The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called on Muslims and other people of conscience to thank the creator of “The Simpsons” and the Fox television network for a recent episode that used comedy to challenge Islamophobia. The recently aired episode, titled “Mypods and Boomsticks” features a Muslim character named Bashir and his family, who face prejudice after moving to Springfield. While the character of Homer Simpson wrongly suspects Bashir’s family in a terror plot, the character of Bart befriends Bashir and defends him from bullies. “Because of its acceptance in popular culture, comedy is often one of the best vehicles for challenging stereotypes and intolerance. Fox and Matt Groening are to be congratulated for tackling the disturbing phenomenon of Islamophobia,” said CAIR Executive director Nihad Awad.
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