Changing Stereotypes of Arab and Muslims That Link Them to Terrorism Essay

Changing Stereotypes of Arab and Muslims That Link Them to Terrorism And Extremism - Essay Example Everyone has a tendency to stereotype in order to simplify his or her lives. Stereotypes are the maps of the world and aptly demonstrate the very human need to categorize. People like to stereotype to serve a fundamental need to preserve their own safety and well-being. Therefore, people end up making presumptions about persons and groups that say how they will end up affecting these people. However, sometimes that need transforms into a vehicle to elevate one’s own status as compared to the stereotyped group. Muslims and Muslim-Americans are currently experiencing this very phenomenon. After the attacks of September 11, Muslims and Arabs have been subjected to increased scrutiny and racial profiling at airports. In a poll carried out by the Boston Globe, 71 percent black people and 57 percent whites expressed the belief that Arabs and Muslims should be put through special, intensive security checks before they are allowed to board aeroplanes. ("Terror fears hamper,†) It is considered quite acceptable and even necessary to hold Muslims without any explanation and then subject them to hours of questioning and even arrest without a cause. The American Civil Liberties Union is sorting out many lawsuits of the kind. Mike Gallagher, a Fox News radio host has even gone on to say that, "Its time to have a Muslims check-point line in America's airports and have Muslims be scrutinized. You better believe it, its time." (Cowan, 2001) ("Fox news airs,†) In a sixth-grade social studies book, the Muslim culture is portrayed as oppressive and patriarchal. The book displays pictures of camels, tents and veiled women. The authors say that Muslim girls do not go to school and women cannot own property. In the end, the authors ask, â€Å"Would you like to be a Muslim woman in the Middle East?† There are many examples like this one, of stereotyping Muslims, based on the culture and traditions prevalent in one country. (Shaheen) It is a glaring assumption to presume that Muslim women