FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2011
Contact: Katerina Ragoussi, Director for Media and Events
212-662-4315
kragoussi@auburnseminary.org
The Executive Committee of Prepare New York Condemns Lowes’ Support of Fear-mongering and IntoleranceThe withdrawal of advertising by the Lowe’s home goods store from the television program “All-American Muslim” on TLC enables fear-mongering and intolerance based on religious difference. We call on Lowe’s to reverse its decision, a decision that illuminates the extent to which insidious and misleading stereotypes about our Muslim neighbors have infiltrated the popular consciousness.
In New York City, where we once walked in the shadows of the Twin Towers, many still mourn the victims of intolerance – the nearly 3,000 innocent men and women who perished on September 11, 2001, among them an estimated 60 American Muslims. Their families and other victims continue to experience the after-shocks of the fallen Towers. Our Muslim neighbors continue to be challenged by daily stereotyping while serving our city as first responders, teachers, doctors, nurses, elected officials, community and interfaith leaders.Lowe’s decision to withdraw its advertising represents a frightening trend toward embracing misinformation and ignorance. Their stance takes its historical cue from the businesses who would not serve Roman Catholics in the 1830’s, Jews in the 1920’s, or Japanese Americans in the 1940’s. It ensures that the destructive spirit of intolerance has space to thrive.
