Write down definitions for these words Religion and the Media Write down definitions for these words Censorship: Condones: Degradation: Islamophobia: Media: Stereotype: Watershed:

Write down definitions for these words Religion and the Media Write down definitions for these words Censorship: preventing publication or broadcasting of something, usually because it might be offensive to others Condones: overlooks or accepts Degradation: humiliation Islamophobia: negative attitudes to Islam based on fear Media: the means of mass communication Stereotype: a fixed, over-simplified image or view of a person or group Watershed: the time after which programmes that are unsuitable for children are broadcast (9 p.m)

Islam and the Media Islam is often portrayed in a negative light in the media. Since the attacks on the World Trade Centre in 2001 and the subsequent war on Terror, the way in which Islam appears in the media has greatly changed Images of war, of terrorism and of ‘oppressed’ women fill newspapers and news reports. Some media outlets have even published outright lies about Muslims, while media ‘celebrities’ such as Katie Hopkins have used words such a ‘cockroaches’ and ‘rats’ to describe refugees from Muslim countries.

The Sun simply called people it deemed had ‘Muslim names’ and asked if they had sympathy with people who travel to Syria. Only 5% DID The Sun were forced to admit that the statistics used in this story were at best ‘inflated’

Stories such as this only act to support stereotypes and can be dangerously divisive for communities. It is worth remembering that all newspapers and media outlets have a certain degree of bias towards political beliefs: Daily Mail/The Sun: Right wing populist newspapers. They show support for the armed forces, the Conservatives and often UKIP. The Guardian: Left wing newspaper that appeals to many socialists, labour and green supporters. Islamophobia??

Portrayal of Religious Figures in Islam Most Muslims believe that any representation of Allah or any living thing created by Allah is wrong. This is called Animism and is Shirk The making or displaying of images of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) would also be against Islam. Some films have been made that accommodate this belief such as Muhammad: The Last Prophet (2002) which does not show the Prophet and instead use POV techniques.

The Satanic Verses and Charlie Hebdo In 1988, Salman Rushdie wrote a book called The Satanic Verses which caused offence to Muslims all over the world. It questioned Muhammad’s ability to receive the Qur’an and that he was once tricked to include verses given to him by Satan. Protests all over the world took place, and the religious leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa that Rushdie should be killed. Charlie Hebdo magazine reproduced cartoons first published in Denmark depicting the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as a terrorist. When the Danish newspaper published them they were ask for an apology and there were protests and riots when they refused. The offices of Charlie Hebdo were attacked in January 2015 and 12 members of the team were murdered by Islamic fundamentalists.

Where the publishers of Charlie Hebdo right to publish images of Muhammad (pbuh) they new to be offensive? ‘Freedom of speech will lead to perfection and merits for the personality and characteristics of the individual when speech is practiced by the tongue with intellectual moderateness’ ‘CRNI stands with all people who revere free speech and democracy against this shameful and futile act of violence’

Using the Media to represent Islam Many Muslim groups now try to rebalance the negative views of Islam through using the media to educate about Islam. Many websites aim to show the authentic teachings of Islam and break down any miscomprehensions people may have. Some website offer guidance for people looking to convert to Islam as well as new Muslim support.

Advertising Why might these images be seen as inappropriate in Islam?

Advertising There have been times where religious people have complained to the government about the use of imagery in adverts that are deemed inappropriate. Islam does not support censorship, but rather respect and consideration of others.

Sex and Violence in the Media Muslims do not believe that sex and violence should be shown in the media, as it could corrupt young people. Violence is a last resort (think Just War) and it’s use should be to re- establish peace, therefore it should not be glorified. Sex is a gift from Allah and women must be protected. Pornography subjugates women and suggest that they exists to be used by men. Pornography has also been linked to domestic violence