Issue three discuses whether Media represents realistic images of Arabs. Ever since September 11th happened, Arabs are viewed as whole new people. Just because the one group Al Qaeda set up this attack, and blew up the Trade Centers, it doesn't mean that every other Arab wants to too. But since it was such a tragic event, we have no one else to blame but for themselves. Since we have had history on the understanding the impact of racial profiling, based on stereotypes is what distorts the word; The Others. Since they are being singles out, we want to refer them as a whole different species, and not like us. But since we single out people these days, it can put multiple harmful effects on what we call the others.
In this issue, Gal Beckerman says yes, the media represents realistic images on Arabs. She provides the readers with interesting information. She tells us about how the Arab's use the internet and Blog about their life over in the Middle East. She list's a few examples of what they say, and it straight up tells us they live a normal lifestyle like we do here in the US. They just have different believes, but not everyone will agree with each other. But because the Arab's are blogging, it gives the public a chance to read about their situations and understand them as individuals; and rather be racist or judge on their ethnicity. This is a good thing so we can see where they are coming from. Yes there are the good people, and yes there are the bad people. But because of the tragic event that happened, now we tend to lean a judge someone on their looks; and not for who they are. But on the other hand the blogger sphere forces the Arab people with contrary opiniions to engage with each others.
On the other hand, Jack Shaheen says no the media does not represent realistic images of Arab's. He argues that Arabs have been the most maligned stereotyped in popular cultures. This has happened because of 9/11. I believe this is because now we are scared of Arabs, and every time we see one we thing of the Trade Centers. We don't want to face our fears, and remain one sided. So we simply call them the others. They have nothing to do with us. These people are just as normal as we are, but live in a demanding country. He also discusses how Hollywood influences images in movies and TV to politicians and us citizens; which of course contribute to public opinions on them people. Godfrey Cheshire states 'The Arab stereotype is the only vicious racial stereotype that's not only still permitted but actively endorsed by Hollywood. They creates images of Arab's as enemies, and bad people. If they speak a different language, come from a different town/village, wear different clothing, they are considered bad, and don't relate to us US people. Of course we are going to be influence by the media because there are 1,150 films that are made to defile Arab's.
After reading both arguments, I have come to believe what our society is really all about. If you aren't the same like everyone else, then you are considered an outsider. The US is free country, anyone can do anything they want; but cannot abide the law. So if your doing something different from someone else, they why are you to be pursued as an other. Either way, the world wont change, because the media has taken over. Stereotypes that are on the media influences people in the society; and this makes us uncomfortable what ourselves, and this leads to people being prejudice. Nothing will change. Good or bad, you will still have a name because of who you are.
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