Does Media Bias Cause Islam to be Misunderstood - Research Paper Example

Does Media Bias Cause Islam to be Misunderstood? Monica Engle Madison Area Technical College Does Media Bias Cause Islam to be Misunderstood? Historical Background Islamophobia. It is a term that, once thrown around, can instantly cause a debate. The discussion about it can revolve around its definition, or even its origin. Islamophobia, as can be seen in the western media portrayal of Islam and Muslims, can be traced back to the mid-part of the 20th century – sometime in 60s and 70s. For some reason, this negative portrayal has not changed over the decades. Derogatory terms such as “camel jockey” obviously show contempt against this group. During the 80s and 90s, world war vision of Huntington and the theory of “clash of civilization” incited fear among the U.S. population. This was even furthered by the 9/11 attacks in 2001. But things did not end there. The media then began, more and more, to put Islam and Muslims in a bad light. Even cartoon shows such as “The Simpsons” (Mypods and Boomsticks episode – December 2008) try to mix Islamophobia with humor. This means that even kids are not immune to this cultural reality of stereotyping this group of people as terrorists. When it comes to the news industry, one of the most controversial channels is “Fox News.” For the past several years, “Fox News Channel” has been accused of inciting ethnic or religious animosity. With these as just few examples of media biases and Islamophobia, it is then a wonder how a land of supposed constitutional rights and freedoms ends up forming a new kind of racism just after the institutionalization of the civil rights earlier in the last century? While this arena may just be a small percentage of the media, it speaks a lot of the challenges that the U.S. society faces to this day in terms of culture, society, and politics. It can be seen as a violation of the constitutional rights of an individual or a group of people and belittles the general concept of justice. On a larger scale, it can be seen as a threat to the U.S. integrity as a nation founded on the legacy of unity, forbearance, tolerance, and compassion. Key Debates The general disagreement revolves around the question whether there is indeed media bias in terms of portraying Islam and Muslims or the media is merely portraying the sentiments of the people. To see this, the paper will conduct a study on whether or not the media resorts to lies and cover-ups to advance its cause. Also, there is a disagreement on whether Islam is a religion of peace and whether the other two Abrahamic religions (Judaism and Christianity) are more peaceful compared to Islam. There is also a debate on who the real terrorist is. Literature Review If any perception of Islam exists in the West, particularly in the U.S., today, it is more likely to be similar to an atrocious power that tries to throw its shadow across all lands (Shafi & Naval Postgraduate School, 2010, p.12). Fear of Islam in the modern times is almost similar to the fear felt by the people towards Communism and Fascism during their peak. Furthermore, dominating the powerful Western media today is paranoia towards Islam and anything related to it, just as anti-Communism and anti-Nazi campaigns dominated the Western Media in the last century (Agha, 2000, p.220-21). Even at the peak of the death of the most wanted “terrorist” bin Laden, there was a heightened level of news coverage that talks about Islam and terrorism – as if the two terms are directly associated (or proven to be) to each other (Morey & Yaqin, 2011, p.34). According to some studies, this resulted in the worse public opinion of the Americans towards the Muslims, the Middle-Easterners, or even Islam in general. This worsening of the situation can be reflected on the increased tolerance towards restricting civil liberties of Muslim Americans and immigrants by having them report and register their whereabouts, making difficult the construction of mosques, increasing police surveillance of mosques, and even religious profiling (Morey & Yaqin, 2011, p.47-8). The question of the influence of the media with regards to this issue can easily spark a heated debate among people. It is said that public opinion is shaped by such powerful determinants and providers of information as the mass media (Abrahamian, 2003, p.531). Several studies show that mass media played a crucial role in determining public opinions regarding the civil liberties of Muslims and Middle-Easterners in the U.S. and regarding the current state of the conflict between the West and the “war on terror” (Revell, 2010, p.207). Based on previous researches that study how providers of information shape public opinions that affect the civil liberties of individuals or groups, further researches are done to analyze how the mass media connects with ideological dispositions to call for public support against anything related to terrorism (Morey & Yaqin, 2011, p.53). It is said that misrepresentation of the media towards terrorism and its blatant linking to Muslims and Islam in general has even caused the war against