Hello,
In the past two decades or so American media in all its forms has become part of people's lives all around the world and it has certainly left an impact especially among Arab youth. The inflow of movies, shows and sitcoms from the US, has affected the way people think. American entertainment comes with a completely different set of morals, values and traditions than what people in the Arab world were taught to accept. They promote a lifestyle that includes a different perception of relationships and religion and most social issues. Although, one may argue that people watch it for mere entertainment and will not change what they believe in or go against their culture because of a show. But messages in entertainment are usually not direct rather they follow a peripheral route, and these messages accumilate to gradually affect the person's thought, and that especially applies to teenagers. I mean its enough to go out to the mall and see how most teenage guys are dressed like all the rap icons and so on and they all believe themselves to be the next 50 cents, or look it also affected the dress and behaviour of young girls. I believe that viewing entertainment from other cultures is a good way of getting introduced to them, however it should not be all you watch! Now most Arab youth know more about the American or Western culture in general because that is what they are exposed to. People should be aware that the youth's concentrated exposure to Western culture, and deattachement from their own culture will only create mimics that are not aware of who they are. People might think I am exaggerating, but I think that the great dose of Western entertainment that is not balanced by anything from their own culture is not healthy.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Entertainment vs reality?
First of all I believe each person can answer this blog in many different ways it all depends on how strong they believe in there culture, and rituals. For example I grew up in the United States and watched a lot of television. When I moved to the UAE it was not the television that was affecting me it was the people. Television is fictional and I hope that you all grew up to learn that. I personally do not believe that watching American shows change us “Arabs” at all. Us Arabs are very strong powered yes okay, we watch Americanized television shows put we use it or “I” use it as a source of entertainment, im sorry I haven’t heard of anyone Arab couple getting married in a church or at 12 pm. Okay, but the teenagers might get affected by tiny things such as in the episode in friends were Ross and Rachel went on a “BREAK” and after that a lot of relationships got affetcted by that one episode, but television doesn’t effect me its people around me… American friends. At the end of the day we arabs have very strong will power! We for example stick together, my mother always use to tell me “those American TV shows” stop watching them , I always use to tell her that television is not the source of changing relationships before marriage, it’s the society and the way life is meant to be lived. I can prove that by saying when I lived in Abu Dhabi I never use to go out later that 11 or 12 but now in Dubai everything starts at 11 or 12. It’s were you live and peer pressure. Yes, Television may affect the way we think about things but tiny tiny parts of it. But in the end it all depends on the person and how strong they are and if they believe in there culture and nationality, you have a lot of arabs saying im from “CANADA” or “AMERICA” which I find is hilarious. Its all about who you are and were you come from.
Americanized
Regardless to the fact that it is American or non-American, but I do not believe that we have the alternative to replave these shows or movies with any other. For example, look at Arabic movies they are a disgrace! On the other hand, I believe that we do get affected by American shows, sometimes it shows us how in some parts of the world people react for certain things that they go through, and we did not understand before. For example, many women in our countries get abused by their husbands and are not able to do anything about it, however, in those shows and and movies we actually learn and see that in other parts of the world this is actually illegal and that is what we should work on in our countries. Moreover, usually in countries that are abusive to their people, they do not allow the freedom of media, and they do not even allow satellite TV in thier countries, and the reason for that is because media does shows us and teach us something. However, watching these American series and sitcoms, do have a negative affect as well, I mean watching alot of violence sometimes creates violence as well, but this effect is also present in America and not only in our countries, it is just the way the world goes. So, I can not say that watching these sitcoms is a negative thing, I believe that is more positive than it is negative and I am talking from a personal experience, and I believe that I have changed alot since I started watching these shows and movies. And, I believe if we had any proper Arabic movies or sitcoms so that it would keep our "traditions" then maybe we should talked at because of watching these shows, but until we do, I guess we re be Americanized.
Americanized
Regardless to the fact that it is American or non-American, but I do not believe that we have the alternative to replave these shows or movies with any other. For example, look at Arabic movies they are a disgrace! On the other hand, I believe that we do get affected by American shows, sometimes it shows us how in some parts of the world people react for certain things that they go through, and we did not understand before. For example, many women in our countries get abused by their husbands and are not able to do anything about it, however, in those shows and and movies we actually learn and see that in other parts of the world this is actually illegal and that is what we should work on in our countries. Moreover, usually in countries that are abusive to their people, they do not allow the freedom of media, and they do not even allow satellite TV in thier countries, and the reason for that is because media does shows us and teach us something. However, watching these American series and sitcoms, do have a negative affect as well, I mean watching alot of violence sometimes creates violence as well, but this effect is also present in America and not only in our countries, it is just the way the world goes. So, I can not say that watching these sitcoms is a negative thing, I believe that is more positive than it is negative and I am talking from a personal experience, and I believe that I have changed alot since I started watching these shows and movies. And, I believe if we had any proper Arabic movies or sitcoms so that it would keep our "traditions" then maybe we should talked at because of watching these shows, but until we do, I guess we re be Americanized.
