Why the N. of Islam Shut Down Noah's Arc
By Keith Boykin, in sexuality
Wednesday, August 10 2005, 11:20AM
Members of the Nation of Islam shut down the taping of America's first black gay television series last Friday in a demonstration at the South Central Los Angeles filming location of the series. Jasmyne Cannick, a producer of Noah's Arc, reported the news by email and on her blog on Tuesday, describing it as an example of "bigotry and intolerance."
But the film's director, Patrik-Ian Polk, told me in an interview this morning, "I'm pretty sure it was not motivated by the sexuality issue because I'm not even sure they knew anything about the show or the subject matter." Similarly, Michael Elkin, a white crew member on the show, described it more as a racial incident, not a gay one. According to Elkin, one of the black men in the community was upset when he saw white members of the crew and assumed it was a white show being filmed in the black community without black involvement.
So what really happened?
A Gay Film In A Black Neighborhood
Here's the way Jasmyne Cannick described the incident on her blog:
"On Friday evening, during the shooting of Noah’s Arc, America’s First Black Gay Television Series (MTV Logo), the Nation of Islam, led by Minister Tony Muhammad, led a protest against the show resulting in the show having to stop production. Approximately 150 Black Muslims along with Muhammad protested against the show near the intersection of Rodeo and 6th Avenue in Los Angeles."
Here's the way Michael Elkin described it on his blog:
Over the next hour, black men swarmed in from all over, cars would drop off full loads and at one point even a full passenger van arrived. The guy, during his rants, claimed to be a local minister and member of the Nation of Islam. At first he started exclaiming against the exploitation of the neighborhood. "This neighborhood is 90% black, where is your black crew?" "Right here," we replied.
Our crew is close to 50% black. But he wouldn't hear it. He was just entranced in the power trip he was on, aware of all the supportive eyes behind and around him. The director spoke to him, tried to explain that it is Black, the first of its kind, run by Black people (technically not true since MTV bought out the creator, giving him points in return.) But the guy kept saying, "I want to speak to someone in charge." Each time that someone Black and in a managerial/decision making position went over to speak with him, he would scream, "I want to speak to someone in charge." He, himself, did not believe that a black person could be in charge on our production."
Did The Nation Know The T?
So was it an anti-white incident or an anti-gay incident? Or maybe it was both. Elkin explains there were "lots of anti-white slurs" but the origin of the controversy was not about sexuality. He did seem to think the protesters eventually found out about the nature of the show. "The mob also wasn't too fond of us once they somehow learned that it was a gay show," he writes.
But Polk told me this morning, "I definitely don't think the sexuality thing was an issue so I don't think it should be made about that." According to Polk, it appeared that Minister Muhammad had been drinking, and from the beginning of the incident he was cursing and yelling.
"I just think we suffered the bad luck of shooting around the corner from this guy, Tony Muhammad," said Polk. Muhammad was apparently upset about the filming near his house, "and then once he came around and looked at the production and saw what he viewed as a predominantly white production crew, he went off about that," said Polk.
Polk said he approached Muhammad and told him that Noah's Arc is essentially a black show and "our crew was more diverse than most in Hollywood," but the minister was "very belligerent and not really open to reason," he said. So, to paraphrase the famous line from Watergate, what did the Nation of Islam know and when did they know it? That question is important because it raises the issue of whether and how to respond.
Community Response
"I don't really know if there's a big mobilization that needs to be organized," Polk told me this morning. But in an email sent out yesterday, producer Cannick wrote, "This is very serious and could happen again. Bigotry and intolerance cannot be ignored and accepted in our community any longer." She asked the recipients of the email, "If a community response is mobilized on behalf of Noah’s Arc and the community at-large, would you participate?" I wrote back and told her, "This is an outrage! First Willie Wilson, now this. If they want to start something, it's on."
