Terrorism and Islamophobia: media representation on Islam and Middle East / Rizki Amelia Fitriyani, Sabilul Maarifah Karmidi and Putri Estiani

Men with beard, veiled women, turban and Middle Eastern look tend to lead people thinking about Islam and terrorism. This is a phenomenon reflects the existing stereotype led by the media. Physical appearance impresses people at first sight and gives impact on social interaction. Especially after the tragedy on September 11, 2001 in United States, international media which central is US, keeps associating terrorism to Islam. Not only in American media, but also media in other countries then reflects the news angle in similar perspective as well. Though, in the reality, terrorism is not solely related to Islam but also highly possible to be conducted by others. Based on the agenda setting theory and concept of dramaturgy, this research tries to analyze the role of the media in shaping the audience perception to Islam and Middle East that has been generalized thus leading to the stereotype between these two terms and terrorism.