Iraq (Agha, 2000, p.229). For example, famous media organizations such as Fox Cable News are known to have incited religious and even ethnic animosity over the years. As of last year, “Muslims comprise of just over 2 percent of the American population” (Sheehi, 2011, p.17). However, unlike other minority groups, Muslims are seen as the “others” because of the pervasive stereotypes disseminated by the mass media. Old and new studies and even recent polls show a big misconception among Americans regarding Islam, Muslims, and the Arabs. According to a poll conducted in 2003, “45 percent of Americans believe that Islam is a religion that most likely would encourage violence when compared to other religions” (Sheehi, 2011, p.23). It is ironic, however, that another poll in 2009 stated that “36 percent of Americans cannot even state a single basic fact they know about Islam” (Said, 2010, p.44). According to Saeed: It is a wonder how a nation without a strong, solid knowledge about the religion, about its people, and about other things related to it (like Arabs, etc.) can form a strong opinion against it to the point of public support that results in restricting the civil liberties of these people. (2007, p.445) This point should bring people to wonder where the mistake is. It is normal to expect people to form opinion on issues they know a lot about, but to form a strong dislike towards something they lack knowledge of should make one wonder where the opinion is coming from. Definitely, Islamophobia is not just a product of the imagination. In fact, during the 2010 elections, the State of Oklahoma banned the legality of using the Shariah (Islamic Law) in legal matters (Morey & Yaqin, 2011, p.25). The issue is in fact reaching an increased level as time passes, which makes it even more interesting to know where really all these strong feelings of anti-Islamism are coming from. Studies show that the reasons behind the American misconception of Islam started from the stereotypes that invaded the nations pop culture. It is so typical nowadays to see “caricatures of Muslim Arabs portrayed as terrorists, or Muslim women, veiled and oppressed” (Awan, 2007, p.389-9). Even the traditional Arab clothes stir thoughts of Islamic fundamentalism (Almond, 2007, p.39). It is also a wonder how, aside from the generalization of Muslims as terrorists, there is also a generalization of Muslims as Arabs. This is an inaccurate view since only around 20 percent of Muslims are actually Arabs (Sheehi, 2011, p.27). With all these presented, it is easy to see that not only are there stereotypes and inaccurate information spread through media – there is also a blindness to the fact that people are branded through the activities of a small percentage of their population. Whether this is intentional or not is still something to be discussed Bibliography Abrahamian, E. (2003). The US Media, Huntington and September 11. Third World Quarterly, 24, 3, 529-544. Almond, I. (2007). The new Orientalists: Postmodern representations of Islam from Foucault to Baudrillard. London: I.B. Tauris. Agha, O. H. (2000). Islamic Fundamentalism and its Image in the Western Media. In K. Hafez (Ed.), Islam and the West in the mass media: fragmented images in a globalizing world (pp.219-233). Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press. Arkoun, M. (2003). Rethinking Islam Today. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 588, 1, 18-39. Ayish, M. I. (2003). Beyond western-oriented communication theories: A normative Arab- islamic perspective. Javnost, 10, 2, 79-92. Awan, A. (2007). Virtual jihadist media. European Journal of Cultural Studies, 10, 3, 389-408. Barack, L. (2010). Islam in the Classroom: Teachers and Parents Alike Are Unsure about the Topic, but Its Never Been More Important. School Library Journal, 56, 10, 34-37. Barker, M. (2008). Democracy or polyarchy? US-funded media developments in Afghanistan and Iraq post 9/11. Media, Culture & Society, 30, 1, 109-130. Blum, W. (2004). Killing hope: U.S. military and CIA interventions since World War II. London: Zed. Borjesson, K. (2005). Feet to the fire: The media after 9/11 : top journalists speak out. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books. Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting. (1986). Retrieved April 19, 2012, from: http://www.fair.org/index.php Geaves, R. (2005). Aspects of Islam. Washington, D.C: Georgetown University Press. Gerges, F. A. (2003). Islam and Muslims in the Mind of America. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 588, 1, 73-89. Gottschalk, P., & Greenberg, G. (2008). Islamophobia: Making Muslims the enemy. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Haddad, S., & Khashan, H. (2002). Islam and Terrorism: Lebanese Muslim Views on September 11. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 46, 6, 812-828. Hafez, K. (2000). International News Coverage and the Problems of Media Globalisation. In K. Hafez (Ed.), Islam and the West in the mass media : fragmented images in a globalizing world (pp.3-24). Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press. Hippler, J. (2000). The Media and Western Perception of the Middle East. In K. Hafez (Ed.), Islam and the West in the mass media : fragmented images in a globalizing world (pp.41- 59). Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press. Maguire, T. E. R. (2009). A light in every home: Huda TVs articulation of Orthodox Sunni Islam in the global mediascape. Austin, Tex: University of Texas Libraries. Media Research Center. (1987). Retrieved April 19, 2012, from: http://www.mrc.org/ Moore, M., Bin, L. O., Bush, B., & Bush, G. W. (2004). Farenheit 9/11. London: Optimum Home Entertainment. Morey, P., & Yaqin, A. (2011). Framing Muslims: Stereotyping and representation after 9/11. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press. Opposing Views. (2008). Retrieved April 19, 2012, from: http://www.opposingviews.com/ Pilger, J. (2005). Tell me no lies: Investigative journalism that changed the world. New York: Thunders Mouth Press. Poole, E., & Richardson, J. E. (2006). Muslims and the news media. London: I.B. Tauris. Revell, L. (2010). Religious education, conflict and diversity: an exploration of young childrens perceptions of Islam. Educational Studies, 36, 2, 207-215. Saeed, A. (2007). Media, Racism and Islamophobia: The Representation of Islam and Muslims in the Media. Sociology Compass, 1, 2, 443-462. Said, E. W. (2010). Covering Islam: How the media and the experts determine how we see the rest of the world. London: Vintage Books. Shafi, I. K., & Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). (2010). Improving counterterrorism efforts by removing misconceptions about Islam in the Western world. Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School. Shashikumar, V. K. (2002). Oil search behind U.S. war on Afghanistan. Peace Research Abstracts, 39, 5, 611-755. Sheehi, S. (2011). Islamophobia: The ideological campaign against Muslims. Atlanta, GA: Clarity Press. Thussu, D. K. (1997). How Media Manipulates Truth about Terrorism. Economic and Political Weekly, 32, 6, 264-267. USA.gov. (2000). Retrieved April 19, 2012, from: http://www.usa.gov/index.shtml Appendix A Interview Questions My research topic is Islam, and I am investigating whether or not it is a misunderstood religion, and whether or not media biases (if any) has something to do with it. 1. Describe your professional experience related to media. 2. How prevalent do you think is media bias? Why is this so? 3. What can you say about issues on biases in the media regarding its portrayal of Islam? 4. Do you think these issues have a strong foundation? Can you give specific examples from your own experiences? 5. What do you think is the biggest issue in this portrayal of Islam and the Muslims on the western media? 6. Rep. Ellison once called on Fox News Sean Hannity as inciting religious and ethnic animosity. What can you say about this? Do you, or do you not, agree with Rep. Ellison and why? 7. What do you think are the main causes of this issue in the media? Is it politics, economics, etc? 8. Do you think that the way Americans view Islam and Muslims today are largely due to media? 9. Do you believe that if media bias has not existed, there is a big chance that the concept of Islamophobia will not be existing in American societies (or any other society for that matter) today? 10. In your opinion, is this whole issue against terrorism, against Islam...is it also due to clashes in culture or clashes in interests? 11. There is an episode of the Simpsons way back in 2008 where it clearly shows stereotyping Muslims as terrorists (The Simpsons got a Muslim neighbor and Homer immediately classifies them as terrorists. Bart stands up for Bashir, the Muslim boy. However, Bart was called un-American due to this.). What can you say about this matter? 12. What do you think is the difference between media bias and stating opinions? 13. Do you think this issue will ever end? How? 14. What do you think is a possible answer to my research question? In your opinion, what efforts should be undertaken to gather more insights on the issue of western media bias and Islam? 15. What resources, either other people or published materials, do you regard as essential to the study of my topic/question? Is there anything else youd like to add that hasnt been covered by the questions I asked? Thank you very much for your valuable participation and time! Your input is of great help to my research. Appendix B Survey on the Role of Media in Shaping Public Opinion This survey is being conducted for an English course. My research topic is about the possibility of the existence of media bias and its role in shaping public opinion. The main focus of this research is to determine how the public views Islam and Muslims in general and if media plays a big role in this public view. Your participation in this survey is both voluntary and anonymous. I request for you not to put any identifying marks/information on the survey form in order to maintain your anonymity. I would appreciate your help in my research. Thank you in advance! Please put a check mark on the space provided before your best choice/answer. 