Comedian Aasif Mandvi takes aim at 'Islamophobia' in new web series
theGRIO REPORT - Comedy Central's Aasif Mandvi is known for joking about certain folks' anti-Muslim bias. As "Senior Muslim Correspondent" for the Daily Show, he's made the faux-paranoia about Islam his signature bit. Now, he's using that as a premise for a new web series called Halal in the Family...
Comedy Central’s Aasif Mandvi is known for joking about certain folks’ anti-Muslim bias.
As “Senior Muslim Correspondent” for the Daily Show, he’s made the faux-paranoia about Islam his signature bit.
Now, he’s using that as a premise for a new web series called Halal in the Family.
The new series will “expose a broad audience to some of the realities of being Muslim in America,” Mandvi writes on the series’ Indiegogo page.
Mandvi and his production team have raised nearly $30,000 since launching the campaign last November. Approximately $20,000 will cover production for the series’ four episodes. The comedian writes the additional $10,000 will help cover promotion costs.
The campaign ends next week.
In a 2012 interview with AOL, Mandvi said politicians and the media perpetuate “fear” of Islam as a “tool.”
The 48-year-old comedian said that he thinks that’s “sad.”
According to the new web series’ Indiegogo page:
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!
Each of the four episodes focus on a different challenge faced by American Muslims and communities associated with Muslims. The themes, which were identified by Muslim and civil rights organizations, include surveillance and spying in Muslim communities; online bullying and hate networks; media bias; and the use of anti-Muslim prejudice for political gain.
Watch a preview clip of ‘Halal in the Family’ below:
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