But many heard in the President's words an echo of the old negative stereotypes.

"Over here, there's a real question of how we're presented because these negative stereotypes hit us hard."

We have learned from contact and communication that the negative stereotypes don't hold water.

Both positive and negative cultural stereotypes form part of each character's personality.

"Many people view such a program and may walk away from the show reinforcing negative stereotypes," he said.

"We don't go in to try to reinforce a negative stereotype."

Negative stereotypes were prominent in social attitudes of the time.

"So many people have such negative stereotypes about belly dance," she said.

I think this show will teach others about these people and help break some of the negative stereotypes.

Perhaps the most positive assessment came from a student who said she did not know enough about Muslims to draw negative stereotypes.