We've known the Bunkers from All in the Family and the Cosbys from The Cosby Show. Now it's time to get to know "The Qu'osbys."
This American sitcom family happens to be Muslim, but don't worry. They're not that kind of Muslim!
Aasif Mandvi's web series Halal In The Family is by no means politically correct, and the series challenges stereotypes through humour, which serves as an important tool in combatting anti-Muslim bias.
Photo Credit: www.backstage.com
Mandvi stars alongside Sakina Jaffrey, Shoba Narayanan and Nicky Maindiratta with guest appearances from Samantha Bee, Jordan Klepper and Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter.
The all-American Muslim family provides wholesome entertainment while also addressing pressing topics that otherwise may get swept under the rug.
"Through my work at The Daily Show, I’ve covered way too many stories that reveal the depth of prejudice against Muslims in the United States,” says Mandvi. “Halal in the Family will expose a broad audience to some of the realities of being Muslim in America. By using satire we will encourage people to reconsider their assumptions about Muslims, while providing a balm to those experiencing anti-Muslim bias. I also hope those Uncles and Aunties out there will crack a smile!"
Until now, there hasn't been a Muslim-American family sitcom that responded to the misinformation and bigotry facing Muslims. Halal In The Family will, hopefully, be that game-changer.
"The Qu'osbys," like many Muslim families, are afraid of being misunderstood or misidentified. While the show combats misinformation, it doesn't portray Muslim identity in terms of an apology. It explores what it means to be different from other Muslims instead of what it's like to be different as a Muslim.
Halal In The Family premiered its first four episodes on Funny Or Die, and the original web series was completely funded by a Kickstarter campaign.
Each episode focuses on a challenge facing Muslims and communities associated with Muslims. The challenges include online bullying and hate networks, surveillance and spying on Muslim communities, media bias, and the use of anti-Muslim prejudice for political gain.
Mandvi opted to air the show on the web instead of a TV network because he felt "so much great content is being created now" and "the audience can find it."
With the lack of racial diversity on TV, airing the show on the web is a sensible choice so it can garner some much-needed attention.
“The level of appetite is out there for something like this,” Mandvi says. “People desperately want to have these conversations.” And not just American Muslims. “The problem with the mainstream media is there’s no room for nuanced, complex conversations in terms of Middle Easterners and Muslims, and the millions of identities that that entails.”
Check out all four episodes of Halal In The Family here.
Main Image Photo Credit: www.lassiwithlavina.com
All In The Family, Anokhi, Anti-muslim, Asif Mandvi, Bias, Bigotry, Bill Cosby, Funny Or Die, Halal, Identity, Indian, Muslims, Pakistani, Racism, Sakina Jaffrey, Shobha Narayan, The Cosby Show, The Daily Show, Unity
Nomaan Khan
Author
After spending some time in a completely different field, Nomaan decided to drop it all and switch to Mohawk College to pursue his longtime interest in the world of Journalism. His experience working in multimedia platforms has helped him develop exceptional skills in thinking on his feet, being ...
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