Dilshad D. Ali: May 2008 Archives

Advertising is a tricky business, and apparently wearing the wrong scarf can send the message that "This company tolerates and supports terrorist organizations!" Sounds crazy? That's because it is, as exemplified by the Dunkin' Donuts recent pulling of an advertisement it was airing with spokesperson (and chef superstar) Rachael Ray wearing a scarf around her neck that resembled a keffiyeh, or traditional Arab scarf.

The offensive piece of fashion was slapped down by syndicated conservative Fox News commentator Michelle Malkin (Fox also owns Beliefnet), who said that by wearing the scarf, Dunkin' was dabbling in "distinctive hate couture."

From this Sunday's (May 11th, 2008) episode, "Stand Up: Muslim-American Comics Come of Age," part of the "America at a Crossroads" series on PBS:

Maysoon Zayid wants Dean Obeidallah to run for U.S. president--it's a personal campaign for her. And if he were to run, he'd have my vote. And if not president, I'd nominate him for hottest (as in funny!) comic out there. Just listen to his bit on what Arab Americans get in lieu of a special month (like black history month): "We get Orange Alert."

How can you not laugh? At a time when Muslim Americans are still stuggling to cement their place as vital, vibrant, non-threatening members of American society, Obeidallah, Zayid and other Muslim-American comics are channeling laughter to address stereotypes and misconceptions head on. Their antics are on display this Sunday in an episode of PBS’s "America at a Crossroads" series, "Stand Up: Muslim American Comics Come of Age."

The show follows five rising comedians—Ahmed Ahmed, Azhar Usman, Tissa Hami, Zayid and Obeidallah—on their quest to be heard and be laughed at. And they’re a diverse group, culturally (Palestinian, Indian and Iranian descent) and religiously (Usman is devout, his wife wears a headscarf while Zayid is irreverent, brash, and sexy in her brand of clothing and humor). In this way the comedians also shatter stereotypes that all Muslims are alike.