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Apparently I'm the only person here who has actually seen the show in question?
It airs on Rupert Murdoch's Spike TV. The show does not glamorize the Muslim lifestyle and in fact doesn't shy away from the negative aspects of Islam. Spurlock's show is the only reality show which makes an actual effort to portray something real. Comparison's above between it and "Fear Factor" are remiss.
The participant in this episode actually does have some of his opinions changed, but there is no hokey dramatic epiphany. One of the major things he learned, and myself as a viewer, was the high level of self-discipline required of Muslims. I also found the trip to the Muslim "Hal el" butcher pretty interesting, it's virtually identical to the Jewish Kosher practice except the animal carcasses are hung facing east, towards Mecca.
As to Roachboy's question whether this show's subject, Stacy, is representative of Americans at large, I would say yes. If anything Stacy is more open-minded than the general attitude I encounter these days, he did after all agree to live as a muslim for 30 days, something many Americans wouldn't do. It's amazing to me when I find myself in an all-white group of acquaintances or semi-strangers how quickly the racist dialogue begins. "Sand-nigger, towelhead, camel jockey etc." These are the terms and hatred I find bubbling under the surface with frightening regularity.
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