Canada Free Press -- ARCHIVES

Because without America, there is no free world.

Return to Canada Free Press

New York, Twin Towers, Muslim Crime

The Changing Face of Television's Influence

By Joshua S. Hill

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

New York City, September Eleven; it was the day that changed the world as we all knew it, and shaped what it would become. There have been other attacks on interests of America, the United Kingdom, Australian and many other countries. But the sheer magnitude of what happened to the "Twin Towers" that day has literally overshadowed everything that preceded and followed.

The world we now live in is consumed by a continually pervasive fear that has dictated so much of our day to day lives. National policies have shifted and international treaties and organizations are all shifting towards an anti-terrorist position. And this is not without merit, of course, but it has taken the world far too long to properly define those standards that they are opposing.

It was not long ago that the media -- TV dramas in particular -- publically ostracized anyone who was of Arabic birth, or of Muslim faith. All the villains were Muslims, all the terrorists Arabic, and they all destroyed through suicide bombing.

There was a common theme to these shows. They would all start out with a governmental organization out to 'get the bad guys' who had just blown something up, or released some sort of toxic chemical. There would then be the stereotypical questioning of all Arabic -- and occasionally non Arabic -- friends, family and co-workers, that would eventually lead the 'good guys' to getting their man.

What frustrated me was the atypical response of these Muslims being targeted as the most likely to have helped. They would cry foul for being targeted simply because they were Muslim or Arabic, and hamper at every point possible. I'll admit this was not the way for 100% of television, but it covered a wide demographic.

It is only now that those who are behind the creation of such shows are realizing that in reality, that is not really how it works. Those who are not involved, and are of the Muslim faith, are often half a step ahead to help. They want to ensure that it is not seen as another 'Muslim attack'. For too long the Muslims have been attacked and debased simply because of the faith they choose to follow.

I am an avid watcher of television, or should say was. In my continuing growth I have left a certain amount of television behind me. But it was not that long ago that I was watching anything that had a crime to be solved in it, not to mention the West Wing and anything Science-Fiction. Within all of them, this pervasive theme of 'the Muslim faith is evil' ran like a mighty river.

Several years later, as I sat in my chair watching an episode of NCIS, I watched an episode that reminded me that things are slowly beginning to change. People who were of obvious Arabic descent realized that, when it was known there had been a suicide attack, there was something they could do to help; and the 'good guys' sought that out.

But in that acceptance of their ability to help was -- whether purposefully done or not so -- the portrayal of sadness at what would no doubt be attributed as another 'Muslim crime' among some circles. It was wonderful acting, for a scene that was no more than a minute in length.

I remember a year or so ago, as I myself began to realize that the Muslim faith is not made up of future suicide bombers and deranged lunatics, that I saw a public outpouring of suffering from the Muslim community. Local clerics would jump at the chance to condemn recent actions, in an attempt at what was surely, at least partly, a way to stem a renewed sense of hatred towards its community. It was sad, as I sat and watched the news, knowing that in some areas of my world, there would be an increase in that hated; of abuse both verbal and physical.

The media -- both journalistic and fictional -- must begin to realize that there is more that they can do. Just as some Christians have been responsible for terrible acts of torture and death, so there are some Muslims that are not representative of the faith as a whole. It's been said before, I know, but there is never a time when someone should stop saying it.


Pursuant to Title 17 U.S.C. 107, other copyrighted work is provided for educational purposes, research, critical comment, or debate without profit or payment. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for your own purposes beyond the 'fair use' exception, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Views are those of authors and not necessarily those of Canada Free Press. Content is Copyright 1997-2018 the individual authors. Site Copyright 1997-2018 Canada Free Press.Com Privacy Statement