"Planet Of The Arabs" An Expose of racism and sterotypes in Hollywood

"Planet Of The Arabs" by Jackie Salloumis a Sundance Film Festival Film exposing the way Hollywood villanizes and sterotypes Arabic people in Hollywoodmovies. This film cuts together hundreds of different films featuring Arabic characters in negative ways. I think it speaks for itself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi1ZNEjEarw

What are your thoughts?

It is based off of the book "Reel Bad Arabs" by Jack Shaheen examined more than 900 films featuring Arab Characters. Of these he found that only 12 had positive roles and only 50 were balenced.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reel_Bad_Arabs

Like it hasn't happened to other ethnic groups?

"Planet Of The Arabs" is a Sundance Film Festival Film exposing the way Hollywood villanizes and sterotypes Arabic people in Hollywoodmovies. This film cuts together hundreds of different films featuring Arabic characters in negative ways. I think it speaks for itself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi1ZNEjEarw

What are your thoughts?

IndigoSunrise

Can't wait for the sequels - Planet Of The Black dudes, Chinese, German, British etc.

It's a very opportunistic film, but it may be fun.

Ugh. Wah wah wah. Everybody whines that their race is negatively portrayed in movies. They're movies. Get over it.

Like it hasn't happened to other ethnic groups?

LJS9502_basic

I didn't say it did.You would be surprised how many people are unaware of this portrayal in Hollywood. My film teacher read this book and realized he wasn't even aware of it.

Ugh. Wah wah wah. Everybody whines that their race is negatively portrayed in movies. They're movies. Get over it.

-_Rain_-

Racism isn't something people need to just "get over"

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]

Like it hasn't happened to other ethnic groups?

IndigoSunrise

I didn't say it did.You would be surprised how many people are unaware of this portrayal in Hollywood. My film teacher read this book and realized he wasn't even aware of it.

I lol'd. Seriously...

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]

Like it hasn't happened to other ethnic groups?

IndigoSunrise

I didn't say it did.You would be surprised how many people are unaware of this portrayal in Hollywood. My film teacher read this book and realized he wasn't even aware of it.

[QUOTE="-_Rain_-"]

Ugh. Wah wah wah. Everybody whines that their race is negatively portrayed in movies. They're movies. Get over it.

IndigoSunrise

Racism isn't something people need to just "get over"

It's not something to be overblown, either.

They're movies. Fiction. Not real. Get over it.

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]

Like it hasn't happened to other ethnic groups?

Baranga

I didn't say it did.You would be surprised how many people are unaware of this portrayal in Hollywood. My film teacher read this book and realized he wasn't even aware of it.

I lol'd. Seriously...

"Hey, guys, racism runs totally rampant within our movies and is a huge issue, but nobody's ever noticed!"

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]

Like it hasn't happened to other ethnic groups?

LJS9502_basic

I didn't say it did.You would be surprised how many people are unaware of this portrayal in Hollywood. My film teacher read this book and realized he wasn't even aware of it.

Wait? What? Your first comment made no sense either. I didn't claim it didn't happen to other groups and I if your saying that if it fits the theme of the movie its not a big deal then your somewhat right but ask yourself this. Why is this portrayal the major theme in Hollywood? Its not the films in and of themselves that is racist its the typecasting. By showing the overall theme in these movies this film attempts to show this.

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

I didn't say it did.You would be surprised how many people are unaware of this portrayal in Hollywood. My film teacher read this book and realized he wasn't even aware of it.

IndigoSunrise

Wait? What? Your first comment made no sense either. I didn't claim it didn't happen to other groups and I if your saying that if it fits the theme of the movie its not a big deal then your somewhat right but ask yourself this. Why is this portrayal the major theme in Hollywood? Its not the films in and of themselves that is racist its the typecasting. By showing the overall theme in these movies this film attempts to show this.

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

[QUOTE="-_Rain_-"]

Ugh. Wah wah wah. Everybody whines that their race is negatively portrayed in movies. They're movies. Get over it.

-_Rain_-

Racism isn't something people need to just "get over"

It's not something to be overblown, either.

