Negative portrayals of religion in film
When portrayed in film, the complexity of religious life can sometimes become simplified through the use of stereotypes and exaggerated caricatures. This activity asks students to reflect on the many examples in which religion is depicted negatively in film. Using religions popularly represented in film, ask students to think about the films and characters in which religion or religious individuals are portrayed negatively. Identify as many as possible for each of the following categories:
Buddhist Christian Hindu Jewish Muslim
Please answer the following questions:
I. Identify as many films and/or characters with negative depictions
- Describe the explicit or implicit attributes ascribed to the religion in the film
- How do the negative portrayals differ among religions? How arc they similar?
- Is there a consistency in the way each religion is negatively portrayed?
- Count how many films and characters depicted each religion negatively