Investigating prejudice toward men perceived to be <scp>M</scp>uslim: cues of foreignness versus phenotype

Abstract

Abstract Possible factors in prejudice toward M uslims and those perceived to be Muslims were investigated. We specifically investigated cues of foreignness that may communicate threat. Using a 2 (Complexion: dark vs. light) × 2 (Dress: Middle E astern vs. W estern) × 2 (Name: A llen vs. M ohammed) between‐subjects design, we expected cues of foreignness (dress and name) to have a greater impact on perceptions of targets than phenotype (complexion). Participants reviewed portraits of young men varying in the manipulated characteristics and gave their impressions. Generally, complexion did not affect perceptions, but portraits in M iddle E astern dress were rated less positively. There was a name by dress interaction in which A llen in W estern dress was rated least negatively. Implications for future research are discussed.