hmmmmmmmmm what to say

Maybe Muslim wasnt the most original choice but any ethnic group they choose they will piss off. Im not condoning portraying Muslims as terroists at all.

I dont even watch this show

i understand why muslim groups would not like how they keep bringing up muslim terroists in shows, its becuz of whats going on right now this wont help ppl know that there these are not what islam is about so it bugs them to know that there are ppl who actually think its all about violence.

but i also understand how the show is against terrorism by its means not a specific relgion.

aaah what to say.

There have been some Muslim characters in the show that weren't terrorist. One was the fiance of Marie Warner, the blue eyed blonde all-American terrorist.

As Kiefer has said, it is a television drama about specific people each season, not generalizations about ethnic groups. There have been seasons where there were terrorists in different seasons who were not Muslims.

Do they expect 24 to not do any seasons about Muslim terrorists targeting the U.S.? Do they become off-limits just because these groups complain? This show is a great drama and nothing more, and most fans are intelligent enough to know all Muslims are not terrorists. People who think that way are racists and that is not the fault of 24.

I just read an msn article the other day where in an anonymous poll 53% of American's admitted they were prejudiced against people with brown skin. I don't think it's very responsible for shows like 24 to perpetuate the stereotype of Muslims as terrorists when in reality the majority are peaceful people.

They've used a lot of different groups as terrorists thus far, not just Muslims.

I agree with lilren. Great show.

Uh, Muslims don't have brown skin. My best friend is Muslim. She's whiter than me for some reason. I come from an Irish and a Dutch heritage. Both of her parents are Muslims. They're from Lebanon. Anyway, I think that 24 must stop stereotyping against Muslims. It's absurd!

There are muslims that have brown skin!!! Religion is not based on the color of your skin jenny86.

You expect FOX to Not tow the government's terrorist fear terrorist fear terrorist fear terrorist Propaganda line?

HAHA, you must be joking, that's what they do best!

I think these attacks on 24 and the conspiracy theories that Fox Entertainment is working for the government is what is really absurd.

But that's life in America these days, someone is always offended and complaining about something on television.

I hope Fox Entertainment and the producers of 24 don't listen to the people trying to dictate what should be on this show.

Of course they portray some radical Muslim terrorists. It's a huge part of what's going on in the world today. BUT, they do a fantastic job of NOT pigeonholing Muslims and NOT putting out the idea that Islam = violence.

As others have said, they have portrayed several NON muslim terrorist groups and terrorists including non muslim Eastern Europeans, Hispanics and Americans. There have been several whole seasons without a single Muslim terrorist.

Just in the season (5, I think) I'm watching on Netflix right now alone, they have portrayed many, many peaceful and NON terrorist affiliated Muslims. They've had many Muslim small characters who say that what the terrorists do anger them and give Islam a bad name. There were the two brothers who owned the sporting goods store who volunteered to help Jack and Paul fight off the American-hired non Muslim mercenary group. There was the girlfriend of the computer programmer who sensed her boyfriend was becoming radicalized and alerted CTU. There was the son of the Araz family who was raised in a radical environment and who was a devout Muslim but who would not stand for the terrorist tactics. On top of that, many of the people working with and for the terrorists are mercenary Americans. I'm only part way through the season, so I'm sure there will be more to come.

Muslim is a religion, not an ethnic group.

What about the first and second season, Nina was not labeled Muslim and did not work for Muslims, but she stuck out in my mind as being a primary character on the terrorist side of the show. Also, it's not like they suspect every Muslim as being a terrorist. I'm sure that if the world changed and another religious or ethnic group was all over the news with terrorism, then 24 would write about that. Obviously the viewers keep on watching, so what exactly is the problem. I have religiously (no pun intended) watched every season and do not have any altered views about religion or ethnicity from the show. It's about terrorism, plain and simple.

ur right guys, its not 24's fault if ppl dont want to admit what is going on around them and live in their own little bubble yes i have seen a couple of episodes where the terrorists were not muslims.

They even point out on the show that the violence doesn't come from all Muslims. And, like I said before, they've used many other groups as the "bad guys" -- and no one else has complained.

"Muslim" is not a religion, either. It is the title of the followers of Islam, which is, in fact, the religion in question.

Something I've found while working with activists groups in my city is that people are very inclined to be nervous about those who look like Muslims or Arabs joining them on buses, trains, airplanes, and even in a freaking cafeteria. MOST Muslims are NOT Arab -- the largest Muslim country that's actually an Arab country is the 7th on the list - Egypt. Before that we have Indonesia, India, Pakistan, etc. Syrians and Lebanese people are usually quite pale, whereas Egyptians are black or olive-skinned -- it's all about geography.

