A Critical Discourse Analysis of Islamophobia in Selected 21st Century Hollywood Movies

Abstract

This paper examines the representation of Muslims and Islam in 21^st century Hollywood films through the lens of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) focusing on Fairclough’s approach to CDA, Thematic Analysis along with Edward Said’s orientalism. By analyzing movies such as Septembers of Shiraz (2015), Kandahar (2023), and Dirty Angels (2024), the study explores how cinematic narratives contribute to the perpetuation of Islamophobia. The paper aims at examining the discourse of the selected movies through the lenses of Fairclough’s three-stage analysis of CDA to unveil the inserted portrayals of fear and hatred of Muslims. The data for this study comprises excerpts from the conversation in the selected movies as samples for analysis. The research questions explore the linguistic samples functioning as the codes to identify the recurring themes within the speeches that construe the association of Islam with extremism, barbarism and terrorism, the portrayal of Muslims as inherently violent, and the framing of the West as a civilizing force against barbarism. Besides, they bring to light the prior events leading to the creation of Islamophobic discourse. The findings suggest that these films reinforce Islamophobic stereotypes, shaping public perception in ways that justify discriminatory policies and attitudes toward Muslim communities. The main themes found in the selected films include demonizing Muslim men as violent and irrational barbarians, exoticizing Muslim women as oppressed victims needing Western salvation, and portraying Muslims as materialistic individuals.