Islam
And The Global Challenge Dealing
with Distortion of the Image of Islam by the Global Media
By Louay
M. Safi
Professor of political science at the International Islamic
University in Malaysia
23/05/2002
This
paper examines the nature of the current media campaign aiming at
the distortion of the image of Islam, identifies several tactics
used by the detractors of Islam and its symbols, and proposes an
appropriate response for dealing with the challenge posed by the
global media. I contend that the media campaign against Islam is
politically motivated, lead by powerful quarters in western society
who see in Islam a potential global power and civilizational
alternative, capable of challenging western hegemony. Examining
several examples from the global media, I argue that the campaign to
distort the image of Islam endeavors to equate Islam with imposition
and aggression, while justifying imposition and aggression against
Muslims. I conclude by proposing a few measures for dealing with the
challenge of the global media.
