Shaping perceptions on Islam and muslims : the need for contextualisation.

Abstract

The portrayal and reporting of Islam and Muslims in the Western media has almost always been negative and laden with unfair stereotypes and presuppositions. This insidious agenda against Islam was given a new lease of life with the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre building on September 11, 2001. Biased views against Islam and Muslims in the West continue to be widespread. It is imperative then to explore the reasons and motivations behind the often vitriolic and unabashed treatment of Islam in the Western media. By examining the Western media's representation of Islam and Muslims, the roots of Islamophobia are uncovered. The expose of the Western media and its role in perpetuating misinformation and one-sided reporting on Islam and Muslims is crucial to stop the hate-mongering and to provide a more balanced, contextualized and accurate view of Islam and Muslims.