'Ben and Izzy' cartoon promotes tolerance

San Jose Mercury News ^ | Fri, May. 05, 2006 | DALE GAVLAK

[nickcarraway]

A Jordanian media firm hopes its new TV cartoon series can achieve what politicians have failed to do so far: bridge the cultural divide between East and West.

It sounds like a tall order, but the Rubicon firm - named after the river Caesar crossed to establish the Roman Empire - is armed with an equally mighty motto: "to embark on a mission from which one cannot turn back."

Even more important is that the cartoon, called "Ben and Izzy" and aimed at 8 to 11 year olds, has royal backing from Jordan's media savvy rulers, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, who have made it their goal to promote tolerance.

Rania will showcase Jordan's first TV cartoon export in New York on May 8 at a black-tie dinner she's hosting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. American media 'royalty,' like Barbara Walters and Katie Couric, are expected to be on hand.

"Ben and Izzy has all the right ingredients," Rania told The Associated Press. "It uses the fun medium of a children's cartoon, promotes important intercultural understanding and educates our children as well."

"It's all about partnership. This isn't about East telling West, or West telling East, but rather East and West putting their heads together and figuring out what's best for us both," she added.

Randa Ayoubi, Rubicon's 43-year-old director, said she believed its innovative program featuring the sometimes rocky relationship between two 11-year-old boys - one American, one Arab - will appeal to youngsters and adults alike in her native Amman, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and beyond.

"First and foremost, it's entertainment. But it's also educational in that it contains a message of tolerance, acceptance, and coexistence," Ayoubi said, adding that this is especially important in the wake of 9/11 and the Iraq war.

[Alouette]

"It's all about partnership. This isn't about East telling West, or West telling East, but rather East and West putting their heads together and figuring out what's best for us both,"

To the tune of the "Barney song"

I hate Jews
You hate Jews
Let's join in
And kill the Jews...

[kenavi]

How does this program promote tolerance IN JORDAN?

[horse_doc]

I liked the idea of two boys from different parts of the world forming an incredible friendship," he said. "In this day and age, we need more of that.

Jonny Quest and Haji did this about thirty years ago.

And Haji never even had to explain why he cut someone's head off.

[Wally_Kalbacken]

But Dr. Quest and Race Bannon had some explaining to do. Ever seen one of them in the company of women? I rest my case.

[dead]

the cartoon, called "Ben and Izzy" and aimed at 8 to 11 year olds, has royal backing from Jordan's media savvy rulers, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, who have made it their goal to promote tolerance.

I could tolerate Queen Rania, that’s for damn sure.

[Sometimes A River]

It's always always always the Westerners who lack tolerance for others.

(Where is the media expose on how intolerant Muslims are of non-Muslims?)

[Bommer]

But Dr. Quest and Race Bannon had some explaining to do. Ever seen one of them in the company of women? I rest my case.

Birdman defended Dr. Quest when Race fought for custody of the kids. Classic episode. Ranks up there with the Yabba-Daba Don when Fred is revealed as head of a crime syndicate!

[Alouette]

King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, who have made it their goal to promote tolerance.

Except for Jews, who are not allowed to step foot in their country.

[weegee]

"It's all about partnership. This isn't about East telling West, or West telling East, but rather East and West putting their heads together and figuring out what's best for us both,"

No. It IS about accepting the established Western tradition of freedom of religion and that means no more death sentences for muslims who convert away from Islam and no treating non-muslims as sub-himans with calls for their enslavement or murder.

[weegee]

Was Haji muslim or Hindu?

[Tamar1973]

Here's more info about the actual cartoon itself. Lucy Liu signed up to do the voice of the Genie who gets the heros into some interesting situations.

Ben & Izzy offical website

[weegee]

(Where is the media expose on how intolerant Muslims are of non-Muslims?)

Right here (I saw this movie a week ago, it still needs a distributor)

http://www.obsessionthemovie.com/

[weegee]

BUMP. They don't really CAIR about tolerance for other faiths.

[HitmanLV]

Queen Rania is a major league fox, I say!

[wireman]

Jonny Quest and Haji did this about thirty years ago.

"Jonny Quest" (1964) [TV-Series 1964-1965] (from IMDB)

You're showing your age. It was forty years ago....

[Sometimes A River]

Well that oughtta draw a fatwa or 50...

[weegee]

Jade:

[weegee]

Rania will showcase Jordan's first TV cartoon export in New York on May 8 at a black-tie dinner she's hosting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. American media 'royalty,' like Barbara Walters and Katie Couric, are expected to be on hand.

[Alouette]

Was Haji muslim or Hindu?

His turban looks Sikh...