Muslims are still portrayed as ‘’violent villains’’ both off and on the screen. They are still associated with terrorism, violence,and aggression, according to a new study published by the University of Southern California (USC) Annenberg Inclusion Initiative in September.
Researchers at the University of South California analyzed the frequency and nature of Muslim depictions utilizing data from 8,885 speaking characters in 200 popular episodic series from four countries including the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
The study discovered that Muslim characters are underrepresented and absent from popular television series, and when they are present, they are stereotypically depicted as, and linked to violence.
Al- Baab Khan, Project Assistant at the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, said “Muslims make up 25% of the world’s population yet were only 1.1% of characters in popular television series.’’
“Not only is this radical erasure an insult, it has the potential to create real-world injury for audiences, particularly Muslims who may be the victims of prejudice, discrimination, and even violence,” she noted.
The researchers also investigated several facets of violence and its links to Muslim characters.
The study found that 38.8% of Muslim characters were targets of violence, they were either the story’s antagonists or affiliated with villains.
Meanwhile, 30.6% of Muslim characters were perpetrators of violence against other characters. They used firearms or were shown with bombs, vests with explosive devices, or using physical means of violence, such as kicking and punching to attack and physically harm others.
In addition, 12.2% of Muslim characters died in the series, all by violent means
In an attempt to improve Muslim representation in film and television, British Pakistani actor and activist Riz Ahmed launched The Blueprint For Muslim Inclusion, in partnership with Left Handed Films, USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative and the Ford Foundation.
The Blueprint For Muslim Inclusion aims to transform institutions to engage Muslim communities, and ensure Muslims feel seen and empowered to tell their tales.
Ahmed Riz shared in a Facebook post,‘’ TV shows are the stories we bring into our homes. They shape how we understand the world, each other, and our place in it. For Muslims this sends a message that they don’t belong or don’t matter. For other people, we risk normalizing fear, bigotry and stigmatization against Muslims.’’
‘’Networks and streaming services need to embrace their responsibility to ensure Muslims of all backgrounds see themselves reflected in our favorite TV shows,’’ he continued.
Negative media representation of Muslims affects people’s perceptions and fosters stereotypes. It has serious repercussions since it increases the propagation of Islamophobia.
Read Also: Activists Slam EU For Inaction Against Islamophobia
