Choose at least 5 of the questions below and answer them. Please use full sentences and/or paragraphs in your responses.
- Can you think of any examples of films you have seen that include depictions of Arab people? What were those images like?
- Why do you think Arabs are represented so negatively in Hollywood films?
- Aladdin is an animated film aimed primarily at children. Do you agree that we should take the images and representations of a film like this seriously? Why or why not? Can you think of other childrens films that include stereotypical representations of groups of people?
- How is it possible that Hollywood can simultaneously depict Arabs as incompetent and as a dangerous threat? Why do you think this contradiction occurs?
- Dr. Shaheen says that politics and film go hand in hand. What do you think he means by this? Do you agree? Why does Jack Valenti say that Hollywood and Washington spring from the same DNA? What are some examples of films that you think were influenced by real world political events or that carry political messages?
- Do you believe that films have the power to reinforce or challenge stereotypes and group animosities? Why or why not?
- Why do you think Hollywood film producers are so willing to cooperate with the Department of Defense?
- How do you think these films might shape perceptions of the United States in the Arab world, especially among young people?
- Do you agree with Dr. Shaheens contention that the Iraq war was made easier by a century of demeaning stereotypes? Why or why not? What do you think he means by easier?
- Why do you think reporters blamed Middle Eastern terrorists for the Oklahoma City bombing?
- What do you think of Dr. Shaheens argument that comedy can challenge stereotypes? Can comedy also be used to reinforce stereotypes?
