Clay Bennett, Chattanooga Times Free Press
Islamophobia is a common ideal present in today's society. Islamophobia is defined as "hatred or fear of Muslims or of their politics or culture; prejudice against Muslims" (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/islamophobia). The United States has been involved with issues in the Middle East for decades, but many negative feelings toward the Muslim community stemmed from the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001.
Now the Muslim community is overshadowed by fear, hatred, and suspicion. Most of the negative feelings toward Muslims are a product of the media coverage they are given in the United States.
Overall, the cartoons we examined framed Muslims positively. Due to the prejudice evident in the news, it seems surprising that most of the editorial cartoons challenged stereotypical views. Editorial cartoons are meant to "bring to light and/or ridicule the hypocrisy or fallacies going on in news, journalism, and government." According to this definition, the editorial cartoonists have been successful.
Now the Muslim community is overshadowed by fear, hatred, and suspicion. Most of the negative feelings toward Muslims are a product of the media coverage they are given in the United States.
Overall, the cartoons we examined framed Muslims positively. Due to the prejudice evident in the news, it seems surprising that most of the editorial cartoons challenged stereotypical views. Editorial cartoons are meant to "bring to light and/or ridicule the hypocrisy or fallacies going on in news, journalism, and government." According to this definition, the editorial cartoonists have been successful.
