Misrepresentation of Islam and Muslims in Canadian media: a comparative content analysis of major news outlets

This study focuses on how mass media frames Islam and Muslims in Canada. This study addresses the rise in hate crimes and islamophobia which is often fueled by mass media’s misrepresentation of Islam and Muslims. Using quantitative and qualitative content analysis headlines were taken from The Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, and National Post. The findings revealed that Muslims and Islam continue to be negatively portrayed negatively compared to other religious groups such as, Christians and Jews. Media headlines often generalize and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about Islam and Muslims, exacerbating their marginalization and “othering” in Western society. Positive media news analysis was conducted as well which revealed that while positive news addresses the Muslim problem, it fails to address the underlying issues that cause discrimination and hate against Islam and Muslims. The study concludes that unbiased and balanced reporting is needed to counter stereotypes and increase social cohesion.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Criminology

Grantor

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Ahmed, Zahmeer

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Walsh, James

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10155/1997

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/1997