America's Portrayal of Islam - Assignment Example

? A Research Proposal on Islam: Is It Misunderstood and Why? A Research Proposal on Islam: Is It Misunderstood and Why? Research Topic America's Portrayal of Islam I am studying America's portrayal of Islam because I want to find out who is responsible for the current view (or stereotypes) for or against the religion, what constitutes fairness when it comes to portraying something that somehow goes against personal (or a nation's) interests, and whether the view on terrorism is related to the rest of the world's conflict with Islam or merely conflict in interests. Answers to Assignment 3.9 1. This topic is interesting because it will deal with a highly sensitive issue regarding a specific religion. The research question is developed due to the long-standing debate regarding the religion of Islam. The research question should revolve around the possible hidden truths on whether it is really a “war against terror” or a “war against a conflicting religious belief.” Furthermore, it could open an avenue for a more intensive research on the possibilities of media bias in this field, especially if one would consider “who” controls the news industry. it could also be linked to the stereotypes against the Muslims. The research question is developed under the idea that the portrayal of the Islamic creed may be erroneous in order to pursue the world leaders' interest in pursuing political agenda. An objective study on this subject can be beneficial to almost everyone, especially the ordinary individual who merely relies on news feeds and media portrayals as basis for personal standpoints. It is also crucial for anyone's academic, professional, or personal interests because this topic can be linked to a larger topic of diversity, which is a crucial characteristic in one's academic, social, and professional life. 2. It can be said that this topic may have been a subject of several blogs, or informal write-ups, but little to no formal research has been done on this topic --- at least from the U.S.. While it is true that Muslims may have several articles discussing this topic, for the purpose of balancing the equation, it is good to have a research on this subject done from a “Western” viewpoint, or at least by someone who has no political, religious, or personal hidden agenda other than to create a better understanding on this sensitive issue. The danger in this topic, however, is in the writer's own subjective or objective nature. It will serve as a challenge in writer's experience on research. Furthermore, there will always be a possibility that a solid conclusion cannot be gained from this research because of the depth and broadness of several areas in both religion and the media. However, the sure thing here is that if a thorough research is done in the most objective manner, insights gathered will be useful in serving as eye-openers not only in matters of religion and the media, but also in every day lives. 3. So far, topics covered by the selected sources are those that are linked to the 9/11 attack, the Iraq and Afghanistan attacks, political intervention on Egypt, Libya, and Syria, and some collected news articles from Mediterranean (Arabic) and Western newspapers on conflicts that gained international attention. Some interviews from journalists sent to nations under attack will also be used in order to compare what is seen on print and on television, and what is said by people who experienced first-hand what occurs in those lands under attack. Some interviews are also planned for some journalists from both the Arab world and the U.S., as well as experts in the cultural and religious aspects Islam (sheikh, imam, social workers, etc.). Interview Prospective Interviewees 1. Ben Finley – Staff Writer, FactCheck.org (Editor@FactCheck.org) 2. Ellen Iwamoto – Researcher, FactCheck.org (Editor@FactCheck.org) 3. Rich Noyes - (mrc@mediaresearch.org) 4. Brent Baker - (mrc@mediaresearch.org) 5. Michael Moore - (http://www.michaelmoore.com/submit) Interview Questions My research topic is Islam, and I am investigating whether or not it is a misunderstood religion, and whether or not media biases (if any) has something to do with it. 1. Describe your professional experience related to media. 2. How prevalent do you think is media bias? Why is this so? 3. What can you say about issues on biases in the media regarding it's portrayal of Islam? 4. Do you think these issues have a strong foundation? Can you give specific examples from your own experiences? 5. What do you think is the biggest issue in this portrayal of Islam and the Muslims on the western media? 6. Rep. Ellison once called on Fox News' Sean Hannity as inciting religious and ethnic animosity. What can you say about this? Do you, or do you not, agree with Rep. Ellison and why? 7. What do you think are the main causes of this issue in the media? Is it politics, economics, etc? 8. Do you think that the way Americans view Islam and Muslims today are largely due to media? 9. Do you believe that if media bias has not existed, there is a big chance that the concept of Islamophobia will not be existing in American societies (or any other society for that matter) today? 10. In your opinion, is this whole issue against terrorism, against Islam...is it also due to clashes in culture or clashes in interests? 11. There is an episode of the Simpsons way back in 2008 where it clearly shows stereotyping Muslims as terrorists (The Simpsons got a Muslim neighbor and Homer immediately classifies them as terrorists. Bart stands up for Bashir, the Muslim boy. However, Bart was called un-American due to this.). What can you say about this matter? 12. What do you think is th difference between media bias and stating opinions? 13. Do you think this issue will ever end? How? 14. What do you think is a possible answer to my research question? In your opinion, what efforts should be undertaken to gather more insights on the issue of western media bias and Islam? 15. What resources, either other people or published materials, do you regard as essential to the study of my topic/question? Is there anything else you'd like to add that hasn't been covered by the questions I asked? (This should be your last question.) Approach Letter Since the prospective interviewees are known people from the media, an interview via e-mail is the most possible medium. Below is the approach letter to be sent to the chosen interviewees. Dear (name of the interviewee), Hello, my name is (name of student). I am a student at Madison Area Technical College, and I am currently researching on Islam as a misunderstood religion, and the role of western media (biases) in this issue. This is for a paper I'm writing for English 2: Research and Argument. As an expert in your field, it will be highly valued and appreciated should you take time to answer a few of the questions that I need answered for this research. May I ask a few minutes of your time to answer them? If you agree, I could email them to you as soon as possible so you may answer them at your earliest convenience. I look forward to a positive reply. Thank you, (name of student) (student's email address) Working Bibliography Ayish, M. I. (January 01, 2003). Beyond western-oriented communication theories: A normative Arab-islamic perspective. Javnost, 10, 2, 79-92. Barack, L. (2010). Islam in the Classroom: Teachers and Parents Alike Are Unsure about the Topic, but It's Never Been More Important. School Library Journal, 56, 10, 34-37. Barker, M. (2008). Democracy or polyarchy? US-funded media developments in Afghanistan and Iraq post 9/11. Media, Culture & Society, 30, 1, 109-130. Blum, W. (2004). Killing hope: U.S. military and CIA interventions since World War II. London: Zed. Bo?rjesson, K. (2005). Feet to the fire: The media after 9/11 : top journalists speak out. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books. Geaves, R. (2005). Aspects of Islam. Washington, D.C: Georgetown University Press. Moore, M., Bin, L. O., Bush, B., & Bush, G. W. (2004). Farenheit 9/11. London: Optimum Home Entertainment. Morey, P., & Yaqin, A. (2011). Framing Muslims: Stereotyping and representation after 9/11. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press. Pilger, J. (2005). Tell me no lies: Investigative journalism that changed the world. New York: Thunder's Mouth Press. Shashikumar, V. K. (2002). Oil search behind U.S. war on Afghanistan. Peace Research Abstracts, 39, 5, 611-755. Read More