The Essay Plan..

POINTS TO DISCUSS

* define what a "Moderate Muslim" is.

Point 1 - Introduction to the show and characters. Focusing on the lead character, a Black Sunni Muslim, discussing stereotypes linked to black Muslims, mentioning the Nation of Islam & Five Percenters - how this character subverts stereotypes of not only Muslims but black Muslims.
Mention other characters who conform to the stereotyping such as Farik, and those that do not such as Zayd Abdal Malik.

Discuss a scene and how it relates to my thesis and is proving my point - (Zayd Abdal Malik preaching).

Point 2 - Social & Political Issues of the time - early 90s and the political issues - Mujahedeen - 9/11 etc. Could mention Nation of Islam etc., why Muslims have been subjected to such stereotyping, mention shows such as "24" and "Oz".

Point 3 - mention historical texts and how "Sleeper Cell" is different from them as well as how stereotyping has progressed. "A Son Of The Sahara", "Black Sunday". Why has stereotyping changed? Why were the stereotypes a certain way in the historical texts? Political & Social Issues.

Point 4 - Are stereotypes changing? Discuss controversy and backlash. "In The Name Of God" can be considered as a backlash at stereotyping as well as social attitudes towards Muslims in general, it is a joint production between America & Pakistani producers. Mention the lead character and the issues surrounding him etc. How does this film subvert stereotypes of Muslims? Lead character, his brother who rejects an extremist approach to Islam, main female character who eventually makes a school in Afghanistan.

Point 5 - Muslim Women stereotypes are subverted within this film - political/social issues.

Point 6 - channel 4 show "Britz" can be considered to enforce stereotypes further. Either an extremist or a "modern" Muslim provides an ultimatum for young British Muslims. Political/Social issues, Muslim youth turning more to Islam, surveys which show that Muslim youth believe they are being targeted/stereotyped etc.

Point 7 - Stereotypes are changing. Mention Darywn and Alim from the "Sleeper Cell". Moderate Muslims. "Sands of Passion" - how stereotypes of Muslims are now being mocked - shows a changing attitude towards Muslims.

Point 8 - "A Little Mosque on the Prairie" - Made by a Muslim woman. Proves my theory that Muslim stereotypes are changing, slowly. Overview of the show.
Characters such as Rayan - hijab wearing, feminist doctor, Babar - strict and religious but clearly the show is mocking the stereotype and it’s used for humour.

Conclusion - how Muslim roles within TV and film have progressed from the early 1920's till now. Sum up the reasons for the change in stereotyping.









PLAN

- Original stereotypes rooted from ignorance. People were unaware of Islam and its followers and the Middle East in general. Historical texts – “A Son of the Sahara” etc.

- Developments in the Middle East and the world in general lead to more knowledge of Islam; however the stereotype of terrorists began due to on going crises. Historical texts – “Back to the Future” etc.

- 9/11 occurred at which point pretty much all Muslims within the media where made to seem as terrorists. Actions of a few led to a harsh stereotype, once again ignorance led to people believing this to be a part of religion. Texts – “24” etc.

- Some texts began getting produced which showed terrorists yet introduced the “moderate Muslim”. It also provided the audience with reasons for the terrorist acts taking place as well as showing that it is only a few that support it and the majority of the followers of Islam condone such acts. Texts – “Sleeper Cell”, “Britz”, "In The Name of God" etc.

- The stereotypical Muslim is slowing beginning to change. A Muslim is no longer a “terrorist” or a religious fanatic. As more Muslims come into the media they are using there position to change the stereotype and some are completely subverting it and mocking the stereotypes associated with Islam and making a joke out of it for example Zarqa Nawaz who wrote “A Little Mosque on the Prairie”.