But maybe we jumped the gun. In an interview with Cannick this morning, she expressed concern about the lack of community response to the news. "As many people as email me everyday about when is Noah's Arc coming on, I expect the response to something like this to be very big," said Cannick, explaining that she gets at least 20 emails a day from people asking about Noah's Arc. In contrast, she said, "before I turned off my computer yesterday I had 14 responses to the email I sent out to thousands of people" and most of those responses were from people outside of Los Angeles.
Cannick's initial email warned that "it would be a disservice to organize a counter-protest to only have it attended by a handful of people or people that are not African American given the Nation’s history with people who are Black." Today she told me she was gaging the community's interest to see who would be willing to take part in a protest if one should happen.
Cannick now wonders what impact the incident will have on Viacom, the home of the MTV/Logo series, since the network didn't really want them to shoot in the black community in the first place. "I'm wondering what sort of message this sends to Logo about what the African American community thinks about a show like this, that we don't want a show like this," said Cannick. "We can't be silent on issues like this," she said today. "It could be Noah's Arc today and maybe Ski Trip tomorrow. It could happen to anybody."
Polk echoes Cannick's concerns but is more sanguine about the response. "I'm definitely embarrassed by it," he said. "I mean I'm in there [at Viacom] fighting for certain things...and you go up against all these arguments [about safety and security]...and then something seemingly random or crazy like this happens."
So was it an anti-gay incident? Polk said he heard nothing at all to indicate that the protesters knew that it was a gay show. "I just think they picked the wrong people to get upset with."
Comments conceal
michaeliv
August 10 2005, 12:18PM
It is obvious that someone jumped that gun on this protest.
There is no investigation on the shows production to find out who, what and why.
They just saw to many white people in the neighborhood and called as many black people to protest.
It would be interesting to know if the Honorable Minister Farrakhan sanctions these types of protest.
I don't believe it was a statment on the theme of the show though. But I'm sure once word gets around the Holy Rollers will be out in full force, with there olive oil, tamborines and bibles.
cody
August 10 2005, 12:18PM
When have mobs of black men ever blocked the production of an all white crew anywhere?
Don't fool yourself, this was about the subject matter -- homosexuality.
Stand for that and you'll stand for nothing.
Turn the cameras around. Shoot the Right Minister Wrong at the height of his full and glorious tirade. Provide that footage to evening news and entertainment shows. Embarrass the lout nationally. And go on about your business of making a program.
That's all that needs to be done. Why tolerate intolerant foolishness?
Tyrone
August 10 2005, 1:07PM
What the hell?! This is a peculiar story indeed.
Lavenderpop
August 10 2005, 1:25PM
Based on the info here it sounded like a racial incident and not an anti-gay one. When I first saw reference to this on the Men of Adodi board I was certain it was anti-gay. But reading the incident in detail paints a situation of a group of misguided Black men reacting to their sense of being shut out and invaded simultaneously. Shut out not just from participation in a film production, but a general lack of opportunities in America at large. Invaded because they saw a bunch of white faces in their neighborhood and reacted with xenophobia. Reacted because not only am I being denied opportunities because of my race, lack of education, economic status, or living environment, but the people I suspect are responsible for this are working right outside my door.
I can’t help but see this whole incident as some kind of a Sodom and Gomorrah analogy with the production crew being Lot and the male angels and the Nation of Islam being the angry mob of Sodom men…the ones who yelled to Lot to “bring the men out so that we may know them.” Remember in those days xenophobia was common place. Strangers were looked upon with distrust, especially in a close knit village. Lot offered his daughters to the angry mob for them to abuse as they pleased (funny Christians don’t have a problem with that part of the story). In our incident the angry mob wanted to speak to the person in charge (white), and would not settle for anyone else. A Black person in charge was not acceptable, so who is discriminating now?
OK, back to reality. I hope this unfortunate incident doesn’t have a negative affect on the Noah’s Arc production or its standing with MTV/LOGO. Many of us have waited too long for a show like this and I would hate for anything to set it back. I’m in Chicago but if I lived in LA, tell Jasmyne if she needed bodies for a counter protest I would be there baby.
