Analysis of the Effects of 9/11 Attacks on American Media Representation of Islam and Muslims: A Case Study of New York Times Headlines and Articles, 1980-2009

Abstract

Since media coverage of Islam shapes the views of those who have limited or negative attitudes toward Muslims’ religion(delete it, researchers do not judge, they are objective), falsifying and directing the potential image is urgently needed(delete it). This study analyzes the portrayal of Islam and Muslims in New York Times newspaper pre and post 11th September 2001 attacks in America. The majority of researches indicate that Muslims image has been distorted by the American media; however, the attacks of 9/11 have changed the perception of Islam in the American news media and newspapers in particular. The method used is qualitative in nature; the content and headlines on NYT newspaper pre and post 9/11 attacks between 1980-2009, have been analyzed and interpreted.