Muslims For Progressive Values (MPV) Canada joins MPV USA in calling for a boycott of all Lowes stores in Canada. As Canadians we value equity, truth and compassion. On that basis, we must protest when a large American corporation such as Lowes decides how North American Muslims or anyone of any faith, culture, gender, orientation or creed, may be portrayed in the media.
The withdrawal by Lowes of its advertisements during the airing of “All-American Muslim” after a conservative group known as the Florida Family Association complained, saying the program was "propaganda that riskily hides the Islamic agenda's clear and present danger to American liberties and traditional values" and pursuant to Lowes reasoning that “…there are certain programs that do not meet Lowe’s advertising guidelines…” exemplifies how prejudice vilifies an entire community. It is clear that Lowes has modified how it does business. In doing so Lowes has succumbed to bigotry.
The Learning Channel’s (TLC) series “All-American Muslim” is the first commercial television program that a presents a real-life view into the world of Muslims in North America reflecting a glimpse into the remarkable diversity of our community.
While the lives chronicled in the show do not represent ALL Muslims in North America, the show has the capacity to enrich the understanding of the lives of North American Muslims in a way that is accessible to all. There is no faster, more meaningful way to both combat prejudice against Muslim North Americans and reveal a human face of Islam, that is compassionate and contemporary, to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike, than by reflecting the actual diversity that exists in the Muslim community - one that is otherwise rarely visible in the mainstream media.
We call on Lowe’s to reconsider its decision and we call on all Canadians to boycott Lowe’s Stores in Canada unless and until it reverses its decision to withdraw its ads during the airing of TLC’s “All-American Muslim” or in the event that this is option no longer available, states that if it was available, it would do so.