Troy
August 10 2005, 2:10PM
For once I agree with Cody. You'd be surprised how many American muslims are in fact gay, same gender and freaky. Mr. Polk this would really make a very interesting movie...It almost reads like a block party gone wrong. Who took the still pictures and where are they? One wonders...
taylorSiluwé
August 10 2005, 2:19PM
I totally agree with Cody ... this was about a lot more than one drunk, loud-mouthed Minister calling in the troops.
I have a feeling they knew exactly what the show was, and their mission was to cause trouble. Maybe a counter-protest, black on black, which would further fracture our community. Funny how no homophobic references were used, none ... just anti-white, when it was clear that the crew was equally black. Smell funny to anyone?
You think a statement will be made soon apologizing for this 'mistake'?
mr
August 10 2005, 2:45PM
I agree with Cody. As soon as the "minister" started cursing and ranting he should have been filmed. Furthermore, when the story broke about a minister, cursing and protesting a Black show and refusing to believe Black people could be in charge, it may have forced the people to dump this questionable leader. The lesson to be learned is if your going to act ignorant in public expect to be called on it.
Kola Boof
August 10 2005, 4:11PM
This is Novelist Kola Boof:
Each time that I have appeared on a radio program in Los Angeles...
...on KJLH...and on KPFK
people claiming to be members of the NATION OF ISLAM have called in to harrass me, threaten me and attack me or my message in one way or another---and I wasn't even talking about homosexuality or anything.
So there's doubt in mind that they KNEW FULL WELL that this was a gay show...and they meant to shut it down on purpose.
Which is why although I was born a Sunni Muslim...I can't tolerate that religion.
**For those here who've known me for years now, but have not yet seen the Video Documentary about my life---please watch it ONLINE as soon as you can:
http://doorofkush.50megs.com/about.html
Kola Boof
August 10 2005, 4:13PM
Correction:
I meant to say..."NO DOUBT" in my mind.
Mel Smith
August 10 2005, 7:21PM
The situation is really messed up and the crew was taken off guard. Therefore they really did not no how to react to the situation. I definitely would film the show wherever I choose and call the cops on anyone who want to get ignorant.
cmoney
August 10 2005, 7:37PM
Bigotry is stupid regardless of the reason--sexuality, race, religion, language--it's just stupid. That is why I wonder why some African-American gays are so determined to participate in the "Millions More March". It is sponsored by bigots (Willie Wilson and Louis Farrakhan), for bigots and we should have no part of it. That's right, I called him what he is and if any of you swivel-eyed, bean pie eating fools come in front of my house, I got something for you!!
DB
August 10 2005, 7:58PM
What the hell is right! Who does he think he is? How did they get on the property anyway? Security? Hello?
QuietForce
August 10 2005, 8:39PM
A typical "gay" identity knee-jerk response without looking at the situation critically. There is no evidence in accounts of the incident to support the allegation that the minister's protest had anything to do with the crew's sexuality. Even the director dismisses the claim.
That minister had every right to question the presence of the Noah's Arc crew because (1 the community probably had not been notified that a film crew would be in the neighborhood and their presence could have been perceived as invasive. And 2) in his role as a community leader [regardless of his religious denomination], the minister may have felt obligated to challenge the management of the crew because he may have perceived there was not a fair representation of blacks on the workforce or that management may have made no effort to hire people from his community to who needed jobs. That impetus is evidenced in Mr. Elkin's account of the minister's commentary: "This neighborhood is 90% black, where is your black crew?"
Ms. Cannyck will be hard-pressed to find black sexually-diverse people to participate in her counter protest becasue few of us want anyting to do with a gay-identified civic or political effort. "Gay rights" and "gay" identity doesn't work for blacks. That's why organizations like the NBGLTF folded.
The perception of a "straight v. gay" war which is the hallmark of the gay/black gay rights agenda can work in white America, but that philosophy is particulary destructive to black folks. We have enough division as is.
