A Study on the Role of the Media and Its Effect on Identity of Muslims (Part 36)
The Islamic World and the Media’s Approach
Today, the West, lacking a proper understanding of the history of Islam or having a shallow and superficial comprehension, has identified a new enemy to replace the red flag threats of the Cold War era: radical Islam.
In this stereotypical Western mindset, Muslims are frequently portrayed as “fundamentalists” or “potential terrorists.” This perception of Islam is significantly influenced by the intentional approach of Western media. Furthermore, reporters and analysts working in Muslim countries often possess little knowledge of the region, which leads to perspectives filled with hearsay and rumors. Consequently, these media outlets present a distorted and inaccurate image of Islam and Muslims, fostering a misinformed view of the culture in the West.
Another key factor contributing to this stereotypical image is the terminology used to describe Muslims. Terms such as “extremists” and “terrorists” are frequently employed, resulting in distortion and misunderstanding among Westerners, thereby fueling anti-Islamic sentiments. Moreover, these media outlets rarely utilize terms like “progressive people” or “revitalizers” to describe Muslims.
Additionally, Western media often portray Muslims as retrogressive individuals returning to Islam. This characterization is not entirely accurate; Muslims have not strayed from their ideals and principles; rather, Islam has always been an integral part of their lives. In recent years, we have witnessed a resurgence of Islam and its growing influence in today’s world.
In the Western context, media continue to propagate inaccurate opinions about Islam. Due to the significant influence of these outlets, the stereotypical view of Islam has increasingly proliferated among nations and societies. The depiction of Muslims as “fundamentalists” is often tied to the media’s interpretation of fundamentalism rather than a reflection of adherence to the principles of Islamic law. Similarly, the term “jihad” is distorted; it does not mean “holy war” in Islam. However, the media associate war and violence with Islam, interpreting jihad as a holy war and implying that Muslims intend to kill and subjugate non-Muslims. It is important to note that, in Islamic thought, actions such as a student’s efforts to achieve better grades, striving for justice and equality in society, respecting parents, raising children, and even eating and sleeping to better serve others are considered forms of jihad.
Regarding the link between Islam and violence, it is necessary to further examine the dimensions of this misunderstanding. For example, many media outlets claim that Islam spread by the sword, but in reality, Islam expanded through the ethical conduct and goodwill of Muslims and new converts, and in some cases, through warfare. Given that the majority of Westerners, particularly in America, obtain their information solely from the media, this misconception is not entirely surprising.
Furthermore, Western media often fail to report on past events in Muslim regions and do not differentiate between Islam as a religion and the political events occurring in Muslim countries. A significant issue here is the profit-driven nature of the media, which often seeks to present a distorted and unrealistic image. Consequently, Western media portray news about Muslims and Islam in an unpleasant and undesirable manner, depicting Islam as a threat to the West. However, these views are held by only specific groups within society. These media outlets transmit incorrect and distorted interpretations of Islamic teachings to their audiences. Through false and misleading reports and analyses, Western media have contributed to the vilification of the Islamic world and Muslims, particularly in cases involving incidents like the hijacking by several Palestinian youths.
Conversely, Western media have overlooked many developments and advancements in the Islamic world and generally fail to report them contextually. Regarding issues such as “jihad” and “women’s rights,” they pursue hidden agendas by offering incorrect interpretations and analyses.
This distorted thinking and biased behavior have resulted in a tarnished image of Islam and Muslims, stripping them of their dignity and honor. However, these rumors and falsehoods cannot withstand the flood of truth, and their power to persist is waning. The rise of Islamism in the West and the increasing conversion to Islam support this reality.
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