Muslims in the Media

• Mosque- place of worship

• Founder Mohammed (570AD)

• Koran or Qu’ran- holy book

• Mecca, Saudi Arabia- place of pilgrimage

• Call God Allah

Middle EastMuslims 3 billion world wide2nd largest religion in the world

• Split (632-650AD)

• Sunni (imams are the leaders)

• Shiite (10%)- Iran, Iraq and Yemen believe Muhammad designated his successor, (mujtahids are the leaders)

What do you know about Muslims and Islam? Where did you get this understanding from?

Many non-Muslim Australians get their understanding of Islam from the media. While it is important that the media keeps all Australians informed about issues and events that occur, the media is also responsible for deciding what and how news will be reported. While the media sometimes promotes Islam and Muslims positively, some people believe that Islam and Muslims are not represented fairly by the media.

Understand the terms

• Islam: Islam is a religion. The word Islam is used in the same way as the term Christianity or Buddhism.

• Muslim: A Muslim is a person who follows Islam. The word Muslim is used in the same way as the term Christian or Buddhist.

Now watch the following video in which a Muslim Imam discusses

how he thinks the media portrays Islam and Muslims.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Tlr6WmMk_9w

The reflections in this video are supported by a recent study into the reporting of diversity on Australian news and current affairs television programs. It found that these programs generally 'represent Australia as an 'Anglo' nation' and when ethnic minorities are included 'it is usually to be shown as threatening and menacing to the Anglo mainstream.' (Phillips, 2011).

• Look at the following six headlines and article introductions that represent a selection of news items related to Islam. Some of these headlines and introductions may work to reinforce stereotypical, or simplified views about Muslims and Islam. Others may challenge more commonly held perceptions.

• While each of these articles is about a specific person or event, generalised ideas about Muslims and Islam may also be perceived by readers. What conclusions about Islam and Muslims might a reader draw from looking at each of these articles?

Refer to the two handouts, each consisting of two articles. Having read the articles you need to answer the following questions in your exercise books:

What stereotypes about Islam and Muslims are reinforced or challenged by these two articles?

How are other religious groups portrayed in the media?

Assessment• View the film ‘Not Without My Daughter’

• After viewing the film your task will be to write two 300 word newspaper articles.– One will need to reflect on the events of the film

from the American perspective– One will need to reflect on the events of the film

from the Iranian perspectiveYou are to use your knowledge of bias and racial stereotypes to use appropriate (somewhat persuasive) vocabulary to report the events.