William R. Wild

William R. Wild is mayor of Westland.

Like most of you, I like to unwind at the end of a long day by watching some TV. It may be a Tiger game or a Red Wings game. Recently, it was ABC’s new political thriller "Designated Survivor." For those who haven’t seen the show or any promotions, the premise is an attack occurs on the U.S. Capitol during the State of the Union address and the majority of the leadership of the federal government are killed. Under security protocol, one member of the cabinet is kept in a safe place during the address in case such an attack was to take place to assure continuity of government leadership. Hence, the title "Designated Survivor."

In a recent episode, the city of Dearborn was portrayed as a haven of Muslim extremism, its law enforcement was depicted as an evil force that brutalizes its citizens, and the governor believes the Constitution does not apply to him and orders a crackdown under the premise that all Muslims are guilty until proven innocent. Anyone who has spent five minutes in Dearborn knows how far-fetched that entire storyline is and I am extremely disappointed by the unremittingly hostile and unbalanced portrayal of each group.

I realize this is just a TV show and dramatic license is taken to heighten the drama and garner viewers and therefore not meant to be taken as factual. I don’t presume to state the show is meant to be based in reality. However, it is using controversial topics and widely held stereotypes to reinforce the drama depicted in the show. This only reinforces these beliefs and does nothing to dampen the tensions that exist in this county over these issues. They may have no obligation to do so, but perhaps a responsibility.

As Free Press columnist Julie Hinds appropriately pointed out, this is not the first time Dearborn has been characterized in a negative light, simply because of its large Muslim community. What would be a more fair and accurate depiction would show how the police and the Muslim community in Dearborn have actively engaged in dialogue and engagement which has made Dearborn a tolerant and peaceful community that celebrates its diversity.

►Julie Hinds:Is Michigan the place depicted by 'Designated Survivor'?

Hollywood's vilification of Arabs character have existed since the silent film era. Jack Shaheen tackled this portrayal of Arabs as barbaric savages, greedy sheikhs, exotic belly dancers and terrorists in his book "Reel Bad Arabs" that later was adapted into a documentary.

Today, the most common Islamic stereotype is the “radical Muslim insurgent” determined to wage war against the West. This stereotype usually represents violence as an inseparable part of being Muslim as well as religion as a justification for violent actions. The Muslim community of Dearborn, which has had a substantial presence in that city for decades, is the perfect tonic to disprove and dismiss these silly and small-minded notions.

Then you have law enforcement who are often misrepresented as existing only to target people based on race, national origin or religion, rather than behavior. This ignores the community policing and engagement activities our local law enforcement undertakes, often unreported and always uncelebrated.

Shows like this are divisive. We as a region and state cannot afford this continued divide when so many people have worked so hard for so long to educate and inform people about the truth.

While television and movies are designed to entertain, that should also take it upon themselves to enlighten as well and show some reality as it relates to the important issues of extremism and use of force. We could use that now more than ever as the dialogue on these issues are front and center. That’s some reality TV we could all use.

William R. Wild is mayor of Westland.