do Christians forget all the bloodshed in it’s early years? have they forgotten how they burned innocent women as witches because they gave herbal tea for ailments? have they forgotten how many Natives they slaughtered as they stole their land? It frustrates me to see Christians claim to be more gentile than Muslims but I have seen the brutality in some Christian groups first hand. This is America and by golly we CAN have equality among religions and as a Christian myself I fully extend the hand of hospitality to any religion who will take it. It angers me to see Christians continuing to divide and conquer one another when Jesus’ way is meek and gentile. and for those critics who will say “oh but those aren’t real Christians” give me a break! Watching how Rob Bell was treated by so called real Christians was enough to make me want to vomit. “real christians” my arse!

    Blessings to the Muslims who wish for peace.

  • Hammerclay

    As a Christian I am ashamed of my fellow Christains who talk negitive of this show. I personally feel this is the best reality show ever. I know a few Muslims and I had always felt uneasy to ask questions about their faith. This show has answered almost all my questions. I hope TLC keeps it on the air and I too wish I could meet the cast. They look like great neighbors that I want to live next door to.

  • Nurse Bee

    I used to work with a muslim woman and she was easily one of my favorite co-workers.  I hated that a lot of patients used to harrass her for her hijab. 

  • http://www.fromourfrontporch.net Sherri

    Because my husband works for Lowe’s I do not wish to enter into a debate about the decision that was made, but I will say this… I do not believe the decision was meant to be malicious. 

    Lowe’s has a history of choosing to remain neutral on many polarizing issues… and I think their decision was born mostly out of a desire to be sure that they weren’t perceived as anything other than neutral.

  • MPQ

    “If the Florida Family Association wants to be fair and honest,
    then not only does Osama bin Laden “truly” represent Islam, but Timothy
    McVeigh “truly” represents Christianity.”Pretty silly and naive comment to make, I’ll stick with Lowe’s thank you.

  • Becky

    I don’t understand all the backlash against Lowe’s.  They are a private corporation which can decide to advertise on any show they choose . . . or not.  Liberals are all about freedom of speech and expression until it is an expression they disagree with.  Why does everyone have this freedom except Lowe’s?  

    As for comparing Christian extremists to Muslim extremists, I’ll just say this:  no one is afraid to make fun of or mock Christians.  Clearly no one is afraid to defame Christ or to use His image in profane and vulgar works of art, as we’ve seen time and again. The same is not true of Islam.  Countless people have been tortured and killed for speaking against it.  Most people would not dare mock or “blaspheme” Islam in media or works of art for fear of violent retribution.  You can say that people have killed in the name of Christianity, and you’re right.  But I don’t know of any Christian nation where muslims are afraid to express their beliefs for fear of being tortured and killed. 

    I haven’t seen the show, so I don’t have an opinion about it. But I strongly believe in Lowe’s right to free speech and that comparisons of “radical Christianity” and “radical Islam” are naive at best and dishonest at worst.

    • peggy

      Sister-you have that right. Who is afraid to mock our Jesus and our faith? It seems no one.

  • Eric

    Derek: for the record the big issue is about the connection that one of the cast members has with CAIR. CAIR leaders, 8 out of 10 were found guilty of fraud in the Holy Land Foundation case. They were using money to fund Hezbollah, not to mentioned as per CAIR’S own documents that the DOJ HAS, are proof that CAIR is a front group for the Muslim Brotherhood here in America. This investigation is all documented in the book The Muslim Mafia which was written by the agent that went undercover into CAIR. His last name is Gaubatz. Ask yourself this, why would the White House cut it’s ties to CAIR and no longer allow them to be a part of security briefings? Then ask yourself why were CAIRs leaders funding Hezbollah? And last but not least why does this program have cast members that have spent time fundraising
    And
    Volunteering for

  • Hassanigram

    Elizabeth, nice blog. First of all, let me clear up a few things. Religious obligations such as prayer and hijab are not required until the age of puberty. Women and girls generally choose to or not to wear a head scarf with their own free will. It is fine to have a dog as long as it is not kept in the house. And for the record, their hygiene could be better. Now these are minor issues in the grand scope of things. Muslims have bigger fish to fry. Just trying to perform one’s religious obligations as a as an adherent of a minority religion has its challenges. 
    As a member of an Islamic Community in Iowa (one of the oldest in the country) I can tell you Muslims are as assimilated in society as any other religious or ethnic group. After all, we have been here for over 300 years if you consider slaves, many of whom were forcibly converted. 
    Now that is something else to be ashamed of.