They're movies. Fiction. Not real. Get over it.

When the majority presentation of Arabic characters in Hollywood is that of sterotypes and villians yes something is wrong in Hollywood. I'm not accusiing these movies of racism by themselves. Its the typecasting and the lack of other positive or even balenced roles that is a sign of a much deeper issue and not one people need to just "get over"

If African Americans only were portrayed in fiction as minstrilling Mammy and Uncle Remussterotypes would that be something they should just get over because its just fiction?

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]As long as it fits the subject of the movie....what's the big deal?

LJS9502_basic

Wait? What? Your first comment made no sense either. I didn't claim it didn't happen to other groups and I if your saying that if it fits the theme of the movie its not a big deal then your somewhat right but ask yourself this. Why is this portrayal the major theme in Hollywood? Its not the films in and of themselves that is racist its the typecasting. By showing the overall theme in these movies this film attempts to show this.

Its the sign of a much deeper problem. Hollywood sterotypes Arabs and typecasts them. I

When the majority presentation of Arabic characters in Hollywood is that of sterotypes and villians yes something is wrong in Hollywood.

IndigoSunrise

When people are whining about something as insignificant as racial portrayal in fictional movies there's something wrong with their priorities. First, try battling racism where it matters: the workplace, the home, the streets; wherever people are actually affected by racism. Second, movies are protected under the First Amendment; they can make a movie with nothing but the words "sand ******" repeated over and over again to a crying baby for two hours and they have the right to do so, making these complaints an even greater waste of time and resources and air than they already are. Third, replacing the word "Apes" with the word "Arabs" in the movie title doesn't strike me as racially friendly.

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

Wait? What? Your first comment made no sense either. I didn't claim it didn't happen to other groups and I if your saying that if it fits the theme of the movie its not a big deal then your somewhat right but ask yourself this. Why is this portrayal the major theme in Hollywood? Its not the films in and of themselves that is racist its the typecasting. By showing the overall theme in these movies this film attempts to show this.

IndigoSunrise

Its the sign of a much deeper problem. Hollywood sterotypes Arabs and typecasts them. I

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

When the majority presentation of Arabic characters in Hollywood is that of sterotypes and villians yes something is wrong in Hollywood.

-_Rain_-

When people are whining about something as insignificant as racial portrayal in fictional movies there's something wrong with their priorities. First, try battling racism where it matters: the workplace, the home, the streets; wherever. Second, movies are protected under the First Amendment; they can make a movie with nothing but the words "sand ******" repeated over and over again to a crying baby for two hours and they have the right to do so, making these complaints an even greater waste of time and resources and air than they already are. Third, replacing the word "Apes" with the word "Arabs" in the movie title doesn't strike me as racially friendly.

The title is SUPPOSED to be like that because it drives home the point of Arabs being dehumanized. God that just went over your head didn't it?

So tell me what should the priorities for Arabs in regards to equalitybe? Huh? Do everything one after the other in a neat little line? It doesn't work like that. Its never organized like that. Saying "they need to get their priorites straight" is a cop out.

Lastly I never called for Censorship why bring the First Amendment into this?

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]Let's say you are doing a WW2 movie. Wouldn't you make the nazi's the enemy?

LJS9502_basic

Its the sign of a much deeper problem. Hollywood sterotypes Arabs and typecasts them. I

And you don't find something wrong with the media's primary portrayal of Arabs being this one singular image with a lack of any other portrayals?

The title is SUPPOSED to be like that because it drives home the point of Arabs being dehumanized. God that just went over your head didn't it?

So tell me what should the priorities for Arabs in regards to equalitybe? Huh? Do everything one after the other in a neat little line? It doesn't work like that. Its never organized like that. Saying "they need to get their priorites straight" is a cop out.

Lastly I never called for Censorship why bring the First Amendment into this?

IndigoSunrise

Equality? You honestly think this is about equality? There is no right to not be offended in this country by any stretch of the imagination; there is, however, a right to free speech, which covers the media. Arabs are treated the same way as anyone else when it comes to movies: they can be good guys or bad guys, and the director decides what.

