United States-Centric Comparison, Essay Example

The findings of my partner and myself in regards to describing Christian and Arab-Muslim Americans were remarkably similar.  Both of us came up with a number of positive descriptors, including the belief that Christians are law abiding, well-educated, and open to the idea of both sexes participating in politics.  We also both thought that Muslims were less prone to gender equality, and described them as having a patriarchal society in which men dominated politics and women dressed modestly.  In the category pertaining to both groups, my partner and I both found commonalities, describing Christians and Muslims as being family oriented with governments that include a religious component.  I also described both groups as violent ones in which women played the role of homemakers and strict moral values were important.

I think that it is true that both Christians and Muslims highly value family, giving them a tendency to be very family oriented.  As well, because both groups emphasize religious and conservative values, they tend to allow aspects of their religious doctrine to play a part in governmental matters.  The perception that both groups are violent is one that is untrue, as is the belief that all Christians are sexist.  The media plays a massive role in shaping the average American’s perception of these groups.  Because Christians tend to have more of a presence and a voice in American media, they tend to be viewed in a more positive light than Muslim-Americans.  Additionally, because the media is in the business of attracting audiences, and sensational stories sell, the depictions of Muslims tend to build on fear and negativity rather than emphasizing aspects of Muslim culture that are peaceful or similar to that of the average American.