That being said, while the majority of Muslims are converts from Christianity, as well as non-Arab racial groups, an Sikh man wearing a turban is most likely going to be assumed to be a Muslim. It's a common perception held in Western Europe and the United States that being Muslim is the equivelant of having brown skin and an accent.

Yes, I would hope the majority of 24 fans, as well as Americans in general, would have a sense of this multi-national, multi-racial population of this very peaceful faith. However, it's also very important to point out that perpetuating this stereotype, despite representations from other ethnic and religious groups, is incredibly damaging to the Muslim communities in the United States. Hate crimes against Muslims, Hispanics, Indians, and others that 'look' like a Muslim are still quite high, even in so-called "liberal" cities like NYC and Chicago.

If there were instances of a Hasidic Jewish character spying on the U.S. for Israel, 24 would off the air in a hot minute. Why? Because unlike Muslim advocacy groups, Jewish advocacy groups are very successful and a generally untargeted media populace -- it's a good thing. However, because we're willing to accept the stereotypes thrown at us, it is impossible for an American Muslim to go about their everyday business without facing both subtle and extreme forms of racism. 24 may not have a responsibility, being a fictional drama, but I hope they begin to evolve as a show, and make clear that having a few non-Muslim terrorists doesn't excuse their overwhelming tradition of portraying Muslims as the bad guys.

wow minaminamina i couldnt have said it better:P

I think that just shows 24's lack of real writing talent...what's the best way to bring people to watch your show than write about one of the most controversial topics in our society.

true adriana, they need to put more effort to change the way some ppl might think negatively to others not add to it. open up ppls minds although alot already know whats goin on but there are others who just do nothin but watch these shows

Minaminamina - I've only seen four seasons of 24 thus far, and of those seasons only two of them dealt with Muslim terrorists. The other two ENTIRE seasons involved Serbian NON Muslim terrorists and a Mexican drug cartel. And, as I've said previously, they've portrayed many Muslim chracters who are not in any way terrorists.

So, if producing entire seasons with nary a reference to Muslim terrorists and portraying innocent and sympathetic Muslim characters isn't good enough, what is?

BTW, I think your assertion that if a Jew were portrayed in a bad light 24 would be pulled off the air immediately is absolutely ridiculous. And I think you will find a lot of Jewish people who have experienced significant prejudice in their lifetimes, here in America despite these all powerful Jewish advocacy groups you point to.

sorry to be off topic - but the picture - what a sexy man

I have no desire to watch this show.

i watched a couple of shows, i also agree with you too jennifer aswell as agree with minaminamina, although i watched a couple episodes of the show i dont think i would want to watch it becuz i dont intend to watch this contreversial issue hehe i need somethin to keeep my mind off of it!

There is a major character this season, Assad, who led 20 years of violent terrorist activity, but is working towards a non-violent approach within the groups he has influence in. HE was trying to stop the terrorist, Fayed, that's responsible for the terrorist acts! It was in the season premier, and Assad (a former terrorist) is now working with Jack Bauer's organization, CTU. Also, Wayne Palmer's (the 2nd black president on the show) sister is a lawyer working to fight the unconstitutional treatment of Muslims by a member of Palmer's staff. And come on, Jack defended Assad's treatment by one of CTU's officers... he made the decision to shoot and kill his friend and colleague, Curtis, to protect him from being shot in the head.

I know I'm a big 24 dork, but I think those are important aspects that people seem to be overlooking.

well..hmm..I am Muslim and let me tell you; yes it does get extremely annoying when we are portrayed as terrorists VERY OFTEN. Thanks mina3 for clearing things up a little- your comment was informative and accurate about Islam.
Islam is a religion of PEACE. Islam and Muslim literally mean “peace” and “submission [to the religion of Islam].”
Regardless of how the media portrays Muslims, I'd just like to make a few things clear. Jihad does not mean "holy war." In fact, there is no such term holy war in Islam. Jihad literally means "struggle." One can have their own personal internal struggle/Jihad against temptations such as drinking alcohol (which is forbidden in Islam)- therefore, a Muslim can be waging there own personal Jihad against the temptation to drink!
The only way that a Muslim can fight Jihad in a war is if an entire infrastructure or nation declares war on a Muslim nation or infrastructure. BEFORE Muslims can begin fighting they must try to make peace in three different ways. War is a LAST RESORT in Islam!
Muslims who ARE fighting in a war must NOT: kill innocents or civilians; harm Churches, Synagogues, or any places of worship; even pluck a leaf from a tree!!
Now I know this isn’t necessarily directly about 24, but I thought I’d try to inform others, and generally try to undo some of the prejudices and biases against Muslims.

