The document discusses whether media represents realistic images of Arabs. It argues that media does not, citing a survey that found nearly 50% of adults believe there is persistent negative media bias against Muslims and Arabs in media. As evidence, it notes that in films, the villain is often Arab or Muslim, while the hero is non-Arab. This negative portrayal increases when a group is seen as a security threat. Hispanics have also faced long-term negative bias in media related to immigration debates.

1. Take a position on this statement: The media represent realistic images of Arabs. Support your
views with one or two reasons and / or examples. (Cite any sources you referenced.) take a
position on this statement: The media represent realistic images of Arabs. Support your views
with one or two reasons and / or examples. (Cite any sources you referenced.)
Solution
In my opinion, media does not represent realistic images of Arabs. Recently, the Arab American
National Museum and the National Network for Arab American Communities partnered with the
National Voices Project (NVP) to investigate, among other things, media bias against racial,
ethnic, and religious groups.
According to the survey, respondents agree that there is a “persistent negative media bias”
against Muslims and Arabs/Arab Americans. Nearly 50% of adults believe there is a persistent
negative media bias against Muslims and 44% believe the same of Arabs/Arab Americans.
Media especially film media consistently commnicates negative image of Arabs and Muslims. In
all terrorist based movies, it is shown that villain belongs to these communities and hero is either
a Hindu or a Christian. Although survey respondents did feel that media bias against African
Americans (40%) and Jewish people (23%) remains a problem, it is clear that Muslims and
Arabs are currently in the (negative) spotlight.
The history of stereotyping and media bias in the United States follows a clear trajectory: media
bias increases when a specific ethnic, religious, or racial group is seen as a threat to national
security (economic or otherwise). For example, Hispanics/Latinos have long been the focus of
persistent negative media bias. Recent popular and political discourses on immigration portray
“illegal” immigrants from Latino countries as a threat to the economy and safety of the nation.