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Clinton News Network also known as CNN, have often epitomized a biased brand of journalism. CNN is hosting a series titled ‘Believer’ which is being hosted by a person named Reza Aslan. Reza has often been termed as an apologist for Islamism.

According to the CNN website, the show is a six-part “spiritual adventure series” which will follow “renowned author & religious scholar Reza Aslan” as he “immerses himself in the world’s most fascinating faith-based groups to experience life as a true believer”.

The Trailer of the series drew criticism on twitter after it referred to Varanasi as “the city of the dead”. Authors, politicians & historians reacted strongly to CNN’s tweet. The outcry was immediate. Hindus across the globe reacted to Aslan’s mis-characterizing of Hindus. The show characterized Hinduism as cannibalistic, which was totally unacceptable & uncalled for. Hinduism, in spite of being one of the most ancient religions in the world has often been misrepresented by the international media. After being pressurized for concocting facts & defaming Hinduism, Aslan apologized to the Hindus.

However, it did not come to him naturally & the apology came after a series of tweets, which slammed the channel & the host for degrading Hinduism. Tulsi Gabbard , the first Hindu in the U.S Congress & member of the Democratic party lashed out on CNN for trying to influence people around the world & deliberately creating a negative perception about the religion.

In a series of tweets, Tulsi accused CNN & Reza Aslan of reinforcing stereotypes about Hindus & Hinduism through the show. She also claimed that the show virtually painted the entire community as ‘cannibals’ and that Reza was behaving as if he was touring a zoo. She feared that the show will Hindus in bad light and people’s misunderstanding about Hindus.

1/ While good people across our country are working hard to increase mutual understanding and respect between people of different religions, — Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) March 7, 2017

2/ I am very disturbed that CNN is using its power and influence to increase people’s misunderstanding and fear of Hinduism. — Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) March 7, 2017

4/ to find sensationalist and absurd ways to portray Hinduism. Aslan and CNN didn't just throw a harsh light on a sect of wandering ascetics — Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) March 7, 2017

6/ combating tirelessly. CNN promotional materials and trailers that included a scene showing a group of Hindus under a caption — Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) March 7, 2017

8/ about religions only fosters ignorance that can lead to terrible consequences. Indeed, Hindus are still reeling after witnessing terrible — Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) March 7, 2017

10/ for people of different religions. It is my sincere hope that CNN and Aslan will engage with the Hindu community moving forward — Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) March 7, 2017

11/ to resolve the pain and outrage that the “Believer” episode on Hinduism has engendered in the community. — Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) March 7, 2017

After making CNN realize that they were wrong & taking a stand in favor of Hinduism, Gabbard received a lot of appreciation from fellow Hindus. A few of them are quoted below.

It's @TulsiGabbard who dared to show mirror to @CNN for their less understanding of Hinduism! More power to you! ? — Rohit Sardana (@sardanarohit) March 8, 2017

.@TulsiGabbard Big Thanks from the Indians Tulsi. To take on Powerful & influential needs courage which our Indian politicians don't have — Ashish (@ashishtikoo31) March 7, 2017

Thank you @TulsiGabbard for this thread & spreading the message across. It's awful how @CNN aired it to demean Hindus. — Devika (@Dayweekaa) March 8, 2017

As always @TulsiGabbard, a proud Hindu American hits the nail on its head. Exposes @CNN poorly researched documentary. Thank you mam https://t.co/XVQpFfXdQV — GAURAV C SAWANT (@gauravcsawant) March 7, 2017

Alok Shetty