Perceived ambivalence of Muslims in public space through a cinematic lens
Research lately displays existing ambivalence towards the phenomenon of religion and increased diversity of convictions. Signs of heated worldview conflicts especially between political and religious discourses are more and more discussed among scholars related to gender equality, liberal rights, security, cultural heritage, and secularism. In media debates a general anti-religious secularistic discourse is detectable as well as a long tradition of anti-Arab sentiments in movies, expressed as hostile notions of Islam and Muslims as perceived threats to modern society and secular liberal values. Also, scriptwriters and directors are engaged in these topics. In this paper I want to discuss how religious and liberal-secular worldview conflicts are played lately in fictional formats such as tv-series like Kalifat (2020) or movies like Baghdad in My Shadow (2019) or Kingdom of Heaven (2005). Through audiovisual storytelling theories of mediatization can be illustrated as well as used as theoretical concepts for analysis of fiction as vehicle for amplification of emotions in contemporary society. The paper will relate to the overarching topic of how a public may apprehend Islam/Muslims in a stereotypical manner but also how fiction could be used to increase more nuanced imagery of Muslim positions.