American Empire: An Overview of Orientalism of Muslims and Islamophobia

• Sadiya Abubakar Isa, Md Salleh Yaapar, Suzana Muhammad School of Humanities Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, 11800, Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

The research highlights how media, cinema, political discourse or literature portrays Muslims and Islam in a negative light by dwelling on the crimes of only a few Muslims, which in turn creates a stereotype for the Muslims via comparative qualitative research methods. As a result, Orientalism and Islamophobia are rooted in the development of the American empire. In conclusion, the principal subject of discrimination in America today is the Muslims; therefore, it concludes that Islamophobia is the newest and ongoing form of racism in America.