ADC Update
URGENT CALL TO ACTION
LET THE DETROIT NEWS KNOW HOW YOU FEEL
ABOUT THEIR BIGOTRY CAMPAIGN
Contact: Rana Abbas at (313) 581-1201
May
9, 2002 [Dearborn, Michigan] - Last Sunday, May 5, 2002, the Detroit
News proved, once again, to its readers, in the editorial section, that
when it comes to expressing anti-Arab sentiments, it harbors no
hesitation.
The comic on page 17A of the Sunday paper openly feeds into the negative
stereotype of Arab/Muslim terrorism, displaying an overwhelming image of
Crowned Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia with one arm around President
Bush and another filled with a stack of money, being extended to a
photographer. The caption coming from Prince Abdullah's mouth
states, "Can't you see I'm busy lecturing the U.S. on MidEast
violence? Here, go blow up someone"
ADC announced a call for action on Monday, May 6, 2002, but has received
negative feedback from the publisher's desk at the Detroit News.
According to information that ADC received, callers were treated rudely,
and their concerns were not addressed, as they were passed on to other
departments of the Paper.
ADC's call to action stems from the unfortunate fact that this is not
the first time that the Detroit News has printed such bias
editorials/commentaries, intentionally directed at Arabs and Muslims.
While the Detroit News has many objective reporters who present balanced
views, these bias commentaries serve to overshadow their good work.
Despite many ongoing efforts, by numerous community organizations, to
communicate with the Detroit News and its editorial board through many
meetings, the bigotry campaign has continued.
ACT
NOW
-· The ADC calls on the Arab American Business Community, a strong
financial supporter of the Detroit News, to strongly voice their
concerns and compliment the community's request to end this bigotry
campaign .
-· Contact Mr. James Kleinklaus, President of Advertising at the
Detroit News at 313-222-2708, or at jkleinklau@dnps.com.
Inform him of how this bigotry can hurt, not only the reputation, but
also the pocket book of the Detroit News.
-· Contact the President/CEO of the Detroit News Mr. Frank Vega at
313-222-8777, or at fvega@dnps.com.
Request an immediate end to this ongoing bigotry campaign.
Indicate to him that such biases are indicative of irresponsible
journalism, which has the potential to put the well being of certain
groups in jeopardy, thus doing only harm and absolutely no good.
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ADC: http://www.adc.org
Contact: adc@adc.org
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