Week 8: Little Mosque on the Prairie: Challenging Representations of Religion in the Media

The representation of Muslims and Islam by the media, especially following the events of 9/11 has consisted of negative stereotypes. Middle Eastern or Muslim male characters n television shows and movies are depicted as the terrorist or fanatic, while the women Muslim characters are illustrated as exotic or submissive and oppressed by men (Canas, 2008). The television show, Little Mosque on the Prairie uses comedy to combat these stereotypes. The show is set in Saskatchewan, a predominantly white and Christian Canadian province. The program shows the ridiculous nature of the stereotypes but in an entertaining way and dispels preconceived notions about Muslims. For example, one of the characters Rayyan is a doctor and a Muslim feminist, which dismisses the myth of Muslim women being oppressed and uneducated (Canas, 2008).

This television show is important as it allows for a dialogue to be opened about the stereotypes that affect Muslims in Western societies. Also, in a racially white dominated television world, Little Mosque on the Prairie allows for Muslims to see themselves represented in mainstream media in a positive way. We need to have more television shows that have the ability to educate people on different cultures, race and religions in a positive way and to demonstrate to the audience the affects and absurdity of the stereotypes.

Source: Cañas S. 2008. The Little Mosque On the Prairie: Examining (Multi) Cultural Spaces of Nation and Religion. Cultural Dynamics, 20, 195-211. (RL). Also via: http://www.nabilechchaibi.com/resources/Canas.pdf

Image source: http://pixabay.com/en/mosque-islam-arabic-building-42991/