This groundbreaking documentary dissects a slanderous aspect of cinematic history that has run virtually unchallenged from the earliest days of silent film to today’s biggest Hollywood blockbusters. Featuring acclaimed author Dr. Jack Shaheen, the film explores a long line of degrading images of Arabs–from Bedouin bandits and submissive maidens to sinister sheikhs and gun-wielding “terrorists”–along the way offering devastating insights into the origin of these stereotypic images, their development at key points in US history, and why they matter so much today. Shaheen shows how the persistence of these images over time has served to naturalize prejudicial attitudes toward Arabs and Arab culture, in the process reinforcing a narrow view of individual Arabs and the effects of specific US domestic and international policies on their lives. By inspiring critical thinking about the social, political, and basic human consequences of leaving these Hollywood caricatures unexamined, the film challenges viewers to recognize the urgent need for counter-narratives that do justice to the diversity and humanity of Arab people and the reality and richness of Arab history and culture.
6.91
Rating: 6.91/10 based on 23 votes cast.
Advertisement
Join The Conversation
Amazing documentary!
I wish a more up to date version was made though.
Many films still vilify Arabs and this really has to change.
People in America are even terrified about Mosque’s opening.. How racist is that…
On a lighter note, it’s weird to re-watch the song from Aladin, I used to love Aladin as a kid and I didn’t even realise how stereotypical and racist some parts actually were.
Anyway, I hope that this whole Zionist (Israeli and American) domination ends very soon. It’s time for people to realise where the REEL threat is coming from and deal with it accordingly.
I could write an essay about many issues regarding Israel but I honestly cannot be bothered any more.
Do your research people, and you will realise the Arab world is far less threatening than you would imagine..
Think about how the Arab world views America, this domineering force which is destroying their world and killing their families etc…
Now if another country was doing all these things to your country how would you react?
I honestly don’t think I could hold back my hate towards my oppressors..
My grandpa still hates the German’s for invading his town in the north of France and murdering his father.. He will go to his grave with this deep hatred. He cannot even talk about that period in his life because it brings up too much pain. Think about how these poor families are being ripped to shreds by the so called most Democratic nation in the world and honestly ask yourself HOW YOU WOULD REACT???
hollywood is jewish ran, jews hate arabs and muslims thats why hollywood vilifies arabs, muslims.
We must stop this hate and unite all our religions to stand any chance against NWO and their taro and black magic..We are working with the devil with that lot… We must pass a message to unite in all religions..
hollywood is jewish ran, jews hate arabs and muslims thats why hollywood vilifies arabs, muslims.
Ask the filipino government why they want to stop issuing visas for their people to come to Qatar.
We must get rid of our governments. They are killling us all and causing illegal wars.. For the love of our children..
An insightful, well-structured and sincere case. Thanks Jack.
An insightful, well-structured and sincere case. Thanks Jack.