Two religious groups are taking on what they call “savage” ads and turning the Metro platforms into a battleground.
Starting next week, some Metro riders will be greeted with a 16' by 9' message from the Quran.
At three stops in the District, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is sending a message of acceptance that reads, “Show forgiveness, speak for justice, avoid the ignorant.”
It’s meant to counter the anti-Muslim ads on display in three of the District’s Metro stops, but Metro riders worry posters that eye-catching distract from the real issue.
“It doesn’t really get to core the presenting an argument the best you can to get your point across, which is the whole point of having a message,” says Joshua Flores.
But it’s not about argument, says Nihad Awad, CAIR’s executive director.
“The message is already out and Islam and Muslims are not known in America, and so American Muslims need to take this opportunity to reframe the debate,” Awad says.
And CAIR isn’t the only group raising awareness about Islam. Sojourners, a Christian group, also plans to put up ads supporting acceptance of Islam.
“I think that’s amazing,” says Brandon Owens. “I feel like the issue is treating human beings as human beings and not letting spiritual beliefs affect civil rights.”
“It sounds like we’re getting into ad wars, but I support the ads,” says Robert Schubert.
Advertising with Metro doesn’t come cheap. CAIR is spending $6,500 for those ads for just one month of advertisements.