The provocative depiction of the Islamic prophet Mohamed in a bear suit in the animated satirical show, South Park, has sparked outrage in the Muslim world. `
A Muslim Web site called for protest and asked Muslims to send letters to the creators for their actions. Muslims across the globe have criticized the show for promoting stereotypes of Muslim people.
Defenders of the program act as if Muslims are being too sensitive and dismiss the attack as merely “humorous.” However, this rationalization ignores the context of growing attacks on Arab and Muslim people. In the post-September 11 world, the demonization and stereotypical portrayals of Muslim people have become even more frequent and commonplace.
Racist and bigoted propaganda is used as justification for imperialist wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. Progressive people should stand in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters against these attacks.
