ARAB STEREOTYPE IN AMERICAN MOVIES

Abstract

This thesis explores the stereotypical image of Arabs in Hollywood films from the era of silent films to contemporary productions. It investigates the reasons, circumstances, and reactions that have shaped the stereotypical portrayal of Arabs in these films. This thesis focuses on three specific films: The Sheik (1921), from the silent movies era; Rules of Engagement (2000), prior to the events of September 11; and Syriana (2005), produced after silent movies and September 11 events. Several other films are also occasionally examined to understand the stereotypical representations of Arabs in each time period, covering the 1920s through the 2010s. This thesis uses textual and visual analysis to analyze the films and understand what the movie directors perceive as Arab culture in these movies. Therefore, the first chapter analyzes old movies, from the beginnings of the Arab characters in Hollywood to movies before the Gulf War 1990-1991. The second chapter explores the movies covering the post-Gulf War to recent times. The third chapter presents the results of academic studies and the opinions of notable American and Arab scholars and authors regarding the stereotypical image of Arabs in American cinema. The thesis shows that historical events have had the most significant impact on the portrayal of a negative stereotype of Arabs in Hollywood films. Additionally, the ignorance of Arab culture and the perception of European superiority over other nations and races created factors to this stereotype. Moreover, the absence of Arabs from the Hollywood film industry has played a significant role in the distorted and unnatural portrayal of Arabs in American cinema.