How about you tackle racism in the workplace? Or public areas where Arabs are beat up for being Arabs? Or does that not take precedence over fictional movies? It's around here where priorities come in.

You're complaining about racism in movies, but you don't plan to do anything about it? I repeat myself: waste of time, money and air.

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

LISTEN. I'm not saying that the movies THEMSELVES are racist. I'm not saying that having them as villians when it fits the theme of the movie is racist. I'm simply asking people to look at the larger picture and ask themeselves why is it that out of 900 Hollywood films featuring Arabic characters were only 12 roles positive and only 50 were balenced?

Its the sign of a much deeper problem. Hollywood sterotypes Arabs and typecasts them. I

IndigoSunrise

And you don't find something wrong with the media's primary portrayal of Arabs being this one singular image with a lack of any other portrayals?

LISTEN. I'm not saying that the movies THEMSELVES are racist. I'm not saying that having them as villians when it fits the theme of the movie is racist. I'm simply asking people to look at the larger picture and ask themeselves why is it that out of 900 Hollywood films featuring Arabic characters were only 12 roles positive and only 50 were balenced?

Its the sign of a much deeper problem. Hollywood sterotypes Arabs and typecasts them. I

IndigoSunrise

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

LISTEN. I'm not saying that the movies THEMSELVES are racist. I'm not saying that having them as villians when it fits the theme of the movie is racist. I'm simply asking people to look at the larger picture and ask themeselves why is it that out of 900 Hollywood films featuring Arabic characters were only 12 roles positive and only 50 were balenced?

Its the sign of a much deeper problem. Hollywood sterotypes Arabs and typecasts them. I

AirGuitarist87

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

The title is SUPPOSED to be like that because it drives home the point of Arabs being dehumanized. God that just went over your head didn't it?

So tell me what should the priorities for Arabs in regards to equalitybe? Huh? Do everything one after the other in a neat little line? It doesn't work like that. Its never organized like that. Saying "they need to get their priorites straight" is a cop out.

Lastly I never called for Censorship why bring the First Amendment into this?

-_Rain_-

Equality? You honestly think this is about equality? There is no right to not be offended in this country by any stretch of the imagination; there is, however, a right to free speech, which covers the media. Arabs are treated the same way as anyone else when it comes to movies: they can be good guys or bad guys, and the director decides what.

How about you tackle racism in the workplace? Or public areas where Arabs are beat up for being Arabs? Or does that not take precedence over fictional movies? It's around here where priorities come in.

You're complaining about racism in movies, but you don't plan to do anything about it? I repeat myself: waste of time, money and air.

I NEVER SAID YOU DON'T HAVE A RIGHT NOT TO BE OFFENDED! LISTEN! Stop putting words in my mouth. Did I say censor these portrayals? I'm just asking americans to look at their entertainment and what messeges it sends.

You don't know me or what I plan to do about anything. It doesn't make the creator of that films point any more or lessvalid. Your attacking the messenger.

[QUOTE="AirGuitarist87"]

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

LISTEN. I'm not saying that the movies THEMSELVES are racist. I'm not saying that having them as villians when it fits the theme of the movie is racist. I'm simply asking people to look at the larger picture and ask themeselves why is it that out of 900 Hollywood films featuring Arabic characters were only 12 roles positive and only 50 were balenced?

Its the sign of a much deeper problem. Hollywood sterotypes Arabs and typecasts them. I

LJS9502_basic

And the Japanese after Pearl Harbor. And the Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. And the Spanish. And the British. And the Italians. And the French. And the Chinese.

[QUOTE="-_Rain_-"]

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

When the majority presentation of Arabic characters in Hollywood is that of sterotypes and villians yes something is wrong in Hollywood.

IndigoSunrise

When people are whining about something as insignificant as racial portrayal in fictional movies there's something wrong with their priorities. First, try battling racism where it matters: the workplace, the home, the streets; wherever. Second, movies are protected under the First Amendment; they can make a movie with nothing but the words "sand ******" repeated over and over again to a crying baby for two hours and they have the right to do so, making these complaints an even greater waste of time and resources and air than they already are. Third, replacing the word "Apes" with the word "Arabs" in the movie title doesn't strike me as racially friendly.

