[Peace-discuss] Racism and the Long War on 4th of July

[C. G. Estabrook]

[It seems the Anti-War *Anti-Racism* Effort should take note of the sort of 
racism directly associated with this war. --CGE]


      CAIR: Muslims Welcome Withdrawal of Offensive ‘Run Hadji Run’ Fireworks

(ST. PAUL, MN, 7/3/09) - The Minnesota chapter of the Council on 
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today welcomed the decision of a fireworks 
retailer in Wisconsin to withdraw a product called “Run Hadji Run,” which was 
deemed offensive by local Muslims.

[“Hadji” is an honorific term for those who have completed the pilgrimage to 
Mecca, but it has often been used as a derogatory term by U.S. soldiers during 
the Iraq War.]

One side of the fireworks shows a picture of Arabs and Muslims riding camels 
with a bomber overhead. On the other side, there is what appears to be Uncle Sam 
pulling the long beard of a man in traditional Muslim attire.

“We appreciate the quick response of the retailer to Muslim concerns and hope 
that everyone can enjoy the July 4th holiday in an inclusive environment,” said 
CAIR-MN Communications Director Jessica Zikri.

Zikri added that the Muslim civil rights and advocacy group has contacted the 
distributors, Missouri-based Red Rhino Fireworks, to take similar action and 
withdraw the product from sales in other areas of the country.

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/cair-muslims-welcome-withdrawal-of-offensive-run-hadji-run-fireworks,881739.shtml