عنوان

Media imagery and the cultivation of attitudes on Arab Americans

TL47829

انگلیسی

Media imagery and the cultivation of attitudes on Arab Americans

[Thesis]

[Thesis]

[Thesis]

[Thesis]

Elyssa Sholleh Allahyar

Hazel, Michael

Gonzaga University

2014

79

Place of publication: United States, Ann Arbor; ISBN=978-1-321-03628-2

M.A.

Communication and Leadership

Gonzaga University

2014

Since the 19^th century, people of Middle Eastern descent have come to the United States for a new beginning. However, throughout the decades, Arab/Middle Eastern/Muslim ethnic groups have faced stereotypes and backlash as a result of many historical events, in relation to Middle Eastern countries. The attacks on September 11th, 2001 resulted in a proliferation of negative stereotypes against Middle Eastern Americans and challenges to their acceptance in the United States. This thesis seeks to ascertain the stereotypes that have been developed about Middle Easterners, and the reinforcement of these stereotypes through pop culture media, specifically film, in the twenty-first century. Semiology, proposed by Barthes (1988), and cultivation theory, developed by Gerbner (1969) provide the primary theoretical framework for the study. Both work to explain the impact of signs and symbols in messages that can create cultivated beliefs about society and influence cultural norms. The literature review examines the development and existence of stereotypes about Middle Easterners in American culture. Research for this thesis was conducted using a content analysis method employing the use of a coding procedure. The data reveals that stereotypes in twenty-first century film display a greater presence of negative perceptions over positive ones, and that there is a distinction between female and male representation. Further research is necessary to determine the individual impact these stereotypes have on both male and female Middle Eastern Americans living in the United States today.

Communication

Communication and the arts;Arab americans;Cultivation theory;Middle eastern;Semiotics

Allahyar, Elyssa Sholleh

Hazel, Michael

Communication and Leadership

Gonzaga University

1559942866; 1560492

p

[Thesis]

276903

a

Y