For nearly a century now Arabic people have been portrayed in negative ways in over 50 Hollywood Films. Evil Arab villains have taken on the Americans, the Brits, the Israelis, Africans, and fellow Arabs. They have been Stereotyped as Terrorists, misogynistic sheikhs, megalomaniacs, fighters, smugglers I could go on all day. Im not saying that its wrong to show an Arabic person as a villain in a film once or twice, but why the need for the constant vilification of these people?
Surely the U.S. Government must step in and say enough is enough. Unfortunately, the truth couldnt be further from this. Instead of condemning these negative Stereotypes of Arabic people, the Department of Defence and the U.S. Marine Corps have provided military equipment, technical assistance and personnel to help th e Hollywood studios create these anti-Arab Films. Over 14 Hollywood Films such as True Lies and Rules of Engagement, which all show Americans killing Arabs, thank the Department of Defence in their credits.
Its not just adults which are being influenced by Stereotypes of Arabic people. Hollywood is targeting children as well. When children think of Arabic countries a host of Stereotypes must come to mind: Belly dancers, sultans, gold, palaces, market places, and flying carpets. Where did they get these ideas from? Disneys animated feature film Aladdin of course. Disney Americanized numerous aspects of the film. They renamed the princess Jasmine (she was originally called Buddir al Buddor). They changed her clothing from what a traditional princess would wear to the somewhat lower status of a belly dancers attire. They also gave the evil Jafer exaggerated Arab features and depicted him in a far from pleasant way. So if children are brought up to have downbeat attitudes of Arabic people then the Hollywood studios are just perpetuating these unhelpful labels.
Some people in the Arabic community describe their portrayal in Hollywood Movies as the three bs. They are either depicted as bombers, belly dancers or billionaires. I have three bs of my own: Im bemused how Hollywood gets away with their blatant jibes at Arabic culture, Im baffled that this issue hasnt been thrust into the Media spotlight and Im overwhelmed by the brashness of the U.S. Government in regard to controlling this ongoing representation of Arabic people.
Toby Clarke is the founder of http://www.open-your-mind.co.uk A site where you can check out current affairs articles, film reviews, music reviews, inerviews, a polling booth and much more.
Open Your Mind is currently looking for people to write articles and reviews, go to the site and click on the contact page for more details...
Author:: T Clarke
Keywords:: Arabs, Hollywood, Celebrity, Films, Movies, Media, Terrorist, Stereotype, Government
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