Woodall 1

Shelby Woodall
Deana Nall
Composition II
July 17, 2015

Arab-Americans: The Overestimated Terrorists

The fingerprint of our American society is definitely unique to its counterparts in other
countries of the world. While other nations may have characteristics that define them, the United
States is notably claimed as a melting pot. So, it felt like a train crashed straight into my heart
when I saw this visual argument. This ad proves that the Western culture as a whole has ridges of
racism in its fingerprint. Allow me to expand.
This ad is obviously unveiling the ugly truth that is Americas paradigm of the Middle
Eastern culture. One word that many Americans (sadly, especially in the South) consider
synonymous with Islamic citizens is terrorist. This man pictured above has labels plastered on
every inch of his face. That is this advertisements enthymeme. The fact that people who are not
from the Middle East have a false misconception about the people who are from the Middle East.

Woodall 2

The grounds of this argument can be summed up in a short phrase that bring a long line
of chills down any Americans back: 9/11. We all know that far too many lives were lost
during this tragic time. A scar was left on the face of Americas trust. There are plenty of people
who lost loved ones in this calamity. This ad is using this as leverage to visually state that 9/11 is
enough in itself to make people have an empty paradigm about people of this ethnicity.
The warrant of this argument is that any man with a turban or any woman with a hijab
will immediately raise trepidation within the person sitting next to them on a plane or walking by
them in a store. According to this visual argument, words and appellations will automatically
float into peoples minds upon encountering someone of the Muslim culture.
As far as credibility and ethics (ethos), this ad is spot-on. It is combining times when
America was on her knees in despair with cultural stances on opposite people groups.
With emotions (pathos), it is extremely clear. From the confusion-muddled eyes of this
man to the slight pout formed in his lips, you can tell that these labels are taking a serious
internal toll on him. The maker of this visual argument mastered the art of emotion through this
advertisement.
Logical characteristics have to be this ads weakest point. While the logos in this ad is
strong and its argument holds water, it is definitely not the strongest or the most outstanding
aspect of this piece.
With advertisements like this, there are usually words that stand out more than others. In
this one, at least in my eyes, Muslim and Evil bulge more visually. I think that this is
because it makes me feel a tinge of anger as I read those words. Its almost as if theyre being
portrayed as synonymous. I spent a month in Africa. In order to get to (and from) Africa, we had

Woodall 3

a couple of layovers in Doha, Qatar. This is in the heart of the Middle East. I can tell you that
some of the Muslims I encountered, whether it be in the Hamada International Airport or in just a
random restaurant, embodied such kind and caring characteristics. They were very welcoming to
the visitors in their country. That is why those two words stood out to me so much they
triggered an emotion within me.
As far as the audience, I think the creator(s) of this piece are targeting members of the
Western culture. It is no secret that racism runs high over here. Although it is sad, it is very true.
So, I think that this visual argument had a mission to raise awareness to the harmful paradigms
our culture possesses.
I will confidently confirm that this is [by far] my favorite advertisement of all time. It
carries a great message that needs to be heard by millions across our nation.

Woodall 4

Works Cited
University of Washington Bothell Website, Exploring Islamophobia, 2015