4. Depiction of Arabs in Films As already mentioned, it is of great importance to analyse representation of Arabs in Hollywood films through time. There are some proven differences in the depiction of Arabs and the Middle East depending on the year of the release. These differences are, as many scholars believe, socially and politically determined. It is the fact that Arabs are mostly portrayed as terrorists in the last few decades. Since the emergence of the Arab-threat in the 1980s, the audience has been craving for the action films featuring Arabs as the main antagonists. However, many Arab characters can be found in the earlier Hollywood films and, unsurprisingly, they were the uncivilised lunatics even back then. In the following chapters, the representation of Arabs from different time periods will be analysed. 4.1. 1910s-1920s- The Exotic Middle East The Middle East has always been seen as an exotic place. The Middle Eastern people and their everyday lives were something unknown to ordinary Western viewers, so they have …show more content…
However, this romantic adventure is also disrespectful, dated and full of racist stereotypes and sexism. As we have seen, films from the 1920s were often based on loose interpretations of the Middle East and The Sheik is one of the most famous. The Sheik, Shaheen argues, plays on the Western fantasies of exoticism (Reel 51). Back in the 1920s, Middle Eastern countries were seen as exotic places. These lands were perfect settings for Hollywood films of romance and adventure. The Sheik is mostly set in a desert and there are a lot of scenes that show beautiful sand dunes, castles and colourful costumes which give the exotic charm to this silent drama, the charm that many Westerners enjoyed back then (Shaheen Reel 51). It was something new and exciting for the audience, as the Middle East was perceived as a mysterious place full of wonders. Or in other words, as something completely different from the
In class, we watched a film called Ethnic Notions. In this film, it brought to light how devastating and powerful images can be. Due to exaggerated images and caricatures created pre-civil war era of black men and women, stereotypes were created and have negatively affected the black race in society. Caricatures, such as the Sambo, Zip Coon, Mammy, and Brute, have unfortunately been engrained in the minds of generations. So much so their stereotypes still persist today.
...ome to us at an interesting time, before the Revolution, 40 percent of Tehran movie theaters were showing pornography. The function of this office is purification as well as promotion for the arts.” The first part notions the Western stereotype of the Orient since the same as the time when it was discovered, but now the people of the Orient realize the stereotypes and are changing the way they see themselves because of these stereotypes. It is only by correcting these assumptions, stereotypes, and misconceptions of the Orient at the heart of society today, the media can Orientalism be fixed. The Eastern people must be allowed to sympathize in movies and films to humanize them and have intimate interactions. Otherwise, the Orient will be continued to be known incorrectly as a place with people who are without reason, screaming, protesting, and in swarming mobs.
Joyce, James. “Araby”. The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction. Eds. R.V. Cassill and Richard Bausch. Shorter Sixth Edition. New York: W.W. Norton and Company, 2000. 427 - 431.
Movies, one can argue, are one of America’s greatest pastimes. Unfortunately, after 9/11, films have become increasingly prejudiced against American Muslims. In movies Muslims are frequently portrayed negatively. According to James Emery, a professor of Anthropology, Hollywood profits off of “casting individuals associated with specific negative stereotypes”. This is due to the fact that viewers automatically link characters with their clichéd images (Emery). For Muslims, the clichéd image is of the violent fundamentalist, who carried out the terroristic attacks on 9/11. As a result, the main stereotypes involved in movies display Muslims as extremists, villains, thieves, and desert nomads. An example of a movie that has such a negative character role for Muslims in film is Disney’s cartoon Aladdin, depict...
...ent from the silent era of film, overt racism of ethnic minorities was blatantly apparent within the film medium. However, presently this overt racism however has shifted into a more subtle segregation of casting and racial politics within the film medium. It seems that both the problem and the solution lies in the Eurocentric domination within the Hollywood film industry – and it seems that it still remains challenged to this day.
Shaheen, Jack. “The Media’s Image of Arabs.” Writing on the River. 3rd ed. Boston: McGraw,
"PORTRAYAL OF MINORITIES IN THE FILM, MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRIES." PORTRAYAL OF MINORITIES IN THE FILM, MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRIES. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Apr. 2014.
Haddawy, Husain. The Arabian Nights. Rpt in Engl 123 B16 Custom Courseware. Comp. Lisa Ann Robertson. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta, 2014. 51-64. Print.
Joyce, James. “Araby.” The Norton Introduction to Literature, Shorter Eighth Edition. Eds. Jerome Beaty, Alison Booth, J. Paul Hunter, and Kelly J. Mays. New York: W.W.Norton.
Sabbagh, S. J., & American Arab Anti Discrimination Committee, W. C. (1990). Sex, Lies, & Stereotypes: The Image of Arabs in American Popular Fiction. ADC Issue Paper No. 23. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Norris, H.T. "The Arabian Nights: A Companion." Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies 58 (1995):148-149.
Critics have already begun a heated debate over the success of the book that has addressed both its strengths and weaknesses. The debate may rage for a few years but it will eventually fizzle out as the success of the novel sustains. The characters, plot, emotional appeal, and easily relatable situations are too strong for this book to crumble. The internal characteristics have provided a strong base to withstand the petty attacks on underdeveloped metaphors and transparent descriptions. The novel does not need confrontations with the Middle East to remain a staple in modern reading, it can hold its own based on its life lessons that anyone can use.
The film Lawrence of Arabia illustrations the experiences of a man’s exploration of places he has never been before, both on the globe and within his own mind. The leading role is sent to the Middle East during World War One, his experiences there are display disputes that are still prevalent in today’s world. The issues dealt with by the Arabians in the movie and the continued problems in present day Middle East are consequences of European domination. This control is executed through the idea of imperialism or, a countries attempt to expand their power, usually done by means of colonization, in an effort to strengthen their own countries livelihood. The conquest of Arabia by the British was the beginning of the political issues today in the
Joyce, James. "Araby." 1914. Literature and Ourselves. Henderson, Gloria, ed. Boston, Longman Press. 2009. 984-988.
The Green Zone directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Matt Damon focuses primarily on the United States' involvement in Iraq, 2003 on the eve of George Bush's 'War on Terror'. Though the movie focuses more on behind the scenes activities of Senior U.S Officials and media agencies at the time of war, snippets throughout the film portray the Middle East and its inhabitants in a time of political turmoil and backlash, as Iraqi people are often seen angry and unsettled in large groups due to the danger of events that transpire around them, with the U.S now pulling the strings in the war torn region determining the future of all its citizens. This essay will focus mainly on the theme of politics expressed throughout the movie by focusing on certain dialogues amongst characters, analysing important scenes and settings, and will make reference to Edward Said's 'Orientalism' in arguing that Arabs are often misplaced and mistreated at the hands of Americans throughout the movie.