Al-Jazeera: 'Hollywood: Casting the Enemy', Arab Stereotypes

Al Jazeera's Josh Rushing talks to some of Hollywood's most prominent Arab voices as he explores Hollywood's influence on how different cultures perceive one another and the stereotypes that often result.

"Since movie-making began, the US film industry has often been accused of perpetuating negative stereotypes - the incompetent African-American and the savage Native American, the sinister Asian and Italian mafia mobster are all Hollywood staples.

But while American cinema has evolved to depict a more balanced view of many cultures, world events mean that Arabs remain the 'bad guys' of choice poised to threaten the Hollywood hero.

From Bedouin thieves to gun-wielding terrorists, Arabs and Muslims are struggling to be cast in a sympathetic light.

There are concerns from some that as these images permeate the audience's consciousness, so too does misperception and fear.

Ironically, it seems that since 9/11, the way in which Arabs are portrayed in Hollywood films has become more nuanced.

A number of Arab actors and filmmakers have made names for themselves within the industry and that fame offers the opportunity for Arabs and Muslims to transcend the on-screen stereotypes.

Join Al Jazeera's Josh Rushing in conversation with some of the most prominent Arab voices in Hollywood as he explores Hollywood's influence on how different cultures precieve one another.

From the star power of Tony Shalhoub, the legendary Omar Sharif and Star Trek regular Alexander Siddig, to a film about Arab-American frustrations in the aftermath of 9/11, conventions are being actively challenged, and new stories are starting to emerge."

You can watch the second part here
gwaansays...

Have you ever met someone from the Middle East Rotty - I doubt it, in fact I don't think you've ever left America. If you have nothing positive to contribute to this site don't bother coming back!

Rottysays...

The university I attended allowed them. Evidently, lying and cheating are culturally acceptable practices. My girlfriend teaches English to foreign student from around the globe. Guess who are consistantly the rudest, cheating, lying students?

Don't tell me what to do.

rickegeesays...

Wow. The guy from CONTROL ROOM is now working for Al Jazeera? Great!

CONTROL ROOM is a good primer on "war communications" and features the best footage of a sputtering Donald Rumsfeld that I have ever seen.

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