Let’s get real: when a scholar passes away, especially one who dismantled Orientalist orthodoxies and fundamentally reshaped the field of Islam studies, it’s time to pay attention. Yet what are we getting from mainstream outlets like CNN and The New York Times? A predictable, sanitized obituary that resorts to generic platitudes instead of diving into the seismic impact this individual had on the world. It’s almost as if they have a playbook for these situations—“Check the emotional boxes, but steer clear of anything that challenges the narrative.”

Fox News? Don’t even get me started. You’d be hard-pressed to find any mention of nuances in their coverage. They’d rather focus on sensationalist soundbites that tug at the heartstrings but neglect to illuminate the groundbreaking insights this scholar brought to light. It’s like they’re more interested in headlines that stoke fear or create division than truly understanding the breadth of this individual’s work.

In reality, this academic’s passing is an opportunity for real reflection on Islam and its myriad interpretations, yet we’re stuck in this endless cycle of superficial coverage designed to keep the audience emotionally charged but intellectually lazy. Meanwhile, mainstream media continues playing it safe, ignoring complex discussions on identity, culture, and theology. Where’s the depth? Where’s the courage to confront uncomfortable truths?