Don’t blame the Power Rangers, though. McDonald’s made them do it.
Saudi Arabians are angry at a McDonald’s toy which they say mocks their prophet Muhammad. According to a report appearing today (5/27/12) on the Arabic news website, Kermalkom.com, the McDonald’s fast food restaurant “abused the Prophet Muhammad by placing his name at the base of a toy that is being distributed as part of the Happy Meal, a toy which steps on the name ‘Muhammad.'”
The toy consists of a blue superhero figurine (apparently a Power Ranger Samurai). It stands on one leg, and, when the lever is pressed, it pounds on the base with the other leg. According to the Saudis, the designs that appear all around the base, where the figurine stomps its foot, is really the name “Muhammad” written several times in circles.
The toy had been distributed a few days before Saudi children and their parents began to take note of the name. Soon thereafter, Saudi Muslims launched several campaigns against McDonald’s in “response to the savage attacks on the noble Prophet,” under banners like “Help your Prophet!” and “Together in support of the Prophet.”
Does that look like محمد? I guess it kind of looks like محمد. Or Harry Potter’s scar. Or a minimalist dragon. Or a random squiggle. But no, it’s probably محمد. They probably did it intentionally to offend Muslims.
This isn’t the first time a fast-food joint has displayed blatant anti-Muslim bigotry. In 2005, Burger King withdrew a line of prepackaged ice-cream cones when a Muslim in London complained that the design on the lid resembled the Arabic for “Allah.” (The fellow described this discovery as “the defining moment of my life,” and added: “I’m not going to rest until I find the person who is responsible. I’m going to bring this country down.”)
And who could forget this moment from December 2010, when an infidel at a KFC in Sydney, Australia asked for bacon on his sandwich?
And yet KFC actually fired this noble warrior.
I’d make a joke about all this, but unlike when Christians go out of their way to take offense at the most innocent things, mocking Muslims for doing so is racist. And there’s nothing worse than racism. Well, unless you’re a racist, of course.
Update: Look on the bright side, bigots. Not All Muslims also hate Lady Gaga.