Is That A Nuke In Your Suitcase...?
Enough with the bullshit. Take it from an American Muslim, Emilio Karim Dabul, who writes in The Wall Street Journal:
I am an Arab-American as well as a fan of "24." The two things are not mutually exclusive, despite what the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) and other such groups have to say about this season's opening episodes possibly increasing anti-Muslim and anti-Arab prejudice in American society.Most of the terrorists represented in "24" through the years have been Arab Muslims. Why? Well, probably because most terrorists today are, in fact, Arab Muslims. As a descendant of Syrian Muslims, I am very well aware that the majority of Muslims world-wide are peaceful, hard working, and law abiding. That still does not change the fact that the greatest terrorist threat to the U.S. today comes not from the ETA, the IRA, etc., but from one group: Islamic terrorists.
And this is what makes "24" a compelling drama every week. Instead of pretending Islamic terrorists don't exist, the show presents frighteningly real worst-case scenarios perpetrated by Osama bin Laden's followers. So CAIR thinks it's over the top for the terrorists in "24" to blow up Los Angeles with a nuke? Please, if bin Laden and his crew had nukes, most of us would be way too dead to argue over such points.
There is a dangerous trend in the U.S. today that involves skirting the truth at the risk of offending any individual or group. When Bill Cosby talks to African-Americans about self-respect and responsibility, and says publicly what many have been saying privately for years, he's branded a "reactionary," "misinformed," "judgmental," and so on. When "24" confronts America's worst fears about al Qaeda--whose goal remains to kill as many Americans as possible whenever possible--the show is said to be guilty of fueling anti-Muslim and anti-Arab prejudice.
Well, here's the hard, cold truth: When Islamic terrorists stop being a threat to America's survival, viewers will lose interest in "24," because it will have lost its relevancy. Until such time, I will continue to watch "24"--because, believe it or not, the idea that there are Jack Bauers out there in real life risking their lives to save ours does mean something to me.
Sorry, but holding hands and singing kumbayah just isn't going to do the job.
Please, if bin Laden and his crew had nukes, most of us would be way too dead to argue over such points.
Where do I sign up for this guy's fan club?
Deirdre B. at February 7, 2007 5:09 AM
I'll be right behind you.
Amy Alkon at February 7, 2007 6:09 AM
Speaking of kumbayah, be careful there Amy, you might get David Roknich coming around again.
Todd Fletcher at February 7, 2007 9:13 AM
I think it's probably hard for him to get to the keyboard at times, what with his head implanted so far up his ass.
Amy Alkon at February 7, 2007 10:03 AM
When people mention shows like "24" it amuses me no end. Why?
Because the same people who find Jack Bauer awesome on-screen militate to restrict real agents to looking in the Yellow Pages for the bad guys.
Radwaste at February 7, 2007 5:21 PM
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