U.S. Newspaper Distribution of Bigoted Film Causes Nationwide Concern
September 18, 2008
This week, the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) expressed serious concerns over the actions of 70 U.S. newspapers and magazines who distributed DVD copies of a controversial film called "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West" as a paid advertisement.
SEE: "'Obsession' DVD Raises Concerns Over Propaganda" (9/16/08 - CBS4)
An estimated 28 million copies of the DVD, which was distributed in key electoral swing states, was paid for by The Clarion Fund. A non profit organization, The Clarion Fund does not list its directors, or staff, or sources of funding on its website. Last week the film's website featured and endorsement for Senator John McCain (R-AZ), leading many to believe the DVD is an attempt to inspire anti-Muslim fear mongering as a means to sway the American electorate.
"The documentary does not differentiate between radical Islam and mainstream Islam," says Salam Al-Marayati, MPAC Executive Director. "The Clarion Fund is inciting hate and bigotry against Muslim Americans for political gain - this is underhanded, divisive and un-American."
Following the release of Obsession in 2006, MPAC launched a campaign to counter the bigotry inspired by the film. Since its debut, the "Truth Over Fear: Countering Islamophobia" campaign has provided more than 50 educational workshops across the country featuring a critique and analysis of the film as a propaganda tool, an educational video about Islamophobia, and has trained community members to educate others about the destructive value of bigotry and prejudice.
SEE: Exposing Obsession -- MPAC's report on the roots and players behind the film
SEE: "Truth Over Fear" Educational Video -- MPAC's short video on the phenomenon of Islamophobia
Still more must be done. There are three ways that you can help:
- Join the 'Truth Over Fear' team. Get involved, connect with MPAC and individuals across the nation by standing up to hatred and intolerance in your local community. Get the tools that you need to educate your community and stop bigotry in its tracks. Contact MPAC at truthoverfear@mpac.org to schedule a workshop in your area.
- Contact your local newspaper or magazine. If you have received an Obsession DVD with your newspaper or magazine, write a letter to the publisher expressing your concern over their decision to distribute hate-filled propaganda. Visit your newspaper's website and click on 'Contact Us' to find out whom to address your letter to. Please cc: truthoverfear@mpac.org.
- Contribute to the "Truth Over Fear: Countering Islamophobia" campaign. We need your financial support now more than ever to expand our campaign to end these bigoted attacks against American values. Donate today and help us put an end to intolerance, once and for all.
Founded in 1988, the Muslim Public Affairs Council is an American institution which informs and shapes public opinion and policy by serving as a trusted resource to decision makers in government, media and policy institutions. MPAC is also committed to developing leaders with the purpose of enhancing the political and civic participation of Muslim Americans. MPAC offices are located in Washington, DC, New York City and Los Angeles, CA.
