Arab American Group Protests Hate Messages

"The billboards unfairly conflate the issues of immigration and national security, and further enflame fears about Arabs and Arab Americans," said a statement issued by the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). "The Coalition for a Secure Driver's License dangerously utilizes false stereotypes and racist rhetoric to push an anti-immigration agenda."

The ad depicts an individual whose face is covered by a kufiyya - the traditional male headdress in some Arab countries - carrying a hand-grenade with what appears to be a blood smear and a driver's
license.

The billboard also features nonsensical Arabic letters that were simply lined up without forming any words. Additionally, there are two figures in the background wearing military fatigues, black masks,
and green bandanas on their heads with what appear to be Arabic words. Superimposed on the images is a caption that reads "Don't License Terrorists, North Carolina!"

In a release the ADC said, "The fear is that the imagery, which very blatantly depicts a stereotypical Arab man as a threat to national security, will incite further mistrust towards Arab Americans and Arabs. While the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee values fair and honest political debate, this billboard unfairly portrays Arabs and Arab cultural symbols as dangerous. The advertisement transgresses the boundaries of political discussion and instead relies on stereotypes and hatemongering to support its views.

The ADC went on to say that they understand the billboard company's desire to uphold free speech but that hate speech and images that perpetuate racism and false stereotypes are unlawful. Billboard companies should not run ads that exacerbate racism against vulnerable populations.

"It is worth nothing that the Coalition for a Secure Driver's License has a history of negative ad campaigns and racial profiling," said the ADC statement." ADC objected to a television ad run by the coalition which seemingly depicted a stereotypical Middle Eastern man as a threat to national security."

ADC requested that concerned individuals contact the Coalition for a Secure Driver's License, North Carolina Governor Michael F. Easley, and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson to express their dismay at the contents of the billboard, as well as past ad campaigns.