I’m not here to add any new ideas to the debate. I just want to add my voice to the side I believe is right, because it often takes a lot to show large corporations the errors of their ways. Even if this post shows up on the 802nd page of search results for the terms “Lowes” and “Kayak,” I want to do my part. And hey, maybe you hadn’t heard about this whole controversy and will decide to take some sort of action (or inaction) after reading this.
To recap, hardware giant Lowe’s decided to pull its advertising from the TLC show All American Muslim after pressure from a group called the Florida Family Association. The reality show follows five Muslim families in Dearborn, Michigan. I haven’t seen the show, but it seems to me the agenda, such as it is, is to show that Muslims in America live the same ordinary lives that many of us do. Apparently, this was too radical a point for view for the company.
In a post on its Facebook wall, which it later deleted (likely because their supporters revealed the bigotry the company won’t admit to), Lowe’s said it pulled its ads because it didn’t want to be part of the debate. But guess what, Lowe’s — pulling your ads makes a statement. You are taking part in this conversation, and you’ve told us exactly where you stand, loud and clear.
Kayak, the travel site, hasn’t been getting the same kind of heat as Lowe’s, after also pulling its advertising from All American Muslim three days later. They’re handling the controversy better, but they’re giving the same lame reasoning. According to Robert Birge, Kayak’s chief marketing officer:
The first thing I discovered was that TLC was not upfront with us about the nature of this show. As I said, it’s a worthy topic, but any reasonable person would know that this topic is a particular lightning rod.
Actually, Robert, only UNREASONABLE people would object to a show that depicts Muslim Americans as regular folks like you and me. You are catering to an UNREASONABLE group with UNREASONABLE beliefs. Your company’s behavior is shameful.
It’s sad that a company reminding itself to “not be evil” actually stands out. You’ve got Netflix supporting Internet censorship, Amazon subjecting workers to inhumane conditions and now Lowe’s and Kayak kowtowing to fringe racist groups.
Finally, here’s a great speech on the House floor by Connecticut Rep. Christopher Murphy laying into Lowe’s for its actions:
So please, don’t patronize Kayak. Don’t buy anything from Lowe’s. And remind all your family and friends to do the same. Thanks.
Mr. Ramirez:
Your rant on the issue of Lowe’s pulling its advertising from “All American Muslim” makes no sense at all. Corporations such as Lowe’s routinely pull their advertising for a variety of reasons including low Nielsen ratings, an imperfect fit in relation to the company’s business model, better opportunities to advertise elsewhere and to a broader audience and, on occasion, the controversial nature of the show being televised. The fact is in a free market, it is a company’s duty to maximise its profits wherever possible and increase its value to its shareholders. It is certainly under no obligation to act politically correct.
-James Bennett
I am going to shop exclusively at Lowes now. I also love the Australian’s that told the Muslums to live by their rules or leave. Personally I think they need to leave and take their Puppet Obama with them
I strongly disagree with the premises in your article. I don’t always agree with corporations but they have the absolute right to advertise or not advertise as they wish. Their freedom of association should not be slandered. Rep. Murphy is willfully putting his head in the sand by underestimating the rampant disloyalty in the muslim immigrant community. They have lots of anti-American ideas overall and the tv show displaying a few good people does not change that. sharia and jihad have no place in America. If you disagree with that you are a terrorist.
Muslims are not a race. Islam has mostly arab, persian, and southeast asian races as members of that group. So it is not racist to be against muslims. Taking stands against beliefs one does not like isn’t racist or bigoted. The quran has plenty of objectionable content, especially concerning non-believers. I view them as a dangerous, expansionist cult. Islamofascists want to take us over by the sword. We shouldn’t appear weak by kowtowing to them or putting some of them on tv. The ground zero mosque is also an abomination and should never have been built.
Newcomers to America, especially non-Jews from the middle east, have to take their knocks like everyone else has. We weren’t a nation of sissies then, nor should we be now. We should put the noobies thru the ringer and we can see how enthusiastic they are about America after a while. Will they still love this country and its diverse people or will they seek someplace less Western and free?
I see a new Lowe’s being built in my town, but I won’t be shopping there.
I wish Lowe’s had stood strong, AND KEPT THEIR COMMERCIALS, instead of caving-in to this fringe paranoid group.
It is quite a fine thing to acknowledge peaceful Muslims, Christians, and peaceful members of any organization, because world history is FULL of disgusting wars for extreme religious ideologies. I’ve had enough, have you ?
Islam is a complete life system from political to religious. So when someone says the issue is religion they are far, far from accurate. Islam brings a whole new discussion to religious freedom, etc. And they have fundamentalism just as Christianity does, but with a difference. They believe Islam should be the dominant religion period. And they believe with every breath that it is God’s wish they make it happen. And those few have tremendous financing at their disposal. Hundreds of millions of dollars.
