All-American Muslim, first ever reality TV show showcasing the lives of Muslims in America, just ended and it was a roller coaster from the beginning.
First.
A very big thank you to the five families that participated in this reality TV show, they will go down in history as the community that did something rather than complaining about Islamophobia and sitting on their hands.
Second.
Thank you to Russell Simmons and California Sen. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) for standing up to bigotry and initiating a call to action for boycott of Lowe’s.
Third.
Thank you Lowe’s for pulling your ads from this show. It magnified your bigotry and people who would have never watched the show actually tuned in to figure out what, why, and how. No such thing as bad publicity, eh?
Fourth.
Thank you TLC… I want a second season, please!
Rant.
In the past, I have limited myself to America’s Got Talent. That’s what reality TV is for me, everything else is just meh. I do sometimes end up watching Jersey Shore while flipping channels only because of the shock value – a bar fight, Mike “The Situation” without shirt (those ABS) – but have never really watched an entire reality TV show religiously, until All-American Muslim.
As an immigrant, it was intriguing to see the Lebanese-American Muslim community in Dearborn. Its dynamics, make-up, traditions, culture and assimilation. It was quite a learning experience. The fact that they let you smoke hookah in a restaurant while you indulge in a meal is a reason enough for me to consider moving there.
Sooner or later, the trolls will be out, hating on the show. These unfortunately are Muslims, not non-Msulims, who just don’t GET IT! It doesn’t matter, everyone has an opinion about the show, I do too.
Opinion.
I enjoyed following the lifestyle of 5 different families. Though I thought they were all unique in their own different way; Nawal and Nader Aoude were very balanced, culturally and religiously, in their approach to everything important. It was amusing to see their chemistry on camera and how they juggled life, including a new born baby.
Within the families, one individual in particular who really stood out from the rest was Suehaila Amen. Her life experiences and struggles reflected the problems faced by most educated and hard working Muslim girls in the American society. Settling down is hard, being able to fly is even more difficult. I wish her all the best and hope she finds all that she is looking for.
Some episodes were mundane and I would hope for something to happen. Others were too predictable, the one about 9/11 especially, and that’s understandable. Overall, a good show, a sigh of relief, and a breath of fresh air.
Photo Credit: Adam Rose | TLC
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