The title is SUPPOSED to be like that because it drives home the point of Arabs being dehumanized. God that just went over your head didn't it?

So tell me what should the priorities for Arabs in regards to equalitybe? Huh? Do everything one after the other in a neat little line? It doesn't work like that. Its never organized like that. Saying "they need to get their priorites straight" is a cop out.

Lastly I never called for Censorship why bring the First Amendment into this?

Realise this is true for all races in Hollywodd not only arabs, Hollywood sucks get over it.

[QUOTE="AirGuitarist87"]

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

LISTEN. I'm not saying that the movies THEMSELVES are racist. I'm not saying that having them as villians when it fits the theme of the movie is racist. I'm simply asking people to look at the larger picture and ask themeselves why is it that out of 900 Hollywood films featuring Arabic characters were only 12 roles positive and only 50 were balenced?

Its the sign of a much deeper problem. Hollywood sterotypes Arabs and typecasts them. I

LJS9502_basic

But yeah, I mentioned that on previous page. We go through stints of who are the bad guys (Native Americans, Germans, Russians and now Arabs). I think there were a couple of British films that did the same with Ireland during the IRA bombings. My guess is after the massive A over T they've made of the world economy and these wars, I dare say (dumb) corrupt white American politicians will be the next lineup of baddies.

[QUOTE="AirGuitarist87"]

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

LISTEN. I'm not saying that the movies THEMSELVES are racist. I'm not saying that having them as villians when it fits the theme of the movie is racist. I'm simply asking people to look at the larger picture and ask themeselves why is it that out of 900 Hollywood films featuring Arabic characters were only 12 roles positive and only 50 were balenced?

Its the sign of a much deeper problem. Hollywood sterotypes Arabs and typecasts them. I

LJS9502_basic

And you don't think that we steped over the line with some of our portrayals? Just because it happened to everyone else doesn't make it right.

I'm not sayingdon't make movies with Arab characters as villians or bad guys. I'm saying the majority portrayal is negative with a lack of diversity in roles. This says something about our culture our fears and our ignorence. Just because you can name a few movies doesn't make a differece.

The fact is Arabs are still given Sterotypical roles. Sign of the times or not isn't a exuse. It makes it no better than how we portrayed the Japanese during WW2. or Native Americans during well pretty much a long period. It doesn't make it okay. Remember Mammy Two Shoes from Tom and Jerry?

Saying its just a movie is a cop out.

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

[QUOTE="-_Rain_-"]

When people are whining about something as insignificant as racial portrayal in fictional movies there's something wrong with their priorities. First, try battling racism where it matters: the workplace, the home, the streets; wherever. Second, movies are protected under the First Amendment; they can make a movie with nothing but the words "sand ******" repeated over and over again to a crying baby for two hours and they have the right to do so, making these complaints an even greater waste of time and resources and air than they already are. Third, replacing the word "Apes" with the word "Arabs" in the movie title doesn't strike me as racially friendly.

pspdseagle

The title is SUPPOSED to be like that because it drives home the point of Arabs being dehumanized. God that just went over your head didn't it?

So tell me what should the priorities for Arabs in regards to equalitybe? Huh? Do everything one after the other in a neat little line? It doesn't work like that. Its never organized like that. Saying "they need to get their priorites straight" is a cop out.

Lastly I never called for Censorship why bring the First Amendment into this?

Realise this is true for all races in Hollywodd not only arabs, Hollywood sucks get over it.

So your saying it sucks but I should just be complacent? Because it happens to everyone? That will change things!

And you don't think that we steped over the line with some of our portrayals? Just because it happened to everyone else doesn't make it right.

I'm not sayingdon't make movies with Arab characters as villians or bad guys. I'm saying the majority portrayal is negative with a lack of diversity in roles. This says something about our culture our fears and our ignorence. Just because you can name a few movies doesn't make a differece.

