For Immediate Release:

Lowe’s, an American company must not cave in to Anti-Muslim bigotry

Contact, Aref Assaf, 973-960-2673 or aref@aafusa.org

Paterson, NJ, December 8, 2011: The American Arab Forum, AAF, urges its supporters and friends to express their disapproval with the decision made by certain national companies from advertising on TLC’s “All American Muslim,” a TV documentary chronicling the lives of five Muslim families in Dearborn, Michigan. By all accounts, the show attempts to show the often-misunderstood attitudes, customs, and beliefs of American Muslims.

Even before the show aired its first segment, extremist groups filled the Internet with hateful messages and warnings about the show. Now the call for a TV commercial boycott is coming from Internet hate sites like "Bare Naked Islam," which recently featured a number of threats of violence targeting U.S. and European mosques, and right-wing groups such as the Florida Family Association and American Decency. Pamela Geller perhaps exemplifies the most hateful anti-Islam rhetoric on the Internet. To these bigots, Islam and American Muslims are an existential threat to America.

It is most disturbing that a nationwide company such as Lowe’s would succumb to such low standards by agreeing to stop its TV commercials from appearing on the segment. We appeal to the management of Lowe's to seriously reconsider its position on this matter. There is nothing wrong with the show being on television. Granted, some (including some American Muslims) may disagree and resent the show for one reason or another, but that was never a yardstick Lowe’s used with similar shows.

“Are we to assume that Lowe’s shares the extremist and xenophobic beliefs of such fringe group that have exhibited utter hate towards fellow citizens?” Asked Dr. Aref Assaf, president of American Arab Forum. He added, “American Muslims are patriotic citizens and they are also consumers and customers. If Lowe’s persist, they will no longer feel welcome and they will go somewhere else.”

Sadly corporations, such as Lowe’s, have succumbed to the smear campaigns by groups and organizations which lack credibility, legitimacy, and are founded on the basic notions of bigotry and racism reminiscent of a shameful era in this country’s history.

The American Arab Forum calls on all people of conscience to declare their objection to Lowe’s stand and demand that Lowe’s rethink its position.

Take Action Now!

American Arab Forum requests that you make known your views. Kindly contact Lowe’s by

Phone: 1-866-900-4650 or by email: execustservice@lowes.com

Leave a very polite message “

“I am state your name calling to urge Lowe’s to reconsider its wrong decision to stop advertising on the TLC’ All American Muslim. I am customer who buys at Lowe’s and American citizens who expects equal treatment. Please do the right thing.”

Mail: Lowe's Companies, Mail Code CON8, 1605 Curtis Bridge Road, Wilkesboro, NC 28697