1) How often do you watch television, listen to radio commentaries, read news/editorials or any other forms of media? ___ 1-3 times a week ___ 3 or more times a week ___ everyday 2) Do you rely on media for news and current events? ___ yes ___ no ___ half of the time 3) How often do you watch/hear/read information through media that you agreed to? ___ always ___ most of the time ___ less than half of the time ___ I do not believe most information I get from the media. 4) In your own opinion, how reliable are information gained from the media? ___ very reliable ___ reliable half of the time ___ questionable 5) Have you had experience of believing something watched/heard/read from the media and then finding out that it was not true? ___ once ___ twice ___ three times or more ___ never 6) Do you go in debates/arguments among peers/relatives due to something watched/heard/read from the media? ___ always ___ sometimes ___ Never. We always share the same opinions. 7) Have you watched/heard/read something from the media that made you think of a relative/friend/acquaintance who may be offended with it? ___ yes ___ no ___ I am not sure./I do not remember. 8) Have you watched/heard/read something from the media that made you think of a relative/friend/acquaintance, and made you disagree with what you watched/heard/read because you know the truth about your relative/friend/acquaintance? (this could refer to any stereotypes by the media, i.e. Arab men are aggressive, Oriental women are conservative, etc.) ___ yes ___ no ___ I am not sure./I do not remember. 9) Have you changed your mind on something you previously believed in because of what you watched/heard/read something from the media? ___ yes ___ no ___ I am not sure./I do not remember. 10) Do you consider yourself fair and very balanced, or are you more prone to stereotypes and biases? ___ I am generally fair and very balanced. ___ I have a tendency to form opinions and stereotypes on issues. ___ I am a bit of both. 11) Is there any other information which you think would be helpful for my research paper? Thank you very much for your valuable participation and time! Rereading America Ralph Temples “The Sorrow and the Pity of Racial Profiling” Temples article talks about how Middle-East people have endured sever racial profiling since the September 11 attacks. The article states: The dragnet of Arabs and Muslims has not yielded results, any more than did the 1920 Palmer raids, the 1940s internment of Japanese-Americans, or the 1970 crackdown on Iranians during the hostage crisis. (Temple, 2004, p.799). It can be said that the only reason for this extensive racial profiling is Americas fear for its security. Furthermore, Temple states that: “…rights come with the condition of being human-they come with the skin – and no one, no group, no sovereign, not even the people as sovereign, has the moral, the social, or the political right to deprive any one of us of those rights” (2004, p.801). This means that America decides to violate such rights in order to feel, if not maintain, national security. Temple provides evidences by stating that the Justice Department looks at detaining and questioning over 100,000 Middle Eastern people (after the 9/11 attacks) (2004, p.799), and that Arab immigrants and even Arab Americans have been detained and questioned by merely looking “suspicious” (2004, p.798). By suspicious means being a Middle-Easterner. These evidences are gathered through qualitative means and by going through several incidents and showing their pattern that is linked to a certain issue – Arabs (and Muslims perhaps) looked upon as terrorists. Based on technical definition, it can be said that Temples article displays “intrinsic” and “extrinsic” soundness (Booth, Colomb, & Williams, 2011, p.139-140). Intrinsic because he presents clear claims though quality evidences (Booth, Colomb, & Williams, 2011, p.139). Extrinsic because he bases his argument not only on what any regular person may have written on this topic. He bases it on what is specifically stated in the Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal.” With all the evidences he presents such as figures based on historical facts, evidences from old and new researches and studies, and proofs from scholarly sources (Booth, Colomb, & Williams, 2011, p.141), argued against the principle of equality and rights which America was founded on, there is definitely no “overlook[ing]” that occurs on this topic – thus giving the article “extrinsic soundness” (Booth, Colomb, & Williams, 2011, p.140). By stating disturbing incidents related to racial profiling coupled by allusions to individual rights that are supposed to be one of the foundations of Americas greatness, Temple is able to make readers either support his claims or at least re-think their own. References Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2011). The craft of research. Chicago: The University of Chicago. Temple, R. (2004). The Sorrow and the Pity of Racial Profiling. In G. Colombo, R. Cullen, & B. Lisle (Eds.), Rereading America: Cultural contexts for critical thinking and writing (pp.798-804). Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martins. Read More