The Representation of Jews and Muslims in Hollywood Movies: A Comparative Study of Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List (1993) and Edward Zwick’s The Siege (1998).
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Date
2014
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Publisher
Université Mouloud Mammeri Tizi-Ouzou
Abstract
The present dissertation is concerned with the analysis of the American representation of the Jews and Muslims respectively in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List (1993), and Edward Zwick’s The Siege. The study focuses on Hollywood recollection of the memory of the Holocaust, and its formulation of the Muslims as ‘terrorists’. It also examines Hollywood role in shaping the American public consciousness around global major issues such as genocide and terrorism. Hollywood contends its engagement with the political sphere through its representation of the Jews as America’s ‘victimized others’ and its portrayal of the Muslims as America’s ‘demonized others’. I have argued that both the ‘victimization’ of the Jews and the ‘demonization’ of the Muslims serve America’s ongoing process of Americanization of the world. I define Americanization as America’s will, through the appropriation of the Holocaust and terror, to project its fundamental values and expand its cultural, political and ideological influence worldwide. In other words, Americanization considers America as an omnipresent possibility which, through its assimilation of universal values as its own, aims at integrating the world into the American way of life. Furthermore, it implies America’s moral, political and ideological responsibility (commitment) towards the defense and promotion of its founding ideals as part of its universal mission as articulated in its Manifest Destiny. The latter, represents the core of the American mythological identity and character which finds its perfect expression in America's unconditional support of Israel, and its blatant involvement with Arab-Muslim world. Israel represents an ideal view of America as a promoter of justice, whereas the Muslims as the consecration of America as proponent of freedom, promoter of democracy and peace.
Description
109p.; 30cm; +(CD-Rom)
Keywords
Jews, Muslims, Hollywood Movies, Comparative Study, Steven Spielberg’s, Edward Zwick’s
Citation
Cultural studies