The American depiction of Muslims during Gaza war: Orientalist Study

Abstract

The stereotypic depiction of Muslim has been a major challenge that has confronted Muslim during Gaza War which has been a long fought battle between Israeli and Palestinians. This false representation has translated into widespread hate for Muslims as such increasing the rate of hate crimes directed towards them. Edwards Said in his book “Orientalism” and “The question of Palestine” sheds light into the plight of Muslims as a results of false Western representation through Media. Edward Said in his book Orientalism showed how the West through its stereotypic depiction of the East (Islam) exert control and dominance by showcasing herself in a superior light while the East (Islam) is always represented in an inferior and backward state. More so, certain narrative such as 'terrorism' and ‘dictatorship’ has been associated with the Orient (Islam or Arabs). These narratives has led to widespread incidence of hate directed towards Muslim, both those in Palestine and other Muslims in the West. These hate have been on the increase as a result of the Gaza war. The American Islamic Relations (CAIR) has reported an increase of over 178% increase in hate crime directed against Muslims when compared to same months of the previous year with the increase a consequence of the ongoing Gaza war. However, it is essential that the Arabs begins to represents itself in the global politics and ensure her visibility through intellectual discourse and also utilizing the media to showcase the reality of Muslims.