Exclusion And Inclusion Of Muslim Immigrants In Europe-A Perspective Through Media Studies

Over the past few decades, Europe has witnessed a rapid increase in Muslim immigrants and establishment of Muslim communities in almost every major city of European countries. The sizable Muslim population in Europe and the Islam's emergence as Europe's second largest religion have brought about profound influences to both Muslim-Christian relation and European integration. The Muslim immigration issue arouses political concerns and academic debates. With their distinct culture, however, Muslim immigrants are faced with discrimination and hostility from the Christian-majority circumstance. The Muslims, even with citizenship granted, are not necessarily regarded as an existing diversity which deserves celebration. Rather, they are, as have always been in history, dealt with as the "Other". The historical antagonism between Christian and Islam further complicates contemporary Muslim-Christian relation in Europe. Islam is regarded as the major threat to the established world order especially in the post-Cold War era. From a perspective through media studies, the antagonism is being reinforced by mainstream media narratives.Mass media in modern society are supposed to inform their audience with unbiased messages and present diversified viewpoints to objectively reflect the reality. European mainstream media, however, play a key role in constructing negative Islam images and framing biased opinions towards Islam-related issue. Media are not only channels for disseminating information but also for conveying specific justification. Social power dynamics are reflected in media production. Stereotypical images, one-sided portrayal and misrepresentation are the result of such media production, which is largely subject to eco-political dynamics. Muslims suffer from hegemonic discourses which are incessantly involved in (mis)casting the "Other".The thesis is organized around four chapters.Chapter One explores misrepresentation of Muslim immigrants in European mainstream media and analyses the rationale behind such media production. Muslims are over-represented as the "Other" as against the superior "Us", while under-represented as an existing diversity, and the significance in creating the idea of Europe. Due to the miscasting, Islam is excluded from and marginalized by mass media.Chapter Two reviews the Muslim migration history and the emphasis is on status quo of nowadays immigration. Muslim-Christian conflict and the historically entrenched Us/Other mentality make up the latter part of the chapter. The Us/Other dichotomy has been a major force accounting for many forms of social exclusion against Muslim immigrants.Chapter Three is directed at media effects of misrepresenting the Muslim minority. As far as issues like ethnic minority are concerned, the prevalent themes of media coverage correspond greatly with popular topics among the audience. Persuasion is particularly effective when mass media serve as the major even sole information source. Audience tend to be convinced by the media messages—be they biased or intentionally one-sided.Chapter Four discusses Muslim diaspora media production in Europe. They are of particular significance in raising Islamic profile among the general public in Europe. Meanwhile, they serve as platform for Muslim immigrants to exchange ideas on living properly in a foreign culture. The thesis concludes by recognizing adaptations required from both European majority and Muslim minority to solve the Muslim-Christian conflict. Europe, as a unique medium, provides opportunities for Muslims to critically reread and reassess Qur 'an so as to adjust to the Christian-majority circumstance. As to the mainstream media, to start with re-covering Islam with more inclusive readiness and willingness is a possible effective way to enhance majority-minority harmony.