Since stepping down from her role as America's sweetheart on NBC's "Today Show" to make history as the first female anchor of "CBS Evening News," media mainstay Katie Couric has had a tumultuous time.

From charges of plagiarism and incompetence to being named Keith Olbermann's "Worst Person in the World" to being the catalyst behind the "Evening News" worst ratings in history, Couric's image as a media darling has more than frayed at the edges.

This past weekend, Couric commented about the "seething hatred" many Americans have toward Muslim Americans:

"Maybe we need a Muslim version of 'The Cosby Show'... I know that sounds crazy, I know that sounds crazy," said Couric. "But 'The Cosby Show' did so much to change attitudes about African Americans in this country, and I think sometimes people are afraid of things they don't understand."Islamophobia in this country most recently stems from the 9/11 attacks and has manifested into atrocious hate crimes (up 70 percent in the years following the bombing of the World Trade Center) against Muslims, discriminatory legislation such as the Patriot Act and the fervent opposition to the mosque near Ground Zero.

Katie Couric's statement reeks of well-intentioned ignorance and arrogance.

In essence, Couric is saying that to diminish discrimination against and hatred of Muslims, we must show them in a light that is non-threatening to Americans. A safe, feel good, family dramedy-similar to Canada's "Little Mosque on the Prairie," which only skims the surface of real life issues such as drinking and overeating.

At the time the "Cosby Show" was running, it was the 1980s. The decade of AIDS, the crack-cocaine epidemic, the Cold War and hip-hop as an emerging voice to convey the societal issues that were rampant in our communities ... and the "Cosby Show" avoided these issues like the plague.

I would be the first to say that there are ample negative depictions of African Americans, and Dr. Bill Cosby filled a need in mainstream culture absent for too long: a glimpse at a successful black family.

The focus on education and cultural awareness was a much-needed breath of fresh air in the midst of the usual stereotypical images prevalent on television, and the show's necessity and positive influence should not be denied.

However, I will also be the first to say that he missed an optimal opportunity to address the issues in our communities he claims to champion so passionately.

And therein lies the crux of the matter, Katie.

Muslim Americans are not a threat. Radical Muslims are the threat. Catholic organizations, such as Opus Dei and their protection of pedophiles within the church are the threat. Political zealots, such as Timothy McVeigh, are threats.

A Muslim "Cosby Show" would perhaps serve the purpose of entertainment and self-identification for those followers of Islam who only see themselves portrayed negatively in the media, and that goal is not without merit. However, Muslims do not need a white-washed sitcom to sooth the bigoted fears of those who choose to paint them all with the same terrorist brush, and to say they do, or to suggest such a show would promote religious tolerance in this country is either extremely naïve or extremely offensive.

I would like to see a show that depicts a Muslim family in Iraq suffering through this country's invasion, watching soldiers rape their women and children, blow up civilians and stamp out their governmental system - all on the whim of one president.

Or maybe a show that follows a Muslim family in America as they get disproportionately searched in airports and profiled at public events - all while trying to succeed in a country where they are labeled terrorists.

I'm sure it would be a hit.

You say people fear what they don't understand, Katie. Well, understand this:

Until you have a better grasp of the complexities of religion and living as a minority in this country, whether due to religion or ethnicity, maybe you should avoid conversations of depth all together.

After all, that's what the "Cosby Show" did.