This CNN Reporter Ate Human Brains On TV And People Are Pissed
CNN reporter Reza Aslan found himself in deep waters when he consumed human brains on TV, but probably not for the reason you’d expect.
My friend and I were sitting on the couch, flipping through TV channels absentmindedly, when we saw it. My friend paused, his thumb hovering over the TV remote, his face darkening as CNN’s latest segment lit up the screen.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he said, almost as if out of nowhere.
I looked over at him, confused, then looked back to the TV. I didn’t recognize the journalist or any of the other people on the screen. I didn’t know what they were doing, either, but it didn’t take me long to find out.
Aslan sampled the dish while filming a new show series called “Believer.” This particular episode was about an extremely small sect of Hinduism that practice cannibalism. While some might commend him for being brave or committed to his job, others were upset with the way he characterized the religion.
“Now people who haven’t been exposed to Hinduism is going to think this is what it is,” my friend, an Indian-American with Hindu relatives, explained. “Almost nobody actually does this.”
My friend’s frustration is pretty understandable, especially if you consider the recent influx of violence against South Asians and people of South Asian descent in this country. He worried that this could increase the divide.
But he’s not the only one who has something to say about it. Tulsi Gabbard, a Hindu congresswoman from Hawaii, slammed the segment on Twitter.
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
11/ to resolve the pain and outrage that the “Believer” episode on Hinduism has engendered in the community.
— Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) March 7, 2017
Many people applauded Gabbard for bring attention to the issue and pointing out just why the episode was so fucked up.
thank you.
— shilpi tewari (@shilpitewari) March 7, 2017
.@TulsiGabbard Thank you for speaking out! It's greatly appreciated.
— Indian-Americans (@HinduAmericans) March 7, 2017
More power to @TulsiGabbard for speaking out loud and clear against the bigotry-filled, repulsive Believer show of @rezaaslan and @CNN
— HindolSengupta (@HindolSengupta) March 8, 2017
Gabbard has a point — the Hindu community is little understood in today’s society, and showing that particular slice of it without any other context could be potentially harmful, especially in today’s political climate.
One Hindu man is dead from a religious hate crime. You are promoting hatred @rezaaslan – maybe more deaths. @CNN https://t.co/Qx6A7sKR5x
— HindolSengupta (@HindolSengupta) March 8, 2017
Hopefully next time Aslan will consider giving viewers a more complete picture before he criticizes a certain religion or society. 
