Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sumait: A Globally Underappreciated Humanitarian: A glimpse into how Arab Muslim philanthropists and Islamic charities are represented in Western media and public discourse compared to their Western counterparts
2024 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 10 credits / 15 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
This thesis examines the underrepresentation of Arab Muslim donors and Islamic charities inWestern media and public discourse. It delves into the notion of Orientalism, the Eurocentricperspective in media, and the cultural disparities in philanthropic endeavours. The thesisinvestigates the biases and misconceptions prevalent in Western media that overshadow thehumanitarian endeavours of the Arab Muslim world, with a specific focus on the life and workof Abdul Rahman Al-Sumait and his charitable organisation, Direct Aid. Furthermore, itexamines the influence of the geopolitical environment following the events of 9/11 on Islamiccharitable organisations, closely analysing media portrayals that frequently associate Islam andMuslims with acts of terrorism. The thesis seeks to expose the inherent prejudices andstructural components in media portrayal, fostering a more equitable comprehension ofworldwide charity.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2024. , p. 54
Keywords [en]
Abdul Rahman Al-Sumait, Islamic philanthropy, Humanitarian aid, Orientalism, Western media representation, Arab Muslim philanthropists, Direct Aid, Postcolonial theory, Media bias, Islamophobia, Eurocentrism, White saviorism, Global recognition of philanthropy, 9/11 impact on Islamic charities, Discourse analysis, Muslim charities in Africa
National Category
Communication Studies
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-71410OAI: oai:DiVA.org:mau-71410DiVA, id: diva2:1901684
Educational program
KS K3 Communication for development
Supervisors
Examiners
2024-09-302024-09-302024-09-30Bibliographically approved