Radical fundamentalists know the “combative” efforts have failed. Ever wonder how many people it takes to subvert and have a successful revolution? Actually, not that many motivated people. History, even near current history, is full of examples of how a dedicated few have subverted entire countries and peoples then ended up terrorizing their new d0maines (sp?) and, unfortunately, eventually a lot of the rest of the world.
I could give some great examples but I will leave that to you. The very best values of America are being used against us at the moment. It’s happening. Do the research. Nothing like an informed opinion.
Anyone who supports this show says two things about themselves ; one is they have forgotten about 9/11 , shame on you ! Everyone who lived near those wonderful families of muslims in Florida eleven years ago would have welcomed a show like this and no one would have objected . Secondly this is supposed to be a free country including Lowes . As such , they have the right to advertise with who they want . I doubt very seriously if anyone who is complaining about this situation would have said a word if any company had pulled sponsorship from a Christian show .
As a reminder , it was muslims who attacked our country on 9/11 . It is muslims who kill their own family ( legally in arab countries ) for leaving the muslim faith . It is the coran that calls for death to non muslims . It is anti -American to support anyone who means harm to the US . And that is you if you support this or any other agenda , agency or gruop claiming bigotry because they don’t get their way ! I would be willing to wager that any sponser that pulled ads from maceys would attract the same lamebrane supporters .Why would you care about men being in the same changing rooms as your wives and or children ?
Stand up for something right for once ! Support Lowes , Kayak and other sponsors who pull their ads from this show and also any one who pulls their ads from maceys
I am personally appalled at the actions of a company that makes its home in the USA and derives its main income from all American families. I am an Irish American from Dearborn Michigan that happened to grow up 7 houses from one of the families featured on the show All American Muslim.
The extreme viewpoint and subsequent actions taken by Lowes is shameful, and brings into question the true values that this country has been founded upon. These families are hard working Americans and even through the tragedy of 9-11 and the racism that has been directed towards the Muslim community, have thrived and been pillars in the community.
I am proud to know these families individually, and have always held them in the highest regard. Their families have worked hard and lived the American Dream. They have embodied all that this country is founded on, hard work,dedication and cultural diversity.
It is a complete shame to know that this type of bigotry can still exist in a land that we call free. At some point, all of us were immigrants and faced this challenge, but the real question is…
Why in this age? Haven’t we learned?
It is good to see the action re the “Muslim family” show. Most people know it is a front just like CAIR. It is in their DNA/Koran to lie to get their way. It seems strange that TLC would not also want to film Christians/Jews/Hindus/Sikhs/Catholics and any others on their family activities.
If Muslims weren’t so damn mean they wouldn’t need to make a film showing how they assimilate (not). They have ONLY one agenda; take over our country. Saudia Arabia is so deep in the white house and government it will be difficult for them to ever get out and stop their propaganda.
All true Americans, no matter religion, race, etc. should see the Islam belief for what it really is and investigate everything they do. CAIR is nothing more than a front. Our country needs to get a grip and stop giving in to all their idiot demands. If they refuse to assimilate then go back to the desert. They are using our freedoms to take away our freedoms.
Time to make Lowes understand our feelings. Here’s the plan:
Select a basket full of goods. Have the clerk ring it up . Then say no thanks, I don’t shop here anymore since you pulled the ads for All American Muslim. And leave.
That should get their attention.
This ad should have been pulled, it is sacri-religious. Muslims do not celebrate xmas on any occasion. Muslims cannot celebrate Christian holidays particularly the the fallacy of xmas. They are fake Muslims, pretending in order to be accepted in american society, apparently its not working. They do not represent true American Muslims born and raised here .
This guy is a Dhimmi and uninformed as to the content of the quran/islam. A typical lib/leftist.
Thank you, Mr. Ramirez, for a clear and utterly reasonable statement on the issue. Lowe’s and Kayak will not be getting any of my or my family’s business. Thank you also for including Congressman Christopher Murphy’s speech. It is good to know that there are people like him still in congress.
I will ONLY patronize Home Depot for my home improvement needs – Lowes has lost my business forever – Same for Kayak…
I am a skinny white American male (OK – I am 10 lbs overweight) who believes in freedom of speech and religion – I find it offensive that a publicly traded company can be so shortsighted and moved to act in such a discriminatory manner.
Do we demand that sponsors retract their support from the Duggars due to the damage done by extremists of the Christian faith? The Duggars are wrong on so many other fronts, Christianity is not the reason they should be pulled from the airwaves….
Please add my voice to yours – this is WRONG.
BRILLIANT article. I am quite alarmed that a tiny group of paranoid, religious fanatics is able to bully businesses in this fashion. What’s next? This whole thing sickens me – America is supposed to be about inclusiveness. Don’t we pride ourselves in respecting differences? I know conservative groups are much less likely to do so, but they are NOT the majority.
