How Hollywood Can Better Represent Muslim Characters and Storylines

For self-identifying Muslims, there was something to finally cheer when Emmy nominations were unveiled on July 28. Ramy Youssef (Hulu’s Ramy), Mahershala Ali (Ramy) and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (HBO’s Watchmen) were all nominated in major categories. While only time and tenacity will tell, it appears we are in a moment of real change in the entertainment industry.

These nominations are a breath of fresh air since racism and vilification have been perpetuated by Hollywood’s long history of portraying Muslims and other marginalized groups in the U.S. as less than human.