by Stephen Lendman
Media with Conscience <\/p>\n
Despite constitutionally guaranteed religious freedom, America consistently violates fundamental rights, including respecting all faiths equally.<\/p>\n
More than other ethnic\/religious groups, Western discourse portrays Muslim\/Arabs stereotypically as culturally inferior, dirty, lecherous, untrustworthy, religiously fanatical, and violent.<\/p>\n
In his book, \u201cReel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People,\u201d Jack Shaheen explained how they\u2019ve been defamed and vilified throughout decades of cinematic history. From silent films to recent ones, they encourage prejudicial attitudes, and reinforce notions of Western values, high-mindedness, and moral superiority.<\/p>\n
Worse still are slanderous post-9\/11 media commentaries about dangerous gun-toting terrorists, the need to closely monitor them, and rid society of those considered dangerous.<\/p>\n
Never mind rule of law principles, right or wrong, or whether accused targets are guilty. Saying so\u2019s all that matters to justify America\u2019s war on terror. It needs enemies. When not around, they\u2019re invented.<\/p>\n