Why are Arabs the bad guys? Stereotypes?

I was wondering, why are Arabs both in novels and in films the bad, scary guys all the time? From what I've seen, Arabs are personified in every work as complicated and conflictive people. Like Meursault said, "The day of my arrest I was first put in a room where there were already several other prisoners, most of them Arabs", (Camus, pg. 72). And concidentially, he has shot four times and Arab.

My opinion about all this is that the Arab society and most of all, their religion, is based on a strong commitment to their God. So, these people feel they owe their creator something, and as they are 'called' by Him, they sacrifice in honor. It's somehow related to today's world; terrorists since 2001 and before, have been attacking and attempting to places like New York City and London. This is a result of an inner conflict with this countries themselves, but all the attempts can be said are suicidal. But why suicidal? These cultures show their strong beliefs by offering themselves; killing themselves and harming others.

I can also relate the Arab reality in films and novels to our reality here in Colombia. Colombia has been a country known for the 'wonderful' marihuana and cocaine, all around the world. It's not our fault countries who blame that we're a bad place continue to buy drugs and at the same time be the ones that create a harsh image about us. We wouldn't be how we are if there weren't any big powers who supported us with THAT kind of business. So, my point is, we also appear everytime a gringo in a movie says marihuana or cocaine, it's the same old comment: "The best weed is from Colombia!" Or if they want to refer to illegal businesses, or terrorists, or assasins COLOMBIA is the word (or Arabs). I know and I can face the fact this conflicts are present, but some people could help end them instead of highlighting each one.
Can we base ourselves on a stereotype?

The Stranger: violence

I've gotten to the part in the novel where Monsier Meursault meets and talks with his neighbor Raymond Sintes. Raymond Sintes is the typical promiscuous guy, who lives alone in a filthy, dirty apartment. He plays with girls all the time, but when someone does the same thing to him, he's hurt to the point he implies violence to solve the situation. Raymond asks some advice from Meursault about how he can teach his mistress a lesson. In my opinion, you don't need to teach a lesson everytime you've been hurt, I mean, there's other ways people can learn from their mistakes.
Getting somewhat closer to my point, violence, just the way Sintes teaches his "girlfriend", isn't the way to solve a situation, and less when there's a close relationship between two people. I totally disagree that Meursault decides to act as a witness in front of the cops when he sure knows that Raymond didn't have the right to hit the girl as he did. This "machismo" situation haunts every society, even ours. Why do you think some men's way out is to hit violently their partner when they know it's not correct? Cowardy?

Is it useful or not??

I don't know if someone else has noticed, but I've been asking myself, why does Meursault wants us to know every single detail of every single thing? I'm not saying its useless-but in result the story plot moves very slowly. I can read it and think it's an interesting way of writing, but I would like it to have somewhat more action and less monotony. Meursault describes exactly how the green, tall trees move under the hot sun, which in some ways makes it easier for the reader to make up an image, but still can bore others. I'm the kind of reader who doesn't need a whole bunch of details given to understand a story, what kind of reader are you? Do you think it's useful or not? Why? Hope I get some opinions!!!

The Stranger: isn't it strange? (same copy, the problem was the font color)

I found quite strange the fact that Monsieur Meursault -main character in the novel- sees his mothers death as an annoying event, like if he'd just been cursed for life. It makes me think... if my mother passed away most of my life would. She (and my dad obviously) are the only two human beings that I know for sure would give their life for mine. They're my unconditional support; they gave me life!!!
I was awed when Meursault says things like, "... I could feel how much I'd enjoy going for a walk if it hadn't been for Maman", (Camus, pg. 12). This line can be analyzed many different ways, but I took it like Meursault thought his plans of taking a walk had failed because his mother had died. I mean, instead of remembering good old days with his mom, he was sort-of blaming her and saying, "because of you I can't enjoy my life now". He shows a bored attitude towards the funeral's preparation instead of making it a remarkable last "gift" for her, the most important woman in his life.
I feel the main character has an egocentric personality; maybe it'll change along chapters, I hope so. He doesn't give much importance to who he's sorrounded by; it's all about me, me, me and only me... what do you think?

The Stranger: isn't it strange?

I found quite strange the fact that Monsieur Meursault -main character in the novel- sees his mothers death as an annoying event, like if he'd just been cursed for life. It makes me think... if my mother passed away most of my life would. She (and my dad obviously) are the only two human beings that I know for sure would give their life for mine. They're my unconditional support; they gave me life!!!
I was awed when Meursault says things like, "... I could feel how much I'd enjoy going for a walk if it hadn't been for Maman", (Camus, pg. 12). This line can be analyzed many different ways, but I took it like Meursault thought his plans of taking a walk had failed because his mother had died. I mean, instead of remembering good old days with his mom, he was sort-of blaming her and saying, "because of you I can't enjoy my life now". He shows a bored attitude towards the funeral's preparation instead of making it a remarkable last "gift" for her, the most important woman in his life.
I feel the main character has an egocentric personality; maybe it'll change along chapters, I hope so. He doesn't give much importance to who he's sorrounded by; it's all about me, me, me and only me... what do you think?

Intro to CNG senior english

First I need to introduce myself: I´m Maria Angela Mejia and I´m taking Senior English here at Colegio Nueva Granada. I´ve created this blog for all of our senior interests (in english class) and discussions about what we will be taking along the course this next semester. Hope we can make this blogs as interesting and fun as well instructive!