Covert Islamophobia: An Analysis of The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal Headlines Before and After Charlie Hebdo

Abstract

This article examines representations of Islam and Muslims by analyzing The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal headlines two months before and after the Charlie Hebdo attack to better understand manifestations of Islamophobia in the American national media after a major terrorist event. Results found a majority of headlines related Islam and Muslims to violent conflict, war and terrorism (73% in The Wall Street Journal and 63% in The New York Times). This correlation spiked directly after the attack. Headlines prior also mostly referenced Islam and Muslims when reporting on violent conflict, indicating covert Islamophobia.