Media Representations of Muslims in Australia
Explore media representations of Muslims in Australia in the post-September 11 period. What are the effects of such images, both on the Muslim community, and the Australian community more broadly?
As one of the most significant social agents in today’s society, the media has the potential to not only influence, but also alter the views and opinions of the general public. According to the type of language used and the nature of the information being disseminated, its influence can have an immense impact on targeted minority groups. (Akbarzadeh & Smith, 2005) In the recent past, Muslims and Arabs have been the focus of media attention and the subject of negative imaging. Such images have affected both the Muslim community and the Australian community more broadly. This essay examines the way in which the media plays a role in shaping perceptions about Islam and Muslims in the West by focusing on cultural and religious differences, consequently resulting in the construction of the ‘Muslim other’.
Australia's Multiculturalism is the essence of the countries identity. The process of multiculturalism however, has not come easily; particularly for Muslims from the Middle East. The difference in cultural and religious beliefs, along with uninformed reporting, has resulted in misperceptions, and Muslims at times have been identified with extremism. The Muslim community within Australia moved toward public scrutiny even before September 11. The Skaf gang rapes of 2000 and matters concerning circumcision saw images of Muslims within the media being portrayed as “savage.” (Kabir, 2005:313) The Skaf gang rapes produced overwhelming media coverage as every trial, hearing and appeal was reported. A link between religion and crime was established as the criminals were automatically acknowledged and branded by the media as being “Muslim” and from “Middle-Eastern descent.” Consequently, rather than the Australian public identifying the criminals as just that – criminals –
As one of the most significant social agents in today’s society, the media has the potential to not only influence, but also alter the views and opinions of the general public. According to the type of language used and the nature of the information being disseminated, its influence can have an immense impact on targeted minority groups. (Akbarzadeh & Smith, 2005) In the recent past, Muslims and Arabs have been the focus of media attention and the subject of negative imaging. Such images have affected both the Muslim community and the Australian community more broadly. This essay examines the way in which the media plays a role in shaping perceptions about Islam and Muslims in the West by focusing on cultural and religious differences, consequently resulting in the construction of the ‘Muslim other’.
Australia's Multiculturalism is the essence of the countries identity. The process of multiculturalism however, has not come easily; particularly for Muslims from the Middle East. The difference in cultural and religious beliefs, along with uninformed reporting, has resulted in misperceptions, and Muslims at times have been identified with extremism. The Muslim community within Australia moved toward public scrutiny even before September 11. The Skaf gang rapes of 2000 and matters concerning circumcision saw images of Muslims within the media being portrayed as “savage.” (Kabir, 2005:313) The Skaf gang rapes produced overwhelming media coverage as every trial, hearing and appeal was reported. A link between religion and crime was established as the criminals were automatically acknowledged and branded by the media as being “Muslim” and from “Middle-Eastern descent.” Consequently, rather than the Australian public identifying the criminals as just that – criminals –