HUM-3321 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Rudolph Valentino, Arab Americans, The Stereotypes
Document Summary
Repeated negative stereotyping of arabs in hollywood films (and other media) has created a culture of unquestioning acceptance of those stereotypes. The basis for shaheen"s argument is a survey of more than 900 films and television shoes from the beginning of hollywood"s film industry up until the present. Usually portrayed as a rich and lecherous, often pursuing power, wealth, and. Some plot twists have the good version of the sheik actually be a westerner in disguise the sheik. Rudolph valentino as an english nobleman in the sheik and the son of. Mute, subservient, and erotic belly dancers and anonymous women of the harem. Femme fatales out to victimize american and british heroes. Heroic arab women often not played by actresses of arab descent. Overlaps with other stereotypes about arabs such as violent towards westerners and israelis, as well men who lust after western women. Portrayed as poverty-stricken with begging children and swindlers in the souk.