The fact is Arabs are still given Sterotypical roles. Sign of the times or not isn't a exuse. It makes it no better than how we portrayed the Japanese during WW2. or Native Americans during well pretty much a long period. It doesn't make it okay. Saying that characters like Speedy Gonzalez are just characters is not okay. Remember Mammy Two Shoes from Tom & Jerry?

Saying its just a movie is a cop out.

IndigoSunrise

What was wrong with Speedy Gonzalez? :?

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

And you don't think that we steped over the line with some of our portrayals? Just because it happened to everyone else doesn't make it right.

I'm not sayingdon't make movies with Arab characters as villians or bad guys. I'm saying the majority portrayal is negative with a lack of diversity in roles. This says something about our culture our fears and our ignorence. Just because you can name a few movies doesn't make a differece.

The fact is Arabs are still given Sterotypical roles. Sign of the times or not isn't a exuse. It makes it no better than how we portrayed the Japanese during WW2. or Native Americans during well pretty much a long period. It doesn't make it okay. Saying that characters like Speedy Gonzalez are just characters is not okay. Remember Mammy Two Shoes from Tom & Jerry?

Saying its just a movie is a cop out.

AirGuitarist87

What was wrong with Speedy Gonzalez? :?

Do you understand what a sterotype is? Or how only onesingular and negativeportryal of an ethinic group is harmfull? and evidence of a much larger problem?

Movies are not just movies. They are part of our culture.

[QUOTE="AirGuitarist87"]

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

And you don't think that we steped over the line with some of our portrayals? Just because it happened to everyone else doesn't make it right.

I'm not sayingdon't make movies with Arab characters as villians or bad guys. I'm saying the majority portrayal is negative with a lack of diversity in roles. This says something about our culture our fears and our ignorence. Just because you can name a few movies doesn't make a differece.

The fact is Arabs are still given Sterotypical roles. Sign of the times or not isn't a exuse. It makes it no better than how we portrayed the Japanese during WW2. or Native Americans during well pretty much a long period. It doesn't make it okay. Saying that characters like Speedy Gonzalez are just characters is not okay. Remember Mammy Two Shoes from Tom & Jerry?

Saying its just a movie is a cop out.

IndigoSunrise

What was wrong with Speedy Gonzalez? :?

Do you understand what a sterotype is? Or how only onesingular and negativeportryal of an ethinic group is harmfull? and evidence of a much larger problem?

Movies are not just movies. They are part of our culture.

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

[QUOTE="AirGuitarist87"] No, in all honesty. I think you're making more of a deal out of this than Arabs are.

What was wrong with Speedy Gonzalez? :?

LJS9502_basic

Do you understand what a sterotype is? Or how only onesingular and negativeportryal of an ethinic group is harmfull? and evidence of a much larger problem?

Movies are not just movies. They are part of our culture.

Your right. Before he quoted me I tried to remove that reference.

So, if someone wants to make a movie about, lets say terrorists, we should use a bunch of white guys?? If the characters call for Arabs then they use Arabs...I dont see the problem here. SaintLeonidas

[QUOTE="AirGuitarist87"]

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

And you don't think that we steped over the line with some of our portrayals? Just because it happened to everyone else doesn't make it right.

I'm not sayingdon't make movies with Arab characters as villians or bad guys. I'm saying the majority portrayal is negative with a lack of diversity in roles. This says something about our culture our fears and our ignorence. Just because you can name a few movies doesn't make a differece.

The fact is Arabs are still given Sterotypical roles. Sign of the times or not isn't a exuse. It makes it no better than how we portrayed the Japanese during WW2. or Native Americans during well pretty much a long period. It doesn't make it okay. Saying that characters like Speedy Gonzalez are just characters is not okay. Remember Mammy Two Shoes from Tom & Jerry?

Saying its just a movie is a cop out.

IndigoSunrise

What was wrong with Speedy Gonzalez? :?

Do you understand what a sterotype is? Or how only onesingular and negativeportryal of an ethinic group is harmfull? and evidence of a much larger problem?

Movies are not just movies. They are part of our culture.

