STEREOTYPING ARABS – A Timeless Hollywood Tradition

Arabs suffer from a long and systematic stereotyping from the West. From the Orientalist movement of the 18th century till today, Western perceptions of Arabs and by extension Muslims, are based on what they have been conditioned to believe through the media be it in the form of literature, art, and more recently, movies and television, the tribal sheikh, the belly dancing concubine, the filthy rich oil billionaire and the token terrorist. How has this impacted how Arabs and Muslims in today's world? Arabs still do not attain the level of humanity equal to the West. Westerners still feel entitled to the possessions of Arabs be them natural resources or lands and are still treated as uncivilised and educated.

Hollywood has had a significant role in creating this reality. Ever since the late 19th century , the Western film industry has promoted negative interpretations of Arab societies, belief systems and their intentions for life. This video will take you on an analysis of the history of such a strategic process of dehumanising Arabs and Muslims.