September 28th: Does Media Represent Realistic Images of Arabs?

In this week's readings Beckerman, who supported the yes article, said that bloggers from the Middle East are challenging stereotypes about Arab culture. Shaleen, who supported the no article, said that Arabs have been the most maligned stereotype in popular culture. I would have to agree with the no article on this one. Ever since the attack on the World Trade Centers, America has definitely become more prone to racially profiling Arab people. Just recently I flew to Texas, and as bad as it sounds, there is a heightened awareness about what and how many Middle Eastern poeple are on your flight. I blame this on the media, which tends to cause a spark of paranoia, especially in regards to things like this. While I do agree that Arab people can more easily blog about what their life is really like, someone isn't likely to find that blog unless they are looking for it.