You're making a mountain out of a non-existent molehill. You're looking for racism and prejudice where there is none. And you still didn't tell me what was wrong with Speedy.

[QUOTE="SaintLeonidas"]So, if someone wants to make a movie about, lets say terrorists, we should use a bunch of white guys?? If the characters call for Arabs then they use Arabs...I dont see the problem here. LJS9502_basic

How many times do I have to say this!? I'm not calling the casting of Arabs as villians as racist. I'm saying when its the ONLY or predominantimage that its a sign of a bigger problem. Can you understand that?

[QUOTE="IndigoSunrise"]

[QUOTE="AirGuitarist87"] No, in all honesty. I think you're making more of a deal out of this than Arabs are.

What was wrong with Speedy Gonzalez? :?

AirGuitarist87

Do you understand what a sterotype is? Or how only onesingular and negativeportryal of an ethinic group is harmfull? and evidence of a much larger problem?

Movies are not just movies. They are part of our culture.

You're making a mountain out of a non-existent molehill. You're looking for racism and prejudice where there is none. And you still didn't tell me what was wrong with Speedy.

I removed the Speedy reference because I changed my mind. If you had read the other comments I made you would have seen that.

honestly? I think most people see movies as little more then mindless entertainment, I doubt most people makes up thier minds about groups of people based on movies.

IF you had to advocate misinformation to the public, it would have been a great deal wiser to point at the news media (whos ironnicly become some sort of entertainmentin itself), and thier VERY selective picks for news, to back their own points of view, since I generally think they paint a far worse picture ofminorities then the movies does.

Never have I been offended when germans were portrayed as the bad guys in movies, heck I even consider it a sort of praise (beingthe evil masterminds with an iq so high thatit alone could shoot a rocket to the moon).

Well, all I have to say is, what do you expect? I'm an Arab myself and that doesn't mean that I think only arabian peoples are treated this way. The same happens with every other race, which is quite sad really. The USA is a melting pot, an assimilating country. Modern culture here blends you into becoming an American and losing your sense of culture and tradition. I previously lived in Canada, and if I compared the two I would sum it all up to this: Whereas USA is a melting pot that destroys diversity, Canada is a colorful mosaic of varying culturals and ethnic backgrounds.

Completely disregard my previous post which has nothing to do with what we're discussing. Must've been that fall I had today :?

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]

Like it hasn't happened to other ethnic groups?

IndigoSunrise

I didn't say it did.You would be surprised how many people are unaware of this portrayal in Hollywood. My film teacher read this book and realized he wasn't even aware of it.

I think your teacher and those who say they were never aware it was happening just like to convince themselves that was the case. It's easier to say one was not aware that such a thing was happening thus it makes them feel less guilty for watching such things.

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]

[QUOTE="SaintLeonidas"]So, if someone wants to make a movie about, lets say terrorists, we should use a bunch of white guys?? If the characters call for Arabs then they use Arabs...I dont see the problem here. IndigoSunrise

How many times do I have to say this!? I'm not calling the casting of Arabs as villians as racist. I'm saying when its the ONLY or predominantimage that its a sign of a bigger problem. Can you understand that?

I've noticed this a lot ever since 9/11. It's really annoying because it's obvious that it's hollywood playing off of people's fearful, racist stereotypes. For example, last night I literally facepalmed when I turned the channel to Law and Order and in the first five minutes of the episode the show revealed that the suspects were two Arab guys who had killed a woman and the logical step for the show from there was not "these two guys must have had a beef with this woman" but rather "they're terrorists pissed at her husband for not giving them landmine technology".

I see nothing wrong, It's just a bunch of clips from random movies. They made white people terrorist alot of time.

I've noticed this a lot ever since 9/11. It's really annoying because it's obvious that it's hollywood playing off of people's fearful, racist stereotypes. For example, last night I literally facepalmed when I turned the channel to Law and Order and in the first five minutes of the episode the show revealed that the suspects were two Arab guys who had killed a woman and the logical step for the show from there was not "these two guys must have had a beef with this woman" but rather "they're terrorists pissed at her husband for not giving them landmine technology".

gameguy6700