Stereotyping the Chinese in Arab Nations:Effects of media use, perceived realism, and perceived Chinese-Arab relations

Abstract

ABSTRACT Stereotypes have become an acknowledged barrier to effective social communication, cross-cultural engagement and to globalization. This study examines the stereotypes of the Chinese held by people in four Arab nations (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco and Yemen) within the context of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It applies a three-pronged theoretical framework (social cognitive, cultivation, and media realism) to investigate the effects and the influence of Arab media use, of perceived realism and of perceived Chinese-Arab relations on the formation of Chinese stereotypes in those Arab nations. The study analyzes responses from 405 participants selected randomly from ‘Rwaq’ – the Arab World Massive Open Online Courses Platform. Results indicate, among other things, that Arab people have positive perceptions of Chinese-Arab relations and that most Arabs have positive stereotypes of the Chinese. Arab people’s use of Arab media and their perceived realism of media content are positively correlated with stereotypes projected in those media. In conclusion, we argue that media organizations, particularly those in Arab counties, should develop a path toward mitigating the effects of harmful or negative media-generated stereotypes.