Final answer:
Jack Shaheen's analysis of over 1000 U.S. films revealed that historically a small percentage of Arab and Muslim characters were presented in a positive light due to colonialism's legacy. This percentage has slightly improved in recent years, reflecting the broader issues of media representation of gender and ethnic minorities.
Step-by-step explanation:
In his analysis of over 1000 U.S. films, Jack Shaheen found a troubling legacy of colonialism in the representation of Arab and Muslim characters. Historically, colonialism has influenced how these groups are portrayed in media, often contributing to persistent stereotypes. Stereotypes of Arab and Muslim individuals as irrational or violent have been especially prominent in mainstream American movies, such as the 1992 Disney film Aladdin where initial lyrics were altered due to their offensive representation of the depicted culture. Furthermore, high-action thrillers like True Lies have repeatedly cast Arabs as antagonists. In terms of positive representation, Shaheen's research indicated that initially, only a very small percentage of Arab and Muslim characters were presented positively, although this figure has improved slightly in recent years.
These depictions are part of a wider issue in media representation, where characters from minority backgrounds, including gender and ethnic minorities, are underrepresented or shown in a negative light. The consequence of such portrayals can have a significant impact on public perception and the treatment of these communities in real life.