Who Controls the Narrative of Islam in Western Media?

 

Who Controls the Narrative of Islam in Western Media?

Shadowy hands edit 'Islam' on old typewriter, media screens spread twisted headlines, mosque faintly visible in dark background


Introduction

As a writer, I often wonder: why is it that whenever the word Islam appears in Western media, the narrative often leans negative? I’m not saying all Western media are like this, but the pattern is too consistent to ignore. Since 9/11, Islam’s image in the West has almost never been detached from terrorism, radicalism, or security threats (Edward Said, Covering Islam, 1981).

How Is the Narrative Shaped?

In my view, a media narrative doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. It is shaped by many interests: political, economic, even cultural. Major Western media like CNN, BBC, or Fox News have a global audience and massive framing power (Noam Chomsky, Manufacturing Consent, 1988). They don’t just report facts but choose which angle to highlight.

For example, conflicts in the Middle East are often shown from one side. A bombing in Baghdad? The culprit is surely a radical Islamic group. But rarely do they discuss, say, the colonial legacy or Western geopolitical interests (Robert Fisk, The Great War for Civilisation, 2005).

Who Actually Holds the Control?

The big question is: who really controls this narrative? In my analysis, it comes down to who owns and funds the media. Most mainstream Western media are owned by huge corporations with close ties to governments or the defense industry (Ben Bagdikian, The New Media Monopoly, 2004).

As a neutral writer, I avoid unfounded conspiracy theories. But ownership data shows that 90% of US media is owned by just five giant corporations: Comcast, Disney, AT&T, ViacomCBS, and Fox (Statista, 2022). Whoever owns the media, owns the power to shape how we see things.

Islam’s Narrative: Fear and Ignorance

Much of the narrative about Islam in the West is not only about fear but also ignorance. I believe many journalists are trapped in long-held biases. Edward Said in Orientalism (1978) explained how the West produced the image of the East including Islam as “the Other.” Islam is always portrayed as exotic, dangerous, or irrational.

As a result, positive news about Islam often sinks. Scientific achievements, philanthropic contributions, or innovation in Muslim countries rarely make headlines. The narrative “Islam = threat” simply sells better (Said, Covering Islam, 1981).

Politics of Fear

Why does negative framing sell better? For me, the answer is simple: fear sells. The media industry relies on clicks, ratings, and ads. Dramatic news attracts viewers. The “Islamic terrorism” narrative sells far better than stories about interfaith dialogue in Morocco or tech progress in the UAE (Ali, Fear Inc., 2011).

Moreover, the fear framing is often used to justify foreign policies: military interventions in the Middle East, immigration restrictions, or surveillance of Muslim communities in Europe (Chomsky & Herman, Manufacturing Consent, 1988).

Subtle Propaganda

Sometimes I feel modern propaganda is no longer crude like during the Cold War. Now it’s subtle. Through films, series, and news, stereotypes are reinforced. Hollywood villains are often Muslims, but Muslim intellectuals or progressive figures rarely appear (Shaheen, Reel Bad Arabs, 2001).

We’re unconsciously influenced. Young Muslims sometimes feel ashamed of their identity due to this constant negative bombardment.

Who Benefits?

The next question: who benefits from the narrative of Islam as a threat? In my view, the answer has layers. First, the arms industry, which needs legit reasons to keep selling weapons to conflict zones. Second, populist politicians who use Islam to win votes (Ali, Fear Inc., 2011).

Third, extremist groups themselves benefit because the negative narrative fuels recruitment among marginalized youths (Bergen, United States of Jihad, 2016). Ironically, the negative narrative can spark radicalism that then “proves” the narrative true.

So, What’s the Solution?

As a writer, I believe the solution is not just blaming the West. Muslims have homework too: to fix their image with real achievements. Strong Muslim media, well-crafted alternative narratives, and better media literacy for the younger generation are essential (Esposito, What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam, 2002).

We must also admit that part of the bad image comes from some who commit violence in Islam’s name. This must be internally criticized so it stops feeding global propaganda.

Conclusion

For me, control over the Islamic narrative in Western media does not belong to just one person or group. It’s an ecosystem of overlapping interests: media, business, politics, and pop culture. But as long as Muslims are aware and build a counter-narrative, these stereotypes can be resisted.

In the digital age, monopoly over narratives is getting harder. Anyone can be a writer, content creator, or messenger of truth. The key is: stay aware, critical, and consistent.

Lokasi: GWF7+RM Blodgett Mills, NY, Amerika Serikat

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