California is the most diverse state in the nation, with a wide range of ethnicities, religions, and races. There are over a million Middle Eastern-Americans back where I am originally from in Southern California. A large proportion of these Middle Eastern-Americans are Muslims. In the past, and recently, I have come across many stereotypes about the Middle East, their people and customs. It is unfortunate that we all have most likely encountered sickening stereotypes regarding the Middle East and their people. The stereotype I have encountered in my own experience many times is the most common stereotype brought on by most Americans, or people worldwide. The “All Muslims are terrorists or people from the Middle East are terrorists” stereotype has been heard and used worldwide. I can recall one time I was at LAX airport flying to Florida, there had been a large group of Muslim men at the airport gate awaiting their flight. It was obvious that there was a tense, awkward feeling in that area of the airport. Many of the people around seemed to be distant from the group of men. Dressed in their traditional wear, like the Jubbas, Galabiyyas (tops), and Kufis (headwear), I was certain they were Muslim, and everyone around me was sure of it too. It was that moment when I heard for the first time, besides the media, the stereotype come out the mouths of this couple standing near me. I remembered the situation very well because it was unbelievable what I had just heard from them. “I don’t feel safe, I have a bad feeling about those guys - bombers,” the wife said to her husband with a trembling voice. It was made very clear that she associated the large group of Muslim men with terrorism at the airport. This stereotype has been presented through the media and the claims Westerners have made about them. Throughout the past century, Middle Eastern people have become victims of false portrayal by the media, from Hollywood to the news