First, economics has been many times the driving force of minority enfranchsement simply because bias, discrimination, stereotyping, fearmongering, xenophobia, etc. don’t sell well, especially when the minority group has a sizable amount of “disposable income” to spend. The African American experience is important to examine in regard to this point. As bad as corporations may be, they actually helped “desegregate the dollar” because when all they saw was green many smaller businesses saw only black and white, especially in the South.

Also, corporations become much more sensitive to media bias because just as we saw with the Imus case, they don’t want to be associated with racism, sexism, etc and insha’Allah (Muslimphobia). This may help Muslims, not only with regard to the mainstream media, but also the nascent Muslim fourth estate. High-quality Muslim publications that are not mouthpieces for organizations and therefore don’t have their institutional funding are really struggling, including Q-News. The increased advertising might help these publications because these publications are completely directed toward niche markets, which marketers love because there is almost no question who will see their Muslim-focused ads.

And I must say that some Muslim-owned businesses are not that great and aren’t ever forced to do better. It might just be that if non-Muslim businesses gave them a run for their money, they will respond and be more attentive to their customers and increase the quality of their service and products. For too long have we Muslim-Americans have tolerated poor quality products favoring one’s Muslimness over their vigilance for the sacredness of aesthetics and doing things with ihsan. (This is not a broad swipe — there are many excellent Muslim companies and they should be rearded for their efforts).

Next, I’m surprised this is such big news. Muslims have always been into trade so to denounce entities that seek to make money because that is what they do is a bit strange. There is a marked difference between being enslaved by the dunya and inebriated by its allure, and another to hold the dunya in one’s hand and use it as a means of drawing nearer to God by being grateful for His blessings.

Please forgive me if I have offended anyone. It was not my intention and if I have, I pray it is a means for drawing you closer to God, Most High on the Day of Reckoning.

Muslims have a really high buying power- probably more than most other minorities. Muslims as a population have a higher income than the US average. Of course they want to look to us now. Moreover, I’m sure non-Muslims will also be buying some of those products because they’re “exotic.”

The fact of the matter is, most products that I buy are just like every other product that other Americans buy. My bed is like everyone else’s bed. My kitchen table, my places, my coffee table, my couches, my desk… I don’t need Islam-friendly for those products. I can probably think of three things that are different- food (specifically meat and chicken), clothing (hijabi friendly), and Eid paraphernalia.

For food, well, I agree with Saad. What about our local business stores? For clothing, well, again, similar to food, a lot of Muslims have already filled that gap and I think most Muslim girls are not exactly lacking in clothing. Sure it is difficult sometimes, but not impossible. Plus, us gals have had to use our creativity to put together hijab friendly clothing out of clothes that normally would not meet the criteria. Regarding the Eid paraphernalia, I mean I guess. We tend to make our own things which is nice and you can buy lights at any time of the year.

On the other hand, non-Muslims will become more aware of our population and identity. If big companies recognize us and our needs, we can be seen as more integrated and *part of America* but it’s really sad that that is what it might take.

PS: I forgot to disclose that I used to work in advertising, so I am very cynical about it, having seen how audiences and consumers are thought about and talked about from the inside. This isn’t about validating people. It’s about money, and Muslims shouldn’t keep falling into these mistakes when it comes to things like this.

I don’t think this is about making products more Muslim friendly. I think it’s about consumerism and how to make sure that a community that spends $170 b is influenced more than we already are by general advertising. Would seeing “myself” in a Mc Donald’s ad make me love Mc Donald’s more? Would seeing a Lipton ad that says “Happy Ramadan” make me run out and by Lipton? Am I that sway-able? Good Lord I hope not. But a lot of people are. Did Ikea go around to Muslim homes because they were concerned that Muslims didn’t feel integrated into the community? No, they went to Muslim homes because they want Muslim dollars. Personally, I kind of find all of this focused advertising a little condescending. I live in a country where we get this “Muslim focused” advertising in Ramadan (Ramadan Kareem from Coke!) and a few other times of the year (like the Head and Shoulders commercial that appeals to women who wear hijab), and it doesn’t make you feel validated. It makes you feel exploited.

And disappointed about that image marketing change from Bridges. Just reinforcing the stereotype that Muslim is about “East” and we are aliens in the “West.”

anyways, maybe its a good thing, but i don’t like it. its like lord of the rings and the evil eye has turned its watchful eye on the Muslim community, even if its “to make things better for us”..i don’t think its a good idea.

i guess thats all i’m saying..

and they will not stop with clothing and gelatin…its all commercializing our minds

oh wow, i sound like john lennon, whatever, i think i am john lennon now…minus yoko and the drugs..

i am a walrus..

Grocers and consumer product companies are considering ways to adapt their goods to Muslim rules, which forbid among other things, gelatin and pig fat, which is often used in cosmetics and cleaning products. Retailers are looking into providing more conservative skirts, even during the summer months, and mainstream advertisers are planning to place some commercials on the satellite channels that Muslims often watch.

God help the Muslim