Now that the minister's seemingly viable tyrade has subsided and his chances for being rational are greater, reach out to that him again and help him understand the historical significance of the show and that his community is a part of it. That for the first time in the history, a telvision network is airing a series with a predominately black male cast in a setting not that of a penitentiary! Then, if it's in the production budget, offer to hire some people from the community to work in supportive positions on the production crew.
Keith Boykin
August 10 2005, 9:52PM
Jasmyne Cannick writes a new commentary about the issue on her blog. Jasmyne writes:
"Given the Nation of Islam’s history with the gay community it’s not that far fetched on an idea that they would protest a show like Noah’s Arc, however, this particular incident was racially motivated and not a protest about the show’s content."
http://jasmynecannick.typepad.com/jasmynecannickcom/2005/08/an_abuse_of_pow.html#more
proud_blk_atheist
August 10 2005, 11:34PM
"Then, if it's in the production budget, offer to hire some people from the community to work in supportive positions on the production crew."
Gee let's see how many blk men esp. fr. NOI want to be part of a gay TV series. Get real!
Mel Smith
August 10 2005, 11:37PM
It's really sad that someone will kill or make cruel statments against people in the name of God and Jesus. Cmoney you're right.
a BrOtHa NaMeD sHaRiF
August 11 2005, 3:06AM
don't all of you find it amazing that these racist ass black dumb ass muslim men think that white people should not be in their so called neighborhood but they do not hesitate going in white surburban neighborhoods to shop for food, white designer clothes, cars, etc. or dress themselves like white men with suits and bow ties as to wearing afrocentric clothes and afrocentric hairstyles. You can DAMN SURE BET if they found out that the production was gay they still would be protesting or try to start a riot. The nation of Islam is nothing more than a BLACK KKK, they do not know jack shit about true Islam because they mother fuckers is filled with hate and CMoney is damn right! let one of those bean pie and fruit selling mother fuckers step up to me and I DAMN SURE HAVE SOMETHIN" FOR THAT ASS!
Kirk
August 11 2005, 3:55AM
I don't believe this action by Minister Tony Muhammad should be condoned, as it is not a guiding principal of The Nation of Islam, it's wants or beliefs as stated in the NOI Muslim Program found on their website. No.8# reads under Muslims Beliefs:
8. WE BELIEVE in justice for all, whether in God or not; we believe as others, that we are due equal justice as human beings. We believe in equality--as a nation--of equals. We do not believe that we are equal with our slave masters in the status of "freed slaves."
We recognize and respect American citizens as independent peoples and we respect their laws which govern this nation.
The Minister needs a refresher on how to be civil, and do his homework before he bust up all in someone else's scene. In fact, we should send the NOI a letter/comment about this incident, and a letter/comment of support for Noah's Ark via LOGO website.
Let's be pro-active y'all! Peace & Love.
jaymillionaire
August 11 2005, 6:14AM
Wow, we sure do support our First Amendment right, except when others are exercising thiers.
BlackSun
August 11 2005, 9:39AM
The BGL community RARELY responds to any type of hatred against ourselves. Be it from a church or in the media. So this lack of response is not shocking at all. It's usually only the same handful of people that respond in our community. Perhaps we need to start working on inclusion of other leaders and activists in the community instead of a select few trying to maintain the spotlight.
Concerning the event as a whole, I don't think it is necessary to film in a Black neighborhood, especially when safety is of concern and events like this may occur in the future, which it will. It will simply be a waste of money and time. I say keep it moving to get the word out.
cody
August 11 2005, 10:30AM
Quietforce,
There is a proper way to accomplish anything. Rallying up a posse, leading villagers with lit torches and clubs, chanting burn baby burn, to bumrush a film crew in production is not the way to increase black representation on a set.
Leave vigilantism for dem republicans patrolling our borders and the Bush Whitehouse.
What if someone on the set had a gun and shot one of the Fruit of Islam, if that's who those guys were.
I have a lot of respect for the FOI and don't believe they would behave in that way useless led by an errant minister. It could happen.
