"Reel Bad Arabs"

How sad that the idea of Arabic people in American Cinema is limited to that of the villian. We have actually come to expect it in the big action movies: Arnold Schwarzenegger overpowering the weak and clumsy, Harrison Ford outsmarting the simple and inept. But it is surprising how deep the stereotype runs. Who thinks of Steve Martin in Father of the Bride 2? Or Aladdin for that matter? It's almost a defeating feeling to realize that a movie that you could recite as a seven year old - could still sing along to the all songs - could be so offensive. First reactions may be to ignore it, or to deny that it is there. As a child, I had pajamas that were gauzy and loose-fitting except at the cuffs - I called them my Jasmine pajamas, after the female heroine of the movie. And this may lead you to think - as I did - is this a movie that I can show my children someday? It's like running into an old friend and hearing them spew racial slurs. But this is a person I once loved dearly, do I now want to write them out of my life?

It is also important to recognize that although Hollywood is responsible to some degree, the blame needs to be placed on many other sources. Educators need to do more to teach children about this rich culture, not just teaching them about the terrorists attacks and burkas. The government must make it clear to all their citizens that Arab- and Muslim-American deserve the same treatment as everyone else, and encourage them to learn more about the culture. Perhaps most important to dispelling stereotypes is the role the media plays. If the only images the national media presents Americans with are of  terrorism, repression, and turmoil, is it any surprise it is what comes out in our entertainment?

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1202224,00.html
http://www.nytimes.com/1993/07/23/opinion/l-change-in-aladdin-lyrics-looks-like-cowardly-censorship-165093.html