After viewing this film, please discuss the following questions and write a one page reflection. (Minimum 250 words)

1. Before coming to Pearson, to what extent was your knowledge of Arab people based on what you learned from film? To what extent was it based on what you learned from the news media? To what extent was it based on direct experience? Did you believe (consciously or unconsciously) certain stereotypes about Arab people? Do you know people who do?

2. Do you believe that that the artists who write and direct Hollywood movies deliberately vilify Arab people? Do their films reflect the stereotypes that exist within mainstream American culture? Do they reinforce these stereotypes? Does mainstream American culture influence American foreign policy?

3. Are stereotypes an impediment to reason as a way of knowing? How do stereotypes influence our emotions as ways of knowing? From an ethical standpoint, do we have a responsibility to combat them? If so, how can they be combated? What role can artists have in combating them? What role can non-artists have?

4. Does Dr. Shaheen take Hollywood too seriously? (Take for example his critique of Aladdin..)