Portrayals of Islam in the Print News Media

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Islam has been described as the bridge between Christianity and Judaism. The immensity of similarities Islam shares with both Christianity and Judaism is extreme and the fact that they can be portrayed as different is baffling. Due to the views people have adapted from what they see and here, misconceptions about this religion are monumental and truly affect the way people view and treat Muslims. Due to this religion is brought to play a factor in many things that otherwise are irrelevant. Muslims can feel alienated and feel discriminated against in a country that prides itself on its accepting nature. It can be observed that since the tragedy of 9/11 Muslims and the Islamic faith as a whole have been viewed in a different light within the print news media, especially in comparison to other religions. People have many misconceptions about Islam, and Muslim’s way of life, it can be extremely difficult to educate these people on the truth outside what they hear, see and read in the news everyday and consequently these misconceptions grow and end up creating prejudice’s against the faith. Articles within the Toronto Star showed the personal opinions of a Muslim woman who made the decision in grade six to wear a hijab, which is a head covering traditionally worn by Muslim women. She speaks of it completing her identity. She spoke saying “it’s a decision that comes from self-confidence and empowerment, not coercion. I feel (hijab) is part of who I am, I do regular things. I play soccer and volleyball. School is important. At my job, I interact with people; I’m not stuck in a cubicle.” She feels that she is “moved by faith or motivated by political ideals. And is grateful for the desexualizing effect of a scarf and loose clothing. Making me less approachable, more “respected.” (The Star, “Women in hijab say it completes their identity”, 2010) Within this article the

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