Decoding Disney’s Arab and Muslim Narratives

In this book, Ghanem Ayed Elhersh and M. Laeeq Khan critically examine the depiction of Arabs and Muslims in prominent Disney animated films through application of a rigorous, mixed-methods convergent parallel design. Blending framing analysis with quantitative textual analysis, Elhersh and Khan offer a comprehensive view of media portrayals and public perceptions and reveal how these films have frequently employed biased, negative, orientalist frames that associate Arabs and Muslims with violence, terrorism, and misogyny. Furthermore, they assess public reactions through advanced quantitative analysis of user reviews to uncover and analyze prevailing themes and sentiments in viewer feedback. By integrating interdisciplinary perspectives and meticulous methodology, this book provides an insightful exploration of the causative links between such portrayals and public attitudes, offering a vital resource for scholars, media professionals, and readers interested in the intersections of media, culture, and minority representation.