Studienarbeit aus dem Jahr 2017 im Fachbereich Amerikanistik - Kultur
und Landeskunde, Note: 1,7, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität
Erlangen-Nürnberg (Institut für Anglistik und Amerikanistik),
Veranstaltung: US Empire Studies, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: In fall of
2011, many critics celebrated Homeland as the best show of the season.
One year later, similar reviews could be read. But since the pilot of
the first season of the show, voices of strong disapproval mixed with
the applause. These voices did not just criticize some logic errors in
the story writing or sloppy acting (justifiably or not) but brought up a
serious accusation: Homeland displaying islamophobic representations. As
an example, Laila Al-Arian states that the show has the "insidious
implication that Muslims, no matter how successful, well-placed and
integrated, are a hidden danger to their fellow Americans". I would like
to analyze and explore the hints and underlying premises of the show on
whether or not islamophobic tendencies and representations can be
discovered and, if so, to which extend. Why is it important to ask these
questions? In an article, The Guardian foreign affairs editor Peter
Beaumont describes the way "'the other' - those whom we fear or are
suspicious of -" is depicted in popular films and TV shows can reinforce
"cultures of conflict" because "[p]opular culture both informs and
echoes our prejudices". The show claims to be close to reality and tries
to showcase this for example by putting 9/11 witness footage and real
politicians such as President Clinton, President Obama (who himself is a
fan of the show) or Commander Colin Powell into the opening credits,
which is an attempt to convey credibility and authenticity to the
viewer. But that exactly is why it is important to consider how
religious groups, minorities or ethnicities are represented. Popular
culture is capable of reinforcing images and prejudices, and a show like
Homeland that tries to appear credible to his viewe
