This can be seen in such films such as "The Mummy's Hand" (1940) and most recently "The Mummy" (1999) and "The Mummy Returns" (2001). However, clearly there is more to Egyptian culture than pyramids, curses and the mummified undead; in reality it is a state with a long and honorable history (Shaheen, 2009; 90). Essentially, the absence of this history creates a distorted view of the East by those who watch these films.
Moreover, news programs have helped legitimize Arab stereotyping by choosing to show violent images of extremist militants, with traditional eastern clothing, beards and holding AK47's (Altheide, 2009; 120). These violent images merely serve to legitimize the stereotypical portrayals of Arab people in films (Shaheen, 2009; 120). In reality, terrorists have been shown to be "ordinary" people (Cainkar, 2009; 55). The media may portray terrorists in this way as it does not want to instill fear in the public as it might be disturbing to think of your neighbor, teacher or doctor, as a terrorist. As such, putting a face on terrorism is easier. Alternatively, these images could be used purposefully, to persuade the public into supporting interventions in Arab and Muslim countries (Altheide, 2009; 128). This is because seeing a woman in a veil and abeya, both items which promote modesty and conservatism, can easily be twisted by the Western media into a woman who needs help, education and change from her "backward" ways (Altheide, 2009; 128). Regardless of the reasons, filmmakers who are eager to exploit the issue can use these images as a source of evidence to justify their stereotyping (Shaheen, 2009; 130). .
An interesting question that arises from these studies then is why is racial stereotyping, through images tolerated and increasing in number? There are several answers to this question. Firstly, while filmmakers can be objective, there are those who are willing to racial stereotype to peruse their own political and personal agendas (Shaheen, 2009; 78).