The correct portrayal of Muslims in literature and film is not an easy task, especially given the diversity of cultures, traditions and religious views within the Muslim community itself. The following ten rules, described below, express a critical look at the stereotypes that are often encountered when creating Muslim characters. And it’s almost like with various casinos, including Bizum casinos, about which there are also many stereotypes, to dispel which it is necessary to describe the rules.
Rule One: The Diversity of the Muslim World
Muslims do not constitute a single ethnic or cultural group. Iranians, for example, speak Farsi and are not Arabs, while Turks have their own unique cultural and linguistic identity. It is important to understand the differences between Shiites and Sunnis, which are religious groups, as opposed to Kurds, who can be both Sunni and Shiite. Knowing these differences helps to avoid generalisations and mistakes when creating characters.
Rule Two: Muslims and Smiles
The stereotype that Muslims, especially men with beards, do not smile is often used to make characters appear serious or gloomy. This representation can unfairly distort the image of Muslims in the eyes of the audience. Reflecting a greater variety of emotional states can contribute to a better understanding and perception of Muslims. Therefore, it is important to portray Muslim characters as wholesome, emotionally diverse individuals.
Rule Three: Jews and Christians in Islamic Countries
Often, Western media portray the old Jew as a wise character, while Arab Christians and Muslims from Indonesia remain invisible. This leads to a lopsided perception of religious minorities in Muslim countries. Ignoring the existence of diverse groups disturbs the real perception of these societies. Literature and cinema should strive for a more accurate and balanced portrayal of all religious communities.
Rule Four: Association of Muslims with Terrorism
It is not uncommon to see books and films suggesting that not all Muslims are terrorists, which inadvertently reinforces the association between Islam and terrorism. This approach may be perceived as an attempt to ‘balance’ the story, but it reinforces stereotypes rather than breaking them down. Instead of simplistic statements, it is worth showing Muslims in everyday life, avoiding clichés. This would help build a more positive and realistic image of Muslims.
Rule Five: “Good” and ” Bad” Muslims
Often film and book makers try to include “good” Muslims in the story to compensate for the presence of “bad” characters, which supposedly makes the work balanced. However, this approach may serve to justify the use of negative stereotypes rather than objective portrayal. An equal number of “good” and “bad” characters does not always contribute to a truthful portrayal of the Muslim community. It is better to focus on the diversity of characters and their motivations, avoiding a simple division into “good” and “bad”.
Rule Six: Black Muslims
African American Muslim characters are often portrayed in a stereotypical manner, which can influence perceptions of their character. Such images can reinforce associations between race and certain characteristics like anger or aggression. Depicting African American women in white hijabs can be visually appealing, but it also risks simplifying the complexity of their personal stories. It is important to represent Black Muslims in more diverse and meaningful roles, avoiding clichés.
Rule Seven: Motivate Muslim Characters
Often in stories, Muslim characters’ motivation for action is explained by external factors, such as the actions of the U.S. government. This can give the impression that their actions are a reaction to external intervention rather than a consequence of personal beliefs or circumstances. This approach emphasises moral ambiguity and can both deepen and distort understanding of a character’s motivations. It is better to avoid unambiguous explanations and show the diversity of personal stories.
Rule Eight: Americanisation of Muslims
The portrayal of American Muslims includes an emphasis on their participation in American culture, for example through sports or pop culture. This may be an attempt to emphasise their integration into American society, but this approach risks simplifying their cultural identity. When characters are portrayed as overly ‘Americanised’ it can detract from their Muslim identity. It is important to portray Muslims as full participants in American society while maintaining respect for their religious and cultural sensitivities.
Rule Nine: Sexual Images
The sexuality of Muslim characters is often used to emphasise conflicts or stereotypes, especially against women. Muslim men may be portrayed as extremely attractive up to the point of committing violent acts. Women in hijabs may only be shown in family situations, reinforcing the stereotype of subordination. The portrayal of sexuality should be more balanced and reflect the diversity of life scenarios and choices.
Rule Ten: White Envelopes
White Americans who have converted to Islam are often presented as characters who completely reject their previous life and culture. This may reflect certain prejudices and fears in society towards Islam. Such images can reinforce stereotypes about radicalisation and isolation from society. It is better to show the process of embracing Islam as part of a broader personal evolution, emphasising the complexity and diversity of transitions.
Conclusion
Creating characters of Muslims requires a deep understanding and respect for their religious and cultural identity. It is important to move away from stereotypes and preconceived notions in order to portray Muslims in a more diverse and truthful light. In this context, the ten rules should be seen as a critique of current methods of portraying Muslims in contemporary media.