TLC Features American Muslim Reality Show

TLC will be airing the new reality show, “All-American Muslim,” on Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 10 pm ET/PT. “All-American Muslim” will be an eight-part series that will show viewers the day to day functions of a handful of families from Dearborn, Michigan, which holds the largest population of American Muslims in the United States. This new series will show a community in the process of balancing their faith in their American lives post 9/11. Customs, celebrations, rites of passage, misconceptions, and differences within and outside the community will be addressed.

Supporters of the show hope it will help audiences see how Muslims are regular people who, like other Americans, want to live the “American Dream,” of raising a family or building a career.

“Through these families and their diverse experiences, we will explore how they blend their values and traditions with everyday life in America,” said Amy Winter, General Manager of TLC.

All the families portrayed lead vastly different lives. Two sisters, Suehaila and Shadia, epitomize the diversity one finds even within the same family. Suehaila is conservative, observing her daily prayers, while Shadia, tattooed and pierced, is outspoken and has recently married an Irish Catholic who is converting to Islam.

“A reality show on a major network like TLC is important for creating a more mainstream image of American Muslims in the United States.  Muslims are often stereotyped and misunderstood by the general public because of misconceptions about Islam and negative portrayals of Muslims in the media and pop culture,” said Amina Sharif, Communications Coordinator at CAIR-Chicago.

“I look forward to seeing 'All-American Muslim' and how it depicts American Muslim life. If done right, this show could potentially create a valuable dialogue about what defines the American Muslim identity,” Sharif added.