June 6, 2008

Hollywood resonates with millions of people, and positively speaking, provides a glimpse of America to others living abroad. Then again, this industry's most damaging effects arise when it stereotypes Islam and Muslims, ultimately marginalizing this community. There are, however, voices of reason in Hollywood which have broken the mold and sought to challenge Muslim stereotypes by allowing people in these societies to speak for themselves.

Most recently, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Morgan Spurlock traveled to the Muslim world and the Middle East in an attempt to find the world's most wanted terrorist. His film, "Where in the World Is Osama bin Laden?" documented the nuanced sentiments of Muslims to provide an alternative--not to mention, more accurate--voice of Muslims.

Spurlock was one of the honorees at MPAC's 17th annual media awards last weekend, an event that recognizes voices of courage and conscience, people who bridge the arts with activism and social change. "We went to Egypt, Morocco, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan. It showed me people that I don't see on the news. It showed me people that I don't see on television, that I don't get to read about, that I don't get to hear their stories," Spurlock stated in his acceptance speech.

"Media is truly dominated by one version, one view, one image of Islam and so, as we started putting this film together, it was important for me to really show the silent majority, the people who don't have a platform, who don't have a voice," Spurlock concluded.

Spurlock's film is a welcome addition to the growing motion picture and television industry that addresses issues relating to Islam, Muslims, and the Muslim world more sensitively and accurately. This is due in large part to the fact that more people are not tolerating bigotry. As members of the Muslim community continue to play a larger role in the film and television industry as actors, directors, producers, and consultants, the better and more diverse Muslim stories in America and around the world will be told.

Another successful project which MPAC honored at its banquet dinner was The CW's "Aliens in America," a sitcom which tells the story of a suburban Wisconsin family that hosts a Muslim exchange student, Raja, from Pakistan. Created by David Guarascio and Moses Port, this comedy series breaks down stereotypes of Muslims, illustrating, at least through Raja's character, that Muslims, like other Americans, also endure awkward teenage years and sometimes rebel against their parents.

Members of the Hollywood community are on the right track. Films such as "Rendition," "The Visitor," "On a Wing and a Prayer," and the Canada-based sitcom "Little Mosque on the Prairie" all provide multidimensional representations of Muslims in different walks of life. Film and television have proven to be a useful mechanism for shattering stereotypes and affecting public opinion. As much as this industry exists to provide people with entertainment value, it also is effective in providing social commentary and correcting misperceptions.

Continuing this important work can only break down artificial barriers, assuage social prejudices, educate Americans, and ultimately better integrate Muslims into the fabric of this country.