Mina and Kudiye, i really appreciate both of your educational comments as my sister and her husband are Muslim and it kills me to think of anyone being prejudiced towards them for their religious choice.

I don't think very many people are *for* the idea of creating prejudice against *any* groups - Muslim or otherwise.

I think the question is whether or not 24 provides a realistic portrayal of what a Counter Terrorist Unit would be up against in today's climate.

i actually did find that Islam means peace as kudiye pointed out...it's very ironic and sad that political propaganda have made it seem like a religion of violence, which the thought of is just obsurd...all religions preach peace and love but some people just try and convince us that one is better than other, and they are spreading hate and prejudice...we need to see less violent material and something that promotes unity because unfortunately, for some people tv is the place where they get their info from.

exactly Adriana, i am a muslim myself, and i agree on how u pointed out that the reason for this is becuz ppl try to constantly convince us that one is better than the other, why cant we just accept difference and celebrate it why should anyone be right and the other wrong why can we just open the possibilities to let everyone be right. i must say that i used to say that i am a muslim becuz i know im right but 3 years ago when i really started reading and getting to know and meet alot of ppl i started to say i am a muslim becuz it works for me not becuz its right. who am i to say this is right and wrong, i do what works for me and thats it.

Give me a break that FOX is using this as a way to keep us in fear. Ummm.. day after tomorrow pushes global warning fears.. there has been more PRO democratic views than Rep on TV. Why is everything that seems Rep. so bad but when something is done through a Dem view it is hailed wonderful.. Michael Moore etc? Just asking. I am registered independent. I vote on what is important at the time of my life.. I think it is sad people vote for a party and not on what the actual person feels about the issues!! Hence why we are where we are today!!

Good call Jennifer76!!!

Ummmm, all I have to say is they need to figure out a way to bring Tony and Michelle back from the dead. It's just not the same without them! They can figure out a way!

and i also do believe that like jennifer said not alot of ppl are for prejudice at all

Tony and Michelle die!?!?!? ARGH!!! This is why I usually stay away from 24 threads. Dern. Dern. Dern. I'm not caught up to the current season yet.

There's a good reason that TV portrays Islamic as terrorists..because they are! Liberals control 90% of the media and they can't take one Conservative show? Really nice political party you guys have. I'm very proud to not be a part of it. When radical Islamists stop promoting terror then they can have an argument otherwise.....

why is it that because 24 is a show about terrorism that its instantly conservative? do you think liberals have covers over their head and we think terrorism does not exist? just because we dont feel the need to exploit and eradicate an entire group of people based upon their religious beliefs does not mean that we do not think terrorism exists. that being said, its unfortunate that the majority of muslims, those who are peace and democracy loving individuals, are feeling the pressure of the stereotypes that are created by the few radical muslims that are out there. but the muslim community needs to band together and fight these guys. you need to work within your community and send the message that islam is not a religion hell bent on destroying america. shows like 24 are tackling the issues that are relevant today and unfortunately radical islam is our a greatest terrorist threat today.

Muslims -- (hear me) -- Honestly - get over it!

African Americans have had to live with this for MANY years. We're either drunk, on drugs, the rapist, the murder, the gang member -- if it's negative -- guess what it's usually a black person.

Every nationality has bad seeds - and crap it makes for great TV. If ya don't like it -- don't watch!

.. all i have to say is that jack bauer is the most kicka$$ man on TV! i luv the show... not about targeting muslims or whatever - i mean it's a tv show so it's all fake!
and they have had others that weren't muslim as terrorists - there have been quite a few 'jabs' at the russians if i can recall correctly!

anyways when it's been happening for years in the movies - hello how many of the 'baddies' have been either Russian,asian or even English, it's stereotyping blah blah, and someone has to play the bad guy and usually it cannot be an american ccoz he's playing the good guy... it's not real people so they should get that into their heads

kh6- are u sayin muslims are terroists?
and dreamsugar- dont generalize of the fact that all muslims get up and create a riot becuz someone offended someone, there are those who dont and those who do, so seriously generalizing means u dont see a difference

KH, I've said this before, and I'll say it again- I AM A CONSERVATIVE! Shocking, yes, that a conservative can sit down and say, "hmm... shall I attempt to help stop racial profiling and an unjust war today? I think I will." Regardless of your political affiliation, there is NO justification for targeting Islam as a violent faith OR Muslims as predisposed to terrorist activity. The most violent terrorism in the history of this world has traditionally been carried out by Anglo-Saxon Christians. Does that mean we don't let white people cross from state-to-state without unprovoked searches, just in case they decide to bring the IRA out of the bushes? I don't think so.

