The main portrayal we see of Middle Easterners in film and on television is that of the fanatic terrorist. We are taught to believe that essentially all Middle Easterners and Muslims are suicide bombers, waiting to destroy the United States. This idea was already extremely prevalent in the 1980's and 1990's, but became even more enforced after the 9/11 attacks. Because we are only showed such a limited view of who and what Muslims are in the news and on television shows, we are to believe that what we are shown is true and this further stigmatizes Muslims and those from the Middle East. We are also generally shown men being the main perpetrators of these crimes and acts, so that leads us to absolutely believe that Middle Eastern men are extremely violent.
Another portrayal of Middle Easterns that we see is the hyper-sexualized subservient woman. The females we see are scantily clad, usually belly dancing, and generally always serving men. These women are also usually portrayed as deviant and not to be trusted. It is interesting to see how because the United States is upholding these stereotypes, we have familiar themes of sexism and objectification when dealing with the portrayal of women.
Something I found interesting is the idea of the movie "Aladdin". Growing up in the Disney generation of the 90's, I have seen "Aladdin" more times than I can count. I've only started noticing recently after re-watching it at an older age just how racist the portrayal of Middle Easterners are. Physically, they are mostly menacing-looking. Jafar himself is very scary-looking, as are all of the men who work security (I think that's what they're supposed to be doing). The men who work in the marketplace are all complete caricatures. The women in the film are either absolutely beautiful, with unrealistic bodies (a la Jasmine), or overweight and unappealing. There is no middle ground. Personality-wise, most of the characters seem devious and underhanded. It is just amazing to think about how all of the stereotypes we have been taught about Middle Easterners are all present in this one children's film, and we don't even realize it.
It is pretty weird to watch Aladdin critically. I recently saw it on TV and I had the same reaction as you. I still firmly believe "A Whole New World" is the greatest Disney song ever, but there is no denying the abject racism in the film. However, this brings up an interesting point. The education, if you will, about Muslims starts at a young age. From Aladdin, we are told that is what we should think of when we think of Arabs. Its just as bad if not worse for kids today. Finally for the record, The Lion King is the best Disney movie of the 90s.
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