On March 5, US-based channel CNN started a six-part series called ‘Believer’ anchored by “religious scholar” Reza Aslan. The website describes it as a “spiritual adventure series” where Aslan “immerses himself in the world’s most fascinating faith-based groups to experience life as a true believer”.
For the Indian aspect, the show focuses on Aghoris – a small Hindu Shaivite sect that is known for their uncommon and grisly rituals as they deny that anything is dirty or pure.
This is one of the several reasons why the show is being slammed by the Hindu community both in the US and in India. While ‘aghoris’ are no doubt a sect of Hinduism, they don’t represent the religion in its entirety, critics have said.
American Hindus Against Defamation, a prominent Hindu organisation in the United States, recently issued a statement calling the show “xenophobia” and particularly “Hinduphobic.” Eminent Indian American Shalabh Kumar, a top supporter of the US President Donald Trump called the show “a disgusting attack on Hinduism.”
The channel was also criticised widely for referring to Varanasi as the “city of the dead” in the show’s preview.
All this has resulted in a US politician to take to Twitter to lash out at the show for “mis-representation” of Hinduism. The politician Tulsi Gabbard, a member of the Democratic party and a practicing Hindu, has accused the show of promoting false stereotypes about caste, karma and reincarnation through sensationalism
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
3/ CNN on Sunday aired the first episode of a new series called “Believer” hosted by Reza Aslan. For this episode, Aslan apparently sought..
— 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
5/ to create shocking visuals—as if touring a zoo—but repeated false stereotypes about caste, karma and reincarnation that Hindus have been
— 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
7/ “CANNIBALS,” perpetuated bizarre and ugly impressions of Hindus and their religion. CNN knows well that sensational, even false reporting
— 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
9/ hate crimes in the last few weeks. Our nation celebrates religious pluralism and diversity. CNN must do more to foster greater respect
— 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
CNN or the anchor Reza Aslam has not yet reacted to the criticism.