Very sad state of affairs.
Dear Mark, I have 2 videos for you to watch too.
http://secure.afa.net/afa/activism/takeaction.asp?id=384
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-871902797772997781
The reality is that you can not blame those who have made the homework, those who read and learn what is really happening. I can tell you that after you open your eyes you will see clearly that there are not terrorists or extremists attacking on the name of islam, they are just muslims doing what their “religion” tells them to do. The so called american muslims are either naive, ignorant wanabe muslims who have never read the Quaran or the Hadits or real muslims waiting for the right moment to act. Do not be fooled, good for Lowe’s , they took action in favor of the real Americans.
If the called “American muslims” were real Americans they would be responsible enough to read and learn what they are part of and take a stand: are they American or are they muslims, because there can not be such thing as the called American-muslim (but oops! the penalty for apostasy is death and that’s why there are many make believe muslims). Americans are the targeted un-believers and muslims are the chosen ones to make unbelievers convert or desapear. On what side are you?
My son in America got brainwashed and converted to Islam and what would you say as typical American: “he has the right to choose what to believe”, right? No way . His parents are smart knowledgeable people with a very smart son. It was very hard but he sat with us because we promised, knowing him and the principles we have taught him, that if he decided to stay muslim after finding the reality about the islam, we would convert too. We read together Quaran, Hadits (never anti-muslim books or web sites) and guess what? he quit. Does this tells you something?
Buy Lowe’s, use Kayak and be grateful that there are still Americans doing the homework and standing on the right side demanding Americans to be responsible enough to read, learn and decide instead of sponsoring a program to make people like you believe that they have the same agenda as any real American. Wake up before is too late.
This is the United States of America and last time I checked, the Constitution was still the law of the land. Therefore the individual or corporation has the right to spend their money where they choose (excluding the unconstitutional Obamacare). Lowes and Kayak have chosen to no longer spend their money advertising on TLC. That is their right. You have the right to speak about it, criticize it, and scream it to the world.
The problem is the liberals, democrats, socialists and communists in this country and in Congress think they have the God given right ( democrats, liberals, and communists don’t believe in God) to determine who is right or wrong here, and then legislate the issue until another stupid unconstitutional law is forced through Congress for a progressive, liberal president like the Boy King Obama to sign into law. There are laws that protect all Americans from physical assault, even a “hate” law to protect a class of morally deviant humans that prefer anal sex and are carriers of AIDS . These classes of people are well protected , as are the Muslims in our society.
Americans are smart and vote with their wallet. Billy Bob and Rastus want to spend more money at Lowes because of Lowes decision and that’s their right. If Biff and Abdul stop buying at Lowes that’s their right too. You have the right to form a group to support TLC and their Islamic propaganda.
Where it gets out of control is when the government steps in and tries to legislate where one chooses to spend their money. If we head down that road, then we no longer are a Democracy.
I signed a petition against TLC for airing this Islamic fantasy show. It is my right, and you don’t like it. I oppose the queer shows on MTV and elsewhere. That’s my right. Most all our countries ailments can be attributed to the breakdown of the Family Unit. Look at who is running the country today and look back to their upbringing. One needs only to look at Obama to understand why his views on America are that of a communist. But that’s a discussion for another day.
I will make a large purchase at Lowe’s today and will ask my friends and family to do the same.
Lowe’s is a good company and employs many who otherwise would not have a job. They donate to our community and have great merchandise at a very good price.
Let me compare that to the Muslim community. Well, huh, I am at a loss to name all the good things these people have done for my community.
We are constantly on alert because of these people. Our lives are forever changed for the worse because of these people. Although they “come in peace”, I just cannot grasp that at this time.
But you keep trying to make yourself a “hero” while these people continue to try to kill us.
Has anyone ever studied the rise and fall of the third reich this is exactly how hitler got started with just a few followers please let us as a nation stand against racism and bigotry
I do not know what “Your comment is awaiting moderation.” means but if you are an editor, writer, blogger and I do not know how many other things, I hope you watch the videos, read the Quaran and Hadits and even if it takes time to sink in, you’ll learn the truth and start writing about it for the sake of your kids and the whole America’s future
Apologies to every one for the delay in approving your comments; I didn’t realize there was a whole bunch waiting in the queue.
As to the rest of it, well, I’ve said what I had to say. Yes, the KAYAKs and Lowe’s of the world have the freedom to do as they please with their advertising dollars, just as we individuals are free to spend our money at our retailers of choice, and free to convince others of the merits of their choices.
It is pretty funny, though, that in their attempts to avoid controversy, KAYAK and Lowe’s succeeded in doing the exact opposite.
Pingback: If One Man Can Take Down Lowe's and Kayak, What's Next? - Forbes