ents'" (Ward, 2007). The Commission's study "argues that Hollywood has a crucial role in influencing how the public views Muslims" (Ward, 2007). A survey conducted as part of the study's research revealed that "Muslims in Britain felt negative images of their faith on the big and small screen had consequences in their daily lives" in terms of "exclusion, hatred, discrimination and violence" (Ward, 2007). In addition, the research found "a perception of 'unashamed bias' in the media against Muslims, with 62% believing the media to be Islamophobic and 16% describing it as racist," and only 4% finding its representation "fair" (Ward, 2007). The study found that "80% of respondents had suffered discrimination compared to 35% and 45% in 1999 and 2000 respectively" (BBC News, 2005).
Islam "is often looked upon as a[n] 'extremist,' 'terrorist,' or 'fundamental' religion," and "In many cases, the media's reports about Islam are incorrect due to ignorance" (Akel, n.d.). According to Islam for Today writer Bassil Akel (n.d.), "In contrast to what many Westerners think of Islam, Islam is a peaceful religion, which does not promote any forms of uncalled for fighting or 'terrorist' actions." Akel notes media use of terms such as "extremist" tha
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