Framing the Muslim ‘Other’: Mass Media and Islamophobic Practices Shaping Identity, Representation and Power in the West

ABSTRACT This study looks at how Islamophobic tactics that are prevalent in both US and UK news outlets shape public perceptions of Muslim identity by framing Muslims and helping to create a demonized ‘Other’. According to background research, there is a persistent structural bias in Western media coverage that reinforces negative stereotypes and Islamophobic narratives by regularly linking Muslims to threats, violence or societal unrest. The current study performs a systematic content analysis of 10 major newspapers from 2020 to 2024, including The New York Times , The Washington Post , Los Angeles Times , Chicago Tribune and USA Today (USA) and The Guardian , The Times (London), Daily Mail , The Telegraph and The Independent (UK), building on framing theory and previous research on media representation. The frame type, representation tone and reference to Islamophobia of articles with themes of religion, security, immigration, identity and extremism were classified. According to preliminary research, there is a disproportionate focus on security and conflict‐related frames, which marginalize complex depictions and add to the stereotype of Muslims as threats. Critical reports of systematic negativity in UK TV coverage and wider biases in Western media are consistent with this pattern. In order to combat Islamophobic discourse and promote different identity constructions, the study concludes that such framing techniques uphold power systems that marginalize Muslims. It calls for more inclusive media practices and balanced reporting.