Damaging Representations

One of the most harshly misrepresented groups within contemporary western media are those of Middle Eastern decent. Particularly in a post September 11 world, Muslims and Arabs are often met with a stereotypical, prejudice and overly racist depiction in the media. However, it comes down to more than just a perceived intolerance of the actions of these individuals and groups. Although the actions of September 11 were horrific, there is more to this misrepresentation than meets the eye. For that the actions of a group of people of Middle Eastern descent are treated on a whole other level than if the same actions were conducted by someone of a white, western background.

Let’s take the relatively recent example of the mass shooting inside a movie theatre in Aurora, Colorado. The actions of the individual, James Holmes, caused the death of over ten people, and injured over one hundred more. Areas around his home were evacuated after police were informed that his apartment contained a number of explosives. Overall, this event was a horrific example of terrorism. However, police and lawyers state that Mr. Holmes suffers from a mental illness and therefore represented in a less critical light in the media.

However, if a man of a similar age but of Middle Eastern descent was to enter a movie theatre in the United States and perform a similar crime, the representations within the media of his act would be entirely different. Instead of representing a man of insanity, who was not properly in control of his actions, the media would represent a terrorist, who is inhumane and dangerous.

My point here is not to make light of the actions of Mr. Holmes, nor is it to suggest that such actions in the place of insanity are any less destructive. My point, rather, is to suggest that the media, and the western world more generally, treat and depict scenarios not entirely upon the act itself. Instead, ethnicity and racial background, and representations of these notions in the media, construct an entirely different way of viewing these issues.

Unfortunately, unless we become impartial to the idea of racial and ethnic background, and treat all as equal global citizens, we are going to continue to live in a world that is grossly misrepresented, and where people are treated in stereotypical and derogatory ways.