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Arab Americans Call on Bush to Change Ad

Posted on Thursday March 11, 2004

Washington-Today the Bush/Cheney reelection campaign released its latest television ads. One ad outlines positions on taxes and challenges Senator John Kerry’s position on the Patriot Act. In the process of doing so, it makes a reference to terror and terrorists while flashing a picture of a Middle-Eastern appearing male.

“This ad undercuts the message the President issued to the Nation after September 11 and negatively stereotypes Arabs. By using an unidentifiable, but Arab looking young male while the word terrorist is heard, the message is unmistakable and regrettable. It can only create fear and suspicion and should be changed immediately,” said AAI President Dr. James Zogby.

Founded in 1985, the Arab American Institute (AAI) is a nonprofit organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent. AAI provides policy, research and public affairs services to support a broad range of community activities.