It's nice someone is concerned about black representation in a workforce. But they should approach those in charge of doing the hiring. The producers. Not the grunts and grips setting up lighting and running for doughnuts.
I have no doubt this was about sexuality even if the director can't see it. Str8 brothers use the perceived weakness of gay cats to prove their bravado. Str8 guys think it's ok to intimidate and bark at gays to keep gays in their proper place.
A production like this will never be viewed positively by the str8, black, general populace. The word will be, why can't they do a show about "normal" black relationships, family, hetero, middle class, church going, mainstream.
In many ways I agree with this sentiment. But I ain't forming a mob to stop it.
Producing a drama solely about black gay relationships skews our reality. More than one mob will be protesting this show, beleive me.
What'ca gonna do then?
Johnny L. Jenkins, Jr.
August 11 2005, 12:34PM
To me this is further proof the today's black SGLBT community is very connected and skeptical about jumping blindly into any activist movement without knowing the full scope of the situation.
While I respect Jasmyne's passion, I myself was somewhat restained about picking a fight with NOI. Louis Farrakhan is in Detroit this week or next week. I'd really want to have all the facts before mobilizing a disenfranshied community which is still being conditioned to be visible and proactive about issues of social justice and equality. Especially when it comes to standing up against our own.
Like it or not our "black SGLBT pride movement" continues to be a fragile "work in progress".
Just my two cents. Jy-
Wil
August 12 2005, 2:21AM
Is the Nation of Islam racist? In their request for "No white productions in South Central", is that right? Do they think that they are really fighting injustice by attacking white cameramen?
I can see the need to end shows like "Cops" that exploit the area to create stereotypes.
But are they so quick to protest that they would stop production of a film that could prove beneficial to Black people in South Central? (Such as Fahrenheit 911)
How hateful is Fahrakhan himself? In the past he has made anti-semetic, anti-gay, and other hateful statements. These remarks separate people and place undue blame on a person's superficial characteristics. Why not focus on the real issues? That way, we won't have to worry about "Lesbianism" taking over the community.
If there is racism and hatred within the NOI, how can gays be seen as an inclusive group to fight alongside bigots?
We would be better off forming coalitions fighting for the elimination of all discrimination. If that makes us seem "white" by marching with white gays against hatred, then so be it. If we are so concerned as to not seem "white", then we better wake up our own Black Gay people to stand up. We also better form coalitions heavily with Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and Caribbean gays.
The real problem is humans' inhumane treatment of other humans. We cannot be torn apart and forced to take sides in a race and sexuality war. We have to be smart enough to bring about change and band together with those who want to fight injustice. We have to fight injustice wherever it is, first of all within ourselves. According to Bayard Rustin, we will not win the fight aginst injustice because we rail against it -- we will win by bringing about a social and economic program to neutralize the injustice.
Roger
August 15 2005, 9:34PM
Are you f$&king kidding me! I mean, I have heard of giving someone the benefit of the doubt, but this is ridiculous. This was not a misunderstanding, and even if it was, who the hell gave this mob any sort of authority to police the black community in any shape or form?
This is troubling for several reasons. First, and formost is our response, or should I say the lack thereof. Second is the defense of these morons behavior by so many that have responded.
What will it take for our community to stand up to the bullies that want to silence us at every turn?
Why is it that we are so paralized by race these days, that we are willing to be in support of a group that wishes our demise, simply because they have the same skin pigmentation?
I frankly am disgusted by the whole thing. I'm disgusted by the NOL. I'm disgusted by the people that are trying to say that they "thought it was something to do with race, not sexuality." And I am really disgusted that the only people talking about it is us.
Give me a freakin' break! Newsflash: The Nation of Islam is not some rag-tag community group. The are a nationally recognized religion with money, recources and clout. They do NOTHING by chance. Let me repeat that, THEY DO NOTHING BY CHANCE!!
If you believe that this is accidental, I have a bridge I would like to sell ya, oh and you can tip me on the way, oh and send money to the P.O. Box below to donate to Rogers College fund. Its truly a worthwhile cause, and you can also...