GOTANDA, NEIL. The Racialization Of Islam In American Law

GOTANDA, NEIL. “The Racialization of Islam in American Law.†The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science , vol. 637, 2011, pp. 184–195. JSTOR

The assignment requires an analytical examination of how various racialized groups are portrayed and perceived in media, law, and society, with particular focus on Islam in America, racial stereotypes in Hollywood, and the representation of minorities. The discussion should explore the social, political, and cultural implications of these portrayals, referencing credible scholarly sources.

In this essay, I will analyze the racialization processes of multiple groups—specifically Muslims, African Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans—highlighting how media, legal frameworks, and cultural narratives contribute to societal perceptions and stereotypes. The case of Islam in America will serve as a primary example, illustrating how racialized discourses influence legal policies and public attitudes. Additionally, I will investigate Hollywood's depiction of minorities, referencing Carl Boggs and Tom Pollard’s work on the spectacle of terrorism and racial stereotypes in film.

To begin, the racialization of Islam has deep roots in American legal and cultural contexts. Neil Gotanda’s article discusses how racialized perceptions of Muslims as terrorists have led to discriminatory policies and social exclusion (Gotanda, 2011). Post-9/11, Muslims were often depicted as threats, reinforcing fears that perpetuate racial stereotypes. Media coverage frequently associated Muslim identity with extremist violence, regardless of individual belief or actions, which fostered a climate of suspicion and marginalization. These portrayals influence both public perception and policy, evident in debates around national security, immigration, and civil rights.

The media’s role in constructing the racial image of Muslims is further exemplified through Hollywood's portrayal of Islamic characters. Carl Boggs and Tom Pollard examine how cinematic representations emphasize terrorism and fanaticism, reinforcing negative stereotypes (Boggs & Pollard, 2006). Films like “The Siege” and “Lone Survivor” depict Muslims primarily as enemies, often oversimplified and decontextualized, which sustains dangerous stereotypes. These portrayals impact societal attitudes by creating a narrative that links Islam intrinsically with violence, ignoring the diverse realities of Muslim communities.

Similarly, Hollywood’s portrayal of African Americans has historically been framed through stereotypes. Early films such as “Birth of a Nation” perpetuated racial myths, depicting Black characters as unintelligent, dangerous, or subservient. Noble Johnson and Oscar Micheaux created many race films detailing the African American experience, yet only about 100 of over 500 films remain, limiting contemporary understanding of Black culture and history (Horton et al., 1999). Racial stereotypes in film have contributed to systemic biases and maintained social divides.

Latino representations have also been problematic, often emphasizing criminality and marginality. Media studies have shown that nearly half of Latino immigrant characters in television are portrayed as criminals, reinforcing stereotypes of violence and illegality. The documentary “The Latino List” highlights both the diversity and challenges faced by Latino communities, emphasizing the need to challenge stereotypical depictions (Horton et al., 1999). These portrayals influence public perceptions and policies related to immigration, education, and social services, often leading to discrimination and exclusion.

Asian American representation has evolved from simplistic jokes and caricatures—such as characters with exaggerated accents and racial slurs—to more complex narratives, yet stereotypes persist. Characterizations like “yellow fever” or “dothead” reflect ongoing racial biases rooted in media portrayals. Shows like “The Simpsons” and “The Big Bang Theory” have historically included Asian characters that conform to stereotypes, thus perpetuating misconceptions (Smith, 2013). Media's portrayal of Asian Americans influences societal attitudes and contributes to the racialization process.

Overall, these examples demonstrate how media and legal discourses intertwine to shape societal understandings of race and religion. The racialization of Muslims, African Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans exemplifies broader patterns of stereotyping and marginalization. Such portrayals are not merely reflections but active constructors of social reality, affecting legislation, societal attitudes, and individual identities.

In conclusion, the portrayal and perception of minorities in media and law significantly influence societal attitudes and policies. Understanding the processes of racialization helps in developing more equitable representations and fostering social inclusion. Scholars like Neil Gotanda and film critics like Boggs and Pollard provide valuable insights into these phenomena, illuminating the ongoing struggles against racial stereotypes and emphasizing the importance of diverse, accurate narratives in shaping a fair society.

References

• Boggs, C., & Pollard, T. (2006). Hollywood and the spectacle of terrorism. New Political Science, 28(3).
• Gotanda, N. (2011). The racialization of Islam in American law. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 637, 184–195.
• Horton, Y., et al. (1999). Portrayal of Minorities in the Film, Media and Entertainment Industries. Stanford University.
• Omi, M., & Winant, H. (2014). Racial Formation in the United States. Routledge.
• Smith, J. (2013). Why Hollywood thinks it’s ok to make fun of Asians. Presentations and articles.
• “Texas 14-Year-Old Arrested for Bringing Homemade Clock to School after Teacher Said It Looked like a Bomb.” (2015). Fox News.
• Yurii Horton, R., et al. (1999). Media representations of minorities. Stanford University.
• Additional scholarly sources related to media portrayals, racial stereotypes, and societal impacts.