Shejk eller terrorist, annat finns inte att välja på : En litteraturstudie om muslimsk identitet på vita duken

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the field of research regarding Hollywood feature films, the construction of stereotypes of Muslims and Arabs and what impact the negative stereotypes might have on Muslims’ concept of the self. The purpose is also to discuss what consequences this can have for the multi-cultural classroom. In order to fulfill the purpose, three questions where created. The first one was to examine research regarding the Hollywood feature films portrayal of Muslim stereotypes. The second question was to examine research regarding the feature movies impact on the conception of the self. The third question was to examine the research regarding feature films negative portrayal of Islam and Muslims own comprehension of the portrayal. The analysis has been conducted as a systematic literature study of material relating to feature films portrayals of Muslims and Arabs, Muslims’ own opinions of the portrayal and material relating to feature films effect on identity. The reached conclusion is that Hollywood’s feature films portrayal of Islam, Muslim and Arabs are utterly negative and limited. The examined research also shows that feature films have a huge impact on the viewers’ everyday life and concept of the self. Some research shows that feature films is a source to viewers’ existential questions and can also work as building blocks to their own identity. The research regarding Muslims’ own conception of feature films portrayal of Islam where limited. The examined researched show that Muslims’ have been victims of discrimination, hatred and violence from the society. However, how it might inflict the perception of Muslims identity have not been clarified