By Guest Opinion,
Gresham, Oregon
— Video clips below —
Katie Cuoric’s casual remark about the need for a Muslim version of the Cosby Show as a way of enlightening Americans has stirred up great internet chatter. Cuoric made the remarks in light of greater Muslim misunderstandings. Below is what she said that started the conversation:
“I also think sort of the chasm, between, or the bigotry expressed against Muslims in this country has been one of the most disturbing stories to surface this year. Of course, a lot of noise was made about the Islamic Center, mosque, down near the World Trade Center, but I think there wasn’t enough sort of careful analysis and evaluation of where this bigotry toward 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide, and how this seething hatred many people feel for all Muslims, which I think is so misdirected, and so wrong — and so disappointing. …”.
Later Couric finished by saying, “Maybe we need a Muslim version of The Cosby Show.”
Hone of her guests, CBS correspondent, Mo Rocca, added that he felt embarrassed that he could not tell anyone five things about Islam and yet as he mentioned Islam is a major world religion. Additionally it was said that maybe schools should do a better job of teaching religion.
I think Katie Couric is reaching too far. It is not fair to categorize the Ground Zero Mosque debate as among the most “disturbing” events of the year. It was awful watching the Florida pastor in his burn-the-Quran threat, but in the end public opinion was against him and he relented. People engaged in a heated debate on the Mosuqe site but the City Council gave a simple vote without the usual political mess that ensues when politicians try to duck a major issue.
I find it interesting that Couric eyes Hollywood as having a solution to Muslim misunderstandings. IF better media is the answer why not start with Couric? Why always point the other finger to someone else? If Hollywood were to do a Muslim Cosby Show with the goal of educating the public, chances are it would fail as do many other agenda pushed shows that turn off Americans. The Cosby Show was transformational because it was a genuine great program led by an American great in Bill Cosby. The show did not play to stereotypes as many other African American shows do. Maybe a better entertainment option would be to help encourage more Muslim screenwriters or Muslim characters rather than trying to create an entire agenda-driven show.
I think Couric needs to take her own advice and host a few panels on this issue. Start the debate, educate and communicate. Couric should not underestimate herself.
Watch the entire Couric news episode here here (Begin at 22:44)
View just the Katie Couric Cosby comment below….
KATIE COURIC: ‘WE NEED A MUSLIM VERSION OF THE COSBY SHOW’ from The Blaze on Vimeo.
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