Cinema as Propaganda: How Hollywood Erases Palestinian Narratives
Hollywood’s portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict serves as a powerful instrument of ideological propaganda, shaping global perceptions by erasing Palestinian narratives and reinforcing a pro-Israel framework. Through selective storytelling, Hollywood films depict Israelis as heroic victims and Palestinians as violent aggressors, aligning with U.S. geopolitical interests in the Middle East. This analysis explores how major films—such as Exodus (1960), Cast a Giant Shadow (1966), and Black Sunday (1977)—construct a one-sided narrative that legitimizes Israeli policies while dehumanizing Palestinians. These films distort historical realities by omitting key events like the Nakba, associating Palestinian resistance with extremism, and glorifying Israeli military resilience. As a result, Hollywood not only influences public opinion but also reinforces political agendas that marginalize Palestinian rights. By critically analyzing cinematic portrayals and their broader socio-political impact, this work examines how Hollywood functions as a tool of soft power, shaping dominant discourses while erasing Palestinian voices. Recognizing the implications of this erasure is crucial in fostering a more nuanced and critical engagement with media representations of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Khaled Al-Hroub
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