Islam in the media
The recent terrorist attacks in London dominated the International media this week. Images of blood and horror, and speeches by world leaders condemning violence were repeatedly reported on television screens and in newspapers around the world. But the events in London have also seen a racist backlash by some members of the public toward various Muslim communities. Tanja Dreher is an expert in community legal representation with the University of technology, Sydney. She is researching news reporting of cultural diversity in Australia, especially in the post September 11 environment. Nasya Bahfen from the Muslim Women’s National Network of Australia is managing a project designed to build links between the media and the Muslim community. They argue that the racism against Islam is largely to do with inaccurate media reportage and ill informed journalists. Hagar Cohen reports.