And Jennifer, I think you missed the point of my comment. My meaning was that, YES, those of the Jewish faith have experienced prejudice in their lives -- and Jewish advocacy groups HAVE pulled shows before, because of brief, unfair portrayal of Jews. 24 has gotten away with lengthy, unfair portrayal of Muslims multiple times. Despite it's 50% shying away from the topic, can we really dismiss it? It's ironic also, Jennifer, that the other two examples you point to are both of minority status as well. Mexicans and Serbs, eh? Ethnically, quite different from an Arab, but as for skin tone and racial identification, most Americans would not know the difference between the three.

It's just a curious cultural phenomena when we experience adrenaline rushes from fictional drama with very little basis on our actual lives. It's not always a good thing, and not all the viewers of 24, or similar shows, are as responsible as many of you who are commenting here. I think KH is a perfect example of the ignorance that can prevail if not well-balanced by self-education. That said, if KH, you're curious as to what Islam IS, I can explain it to you in another forum. Just say the word.

Also, dreamsugar, are you forgetting the Black Muslims? What about Sudanese and Egyptian Muslims, who are black. How about South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Ghana, which all have huge Muslim populations?

Once again, people are forgetting that this is a RELIGION. And one of such popularity and a high conversion rate that there is NO racial barrier for those who follow the faith. Islam is NOT an ethnicity!

On lighter note...Santa Monica :sighs: how I miss thee

thanks Mina3-I was just about to retierate that point. Islam-religion; Muslim-follower of Islam. Hardly any modern worldwide religions follow ethnic lines. I even have several friends who were raised Southern Baptist & converted to Judaism. I don't watch 24 so I really can't comment on the story line.

Ok, it gets a little tiring when I hear people say that 24 has also included "nice" muslims. Don't you think its the show responsibility to do that so that they don't get as much backlash?? Just like the show Friends, how often did you see an Afro-American? Well after numerous complaints, Ross finally got an Afro-American girlfriend. Does this mean that the show is fair now? Didn't think so. And yes, 24 has had other radical groups there, but this issue wouldn't have come up if the majority wasn't Muslims. Especially with the hatred that is going on around the world today againts all these muslims, it isn't the greatest topic to portray. I guess, unless you are Muslim, you wouldn't know the hatred we go through now. So now what?!?!

Well, this should ultimately satisfy the "Keifer does a PSA" square on my 24 Bingo sheet that buzzsugar gave us!

24 could make this all go away by having a Muslim CTU employee (who was not a mole).

Anyone who has ever watched this show would know that they do not portray Muslims as the terrorist each season. Regardless of whether or not the majority of Muslims are peaceful, the fact is that most of the terrorist targeting the US have been Muslims. In this particular season, they have already shown several white Americans that are helping the terrorist at various stages of their plan which makes them terrorist too.

Casimira, ROFL! My husband and I are already trying to figure out who the mole will be this season at CTU. You would think they would be better about screening their employees by now!

minamina i totally agree with you thank you for ur comment becuz it cleared alot of things out for other ppl thank you:)

They need a disclaimer explaining that cellular phones don't work as well as Jack Bauers while they are at it! lol------------------------------------------------------
Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. — Albert Einstein

Actually, the most common group of people to attack America as terrorists have been white. Fortunately, being part of the majority helps to deter from racist attacks and racial profiling (it still happens, but obviously not as severely or commonly). We'll start with the Puritans in New England attacking the Narangasette nation; the French attacking settlers and British for territory; the British logging industry for raping the land; the British government for the Revolution and post-Revolutionary terrorist tactics; the British for initiating the 1812 struggle; Portugeuse pirates attacking on American waters; and let me just propel us through the Civil War (instigated by Americans via terrorist methods, and ending with the Northern armies terrorizing the South), the Suffrage movement (torture in prisons), and Timothy McVeigh...

PoohBare, I doubt that the writers on the show are so unimaginative that they can't figure out some less stereotypical options. And I DO watch the show, by the way. Calling a terrorist a Muslim is like calling an elephant a cat - Islam allows for no forced suffering or warfare, which means the people who most recently attacked our country were merely claiming some allegance to a religion which rejects their kind. Moreso that 2 of the hijackers on 9/11 were eating pork and drinking alcohol at a bar the night before they did it -- that's not very Muslim, at all.