All Muslim TV characters are defined primarily by violence or terrorism
Evidence
Alsultany reminds us that these strategies, even when well-intentioned, reinforce stereotypes and narrow views of Muslims. They reinscribe a “good Muslim” versus “bad Muslim” dichotomy that simplifies more than it complexifies. “Bad Muslims” are typically terrorists, and “good Muslims” are the ones who support the US government in its battle against terrorism. But all Muslim characters in these dramas are defined primarily in relation to violence and terrorism (whether they are for or against these things). Non-Muslim characters, by contrast, have more diverse or nuanced storylines. For example, Homeland’s main protagonist, Carrie Mathison, not only fights terrorism but also battles bipolar disorder. Her struggles with mental illness constitute an important part of her storyline. We rarely encounter Muslim characters struggling with any psychological disorder other than religious fanaticism. — Green, Todd H, The Fear of Islam_ An Introduction to…, 532
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: Even non-terrorism shows define Muslim characters through violence — Green, Todd H, The Fear of Islam_ An Introduction to…, 533; Television uses token complexity to mask ongoing Muslim stereotyping — Green, Todd H, The Fear of Islam_ An Introduction to…, 529; Violence by one Muslim is generalized to all while Christian violence is not — Green, Todd H, The Fear of Islam_ An Introduction to…, 54 (+1 more)
Broader Connections
- Even non-terrorism shows define Muslim characters through violence
#corroborates(0.90) — Green, Todd H, The Fear of Islam_ An Introduction to…, 533 - Television uses token complexity to mask ongoing Muslim stereotyping
#expands(0.70) — Green, Todd H, The Fear of Islam_ An Introduction to…, 529 - Muslim male violence is framed as an innate Islamic or racial impulse
#expands(0.70) - Violence by one Muslim is generalized to all while Christian violence is not
#corroborates(0.60) — Green, Todd H, The Fear of Islam_ An Introduction to…, 54