 |
Deep Dives with ISPUAuthor: Institute for Social Policy and Understanding
Deep Dives with ISPU expands on the latest research about American Muslim communities through accessible conversations with experts, scholars, and other prolific community leaders about topics ranging from the current state of American mosques, to what makes humor "Muslim". By tuning into our audio deep dives, you'll stay up to date and informed about the most pressing issues facing American Muslim communities today. Learn more about our work: ispu.org Language: en-us Genres: Business, Non-Profit, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
Listen Now...
From Screen to Policy: The Real-World Impact of Stereotypical Muslim Portrayals on TV
Wednesday, 25 February, 2026
Entertainment media portrayals don’t just shape culture—they shape policy. For decades, Muslims in film and television have often been depicted through narrow and harmful stereotypes. New research from ISPU shows those portrayals have measurable consequences, influencing public attitudes toward Muslims and shaping support for policies that restrict civil liberties for everyone. In this episode of Deep Dives with ISPU, Dr. Sohad Murrar, Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago and ISPU expert scholar, and Dr. Saher Selod, ISPU Director of Research, unpack ISPU’s report Stereotypes on Screen. Together, they examine how entertainment media fuels perceptions of threat, increases support for surveillance and anti-democratic policies, and reinforces the institutionalization of Islamophobia. But this story is not just about negative portrayals. Sohad and Saher also explore how complex, human portrayals of Muslims can reduce prejudice, shift attitudes, and strengthen the democratic values that affect us all. At a time when endorsement and upholding of civil liberties feel increasingly fragile, this conversation asks a crucial question: if entertainment media can help construct fear, can it also help rebuild trust?
