Fox affiliate apologizes to Muslims

Charlotte Observer ^ | Feb. 10, 2005 | Mark Washburn

[Shannon]

Fox Charlotte (WCCB, Channel 18) apologized Wednesday for airing a spoof on the Muslim tradition of visiting Mecca.

Promoting a news story about elitism and snobbery at upscale SouthPark mall, the station used images of pilgrims coming to Mecca, one of the world's holiest religious sites.

"The hajj, a pilgrimage Muslims take to the holy city of Mecca," the promo said. "Members of Charlotte's elite make a similar pilgrimage to the corporate altar of brand-name merchandise -- SouthPark mall, where believers gather to be among their kind," said a voice-over on the spot, which then showed the mall and the word "Mecca."

"The thing that struck me most was the superimposing of the world `Mecca' over a shot of the front of the mall," said Scott Darden, a Charlotte logistics analyst and a Muslim. "It just didn't sit well."

Islam obliges physically and financially able Muslims to come to Mecca at least once during their lives in a pilgrimage called the hajj. This year's hajj was in January, when more than 2 million pilgrims made the journey to the sacred sites in Saudi Arabia.

The trip is considered the culmination of spiritual life for Muslims, who number about 1.2 billion and comprise the world's second-largest religion.

"Those are very emotional images for Muslims because everyone is eager to complete that duty," said Darden, who moved to Charlotte from Atlanta in October.

WCCB logged about 10 complaints Wednesday from viewers, said Jeff Arrowood, the station's program director and promotion manager.

Arrowood said WCCB strives for memorable promos to break through the advertising clutter. "Sometimes we misfire," he said.

[jan in Colorado]

You all do a great job with the usual crowd of apologists.<<<


I don't know about that. Our comrades are dropping like flies here.
We had another one of our defenders of Freedom banned last night after dealing with a pesky troll that has been a thorn in all our sides for a long time.

I will quote our friend Broadsword who posted this advice last night:

"We have all got to be careful not to be taken down by a suicide flame attack. We must all ignore the flamers and trolls and Islamophiles."

Thanks for the sound advice Broadsword!

[USF]

A better comparison for the Hajj to Mecca would be the Nazi pilgrammage to Nuremberg for those massive Hitler rallies.

I agree.

The Arab/Muslim Nazi Connection

[Question_Assumptions]

I'm still trying to find the rule where it says that being religious means that you can't have a sense of humor.

[texasbluebell]

Ah, now I see what happened -- after I p.m'd you...

The good thing is one of the usual suspects is also now banned, and he shouldn't be too hard to spot if he signs on with another name.

[jan in Colorado]

I'm still trying to find the rule where it says that being religious means that you can't have a sense of humor.<<<<<

I'm not sure where exactly, but I'm guessing it's written somewhere in the koran right after "Kill all the infidels"! Of course the koran isn't a religious book any way, is it?

[JohnnyZ]

South Park Mall is pretty gay, I gotta say.

[jan in Colorado]

Radical Islam's plan to take over America ping

Read post #17

[Fred Nerks]

[jan in Colorado]

Here kitty kitty..you've got mail...

[freedumb2003]

That graphic reminds me of a recurring nightmare I had when I was a very young child.

[Fred Nerks]

Sorry about that. I'll send you something nice.

[freedumb2003]

I remember the 60's musical version of that

"What's a nice kid like you
doin' in a place like this?
whats a nice kid like you
doin' in a place like this?"

Here is a link for that song, sung by no less than Sammy Davis Jr. (requires Real Player): http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Set/4876/nicekid.ra

[Fred Nerks]

thanks for the thought but I'm a computer dummy, what's a Real Player? I clicked on the link but can't download it. Never mind, here's another:

[jan in Colorado]

Fred, what are you doing? This is a serious thread on the evils of spoofing mecca, and you have it overrun with cats.

That's not very respectful?

[Fred Nerks]

That's exactly what I'm doing, I'm spoofing mecca with cats, what's your problem? You want me to use pigs? Sure, I can do that, too.

[freedumb2003]

Freddie

I have seen you around and I think you are pulling my tail.
But, since you clearly love cats, I will tell you this...

My cat, whom I love so much, is 21 years old (110 human years?). And she is doing pretty well, although we get to do a twice-daily pill thingy.

If you are up to it, go to http://www.real.com and download the "free player."

The full URL they gave me was:

http://forms.real.com/netzip/getrde601.html?h=software-dl.real.com&r=1112ab1248653353e706&f=windows/RealPlayer10-5GOLD_bb.exe&p=RealOne+Player&oem=dlrhap_bb&tagtype=ie&type=dlrhap_bb

[jan in Colorado]

You are so smart Fred. Pigs are exactly what I was looking for. If we're going to spoof, we need to do it right!

And a flying pig at that! Well done.

When does the mall close?

[Fred Nerks]

I'm not pulling your tail, it's your leg. But thanks for the URL, I'll download it. Very kind.

[Rightwing Conspiratr1]

Hey I saw that Monty Python skit on PBS. The local station never apologized to the Catholic church for airing it. ;-)