Issue 3: Do Media Represent Realistic Images of Arab?

I feel that, since the incident of 9/11, a lot of people stereotype Arabs to be Muslim. This creates an unfair, general fear among non-Arabs. In the text, we have Gal Beckerman and Jack Shaheen who have different arguments when it comes to this issue. Journalist Gal Beckerman, who argues YES, talks about Arab bloggers from the Middle East who challenge these stereotypes. Because the blogs can be accessed worldwide, people can see that not all Arab and Middle Eastern culture are the same and see them for who they are as an individual. I feel that Beckerman makes a good point, but does not necessarily answer the given question. Jack Shaheen, who argues NO, discusses how events such as 9/11, as well as Hollywood's images of Arabs, have influenced politicians and citizens opinions in a more negative way. Within this issue, there is also misperceptions about "the other" in the media. The stereotypes on Arabs, is just an example. In my opinion, I feel that the media does not reprent realistic images of Arab. Personally, I have been affected by such events and the media. I know it's wrong to think such things, but once such stereotypes are placed in mind, it's hard to ignore them completely.