The Arab Revolution and Hollywood's Portrayal of Arabs
Historical Stereotyping in Hollywood
Arabs have been consistently portrayed as subhumans or "untermenschen" in Hollywood, a term originally used by Nazis.
The book "Real Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People" by Emily Beynon analyzes over 1,000 films depicting negative Arab stereotypes.
European Influence and Arab Stereotypes
Early travel writers and artists from Europe created and embellished images of Arabs as the "Oriental other."
Hollywood adopted and perpetuated these stereotypes, creating a fictional "Arabland" with deserts, palaces, and villainous caricatures.
Common Stereotypes in Films
Arabs are depicted as villains, buffoons, and incompetent individuals.
Films like "Aladdin" and "True Lies" recycle degrading stereotypes.
Arab men are often shown as lecherous, obsessed with Western women, or as wealthy, foolish sheikhs.
Arab women are portrayed as belly dancers or, more recently, as terrorists.
Hollywood's Political Influences
Hollywood's portrayal of Arabs aligns with U.S. political policies, especially after WWII and significant events like the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Arab oil embargo, and the Iranian revolution.
Films depict Arab characters as economic threats, much like anti-Semitic propaganda during Nazi Germany.
Palestinians in Hollywood
Palestinians are often shown as terrorists, beginning with films like "Exodus."
Israeli producers Menachem Golan and Yoram Globus produced numerous films vilifying Arabs, particularly Palestinians.
Rarely are Palestinians depicted as victims or humans deserving empathy.
Post-9/11 Impact
Post-9/11, stereotypes intensified with films and media depicting Arabs/Muslims as threats.
Profiling and hate crimes against Muslims increased, reflecting the influence of these stereotypes.
TV shows and religious channels perpetuate fears of Islamic terrorism.
Humanizing Arabs through Film
Some filmmakers have started to present Arabs in a more complex, human light, breaking stereotypes.
Films like "Three Kings," "Kingdom of Heaven," "Syriana," and "Paradise Now" showcase Arabs with depth and humanity.
Conclusion
Stereotypes are deeply embedded but can be unlearned.
The future holds hope as young filmmakers recognize and aim to rectify past injustices.
It is crucial for everyone to speak out against the vilification of any people.
Notable Quotes
"Washington and Hollywood spring from the same DNA" - Jack Valente, President of the Motion Picture Association of America.