Westernization or the so-called “modernization” is very popular nowadays, and can be clearly noticed around the whole globe. It is difficult for me to talk about any Arabic shows specifically, because to be frank, I have never watched them.
However, I think that the American standards do influence the society to some extent and also influence the media producers in this region to change their shows/movies in one way or the other, and to make them seem more “modern”.
I can relate this to Hindi movies – if you watch Hindi flicks from about 10 years ago, and now, you will spot a very very clear difference in the way the actors are dressed, in the way they behave (Hindi movie directors have decided to break certain boundaries and incorporate “kissing scenes” into the plot, something that was thought of as very negative earlier on). However this draws their audiences very successfully.
Is it really positive to “westernize” media?
I’d say, that as long as the original culture is prominent throughout (and it definitely is this way in Hindi movies) it won’t really do any damage.
I think that what is common in many sitcoms/soap operas around the globe is the theme, no matter how it is portrayed the protruding theme usually revolves around love. Therefore the subject matter is more or less the same, just that American shows tend to be more “explicit” (i.e. language use, intimate scenes, etc.).
I don’t think that American shows/movies are very harmful to our society. Yes, they might present different values to those of our own, but in the end – if you don’t like it, don’t watch it! And if you think that they will “corrupt” the innocent minds of your children, then watch over them more closely and monitor what shows they can view.
However, I think that the American standards do influence the society to some extent and also influence the media producers in this region to change their shows/movies in one way or the other, and to make them seem more “modern”.
I can relate this to Hindi movies – if you watch Hindi flicks from about 10 years ago, and now, you will spot a very very clear difference in the way the actors are dressed, in the way they behave (Hindi movie directors have decided to break certain boundaries and incorporate “kissing scenes” into the plot, something that was thought of as very negative earlier on). However this draws their audiences very successfully.
Is it really positive to “westernize” media?
I’d say, that as long as the original culture is prominent throughout (and it definitely is this way in Hindi movies) it won’t really do any damage.
I think that what is common in many sitcoms/soap operas around the globe is the theme, no matter how it is portrayed the protruding theme usually revolves around love. Therefore the subject matter is more or less the same, just that American shows tend to be more “explicit” (i.e. language use, intimate scenes, etc.).
I don’t think that American shows/movies are very harmful to our society. Yes, they might present different values to those of our own, but in the end – if you don’t like it, don’t watch it! And if you think that they will “corrupt” the innocent minds of your children, then watch over them more closely and monitor what shows they can view.
American media
Westernization or the so-called “modernization” is very popular nowadays, and can be clearly noticed around the whole globe. It is difficult for me to talk about any Arabic shows specifically, because to be frank, I have never watched them.
However, I think that the American standards do influence the society to some extent and also influence the media producers in this region to change their shows/movies in one way or the other, and to make them seem more “modern”.
I can relate this to Hindi movies – if you watch Hindi flicks from about 10 years ago, and now, you will spot a very very clear difference in the way the actors are dressed, in the way they behave (Hindi movie directors have decided to break certain boundaries and incorporate “kissing scenes” into the plot, something that was thought of as very negative earlier on). However this draws their audiences very successfully.
Is it really positive to “westernize” media?
I’d say, that as long as the original culture is prominent throughout (and it definitely is this way in Hindi movies) it won’t really do any damage.
I think that what is common in many sitcoms/soap operas around the globe is the theme, no matter how it is portrayed the protruding theme usually revolves around love. Therefore the subject matter is more or less the same, just that American shows tend to be more “explicit” (i.e. language use, intimate scenes, etc.).
I don’t think that American shows/movies are very harmful to our society. Yes, they might present different values to those of our own, but in the end – if you don’t like it, don’t watch it! And if you think that they will “corrupt” the innocent minds of your children, then watch over them more closely and monitor what shows they can view.
However, I think that the American standards do influence the society to some extent and also influence the media producers in this region to change their shows/movies in one way or the other, and to make them seem more “modern”.
I can relate this to Hindi movies – if you watch Hindi flicks from about 10 years ago, and now, you will spot a very very clear difference in the way the actors are dressed, in the way they behave (Hindi movie directors have decided to break certain boundaries and incorporate “kissing scenes” into the plot, something that was thought of as very negative earlier on). However this draws their audiences very successfully.
Is it really positive to “westernize” media?
I’d say, that as long as the original culture is prominent throughout (and it definitely is this way in Hindi movies) it won’t really do any damage.
I think that what is common in many sitcoms/soap operas around the globe is the theme, no matter how it is portrayed the protruding theme usually revolves around love. Therefore the subject matter is more or less the same, just that American shows tend to be more “explicit” (i.e. language use, intimate scenes, etc.).
I don’t think that American shows/movies are very harmful to our society. Yes, they might present different values to those of our own, but in the end – if you don’t like it, don’t watch it! And if you think that they will “corrupt” the innocent minds of your children, then watch over them more closely and monitor what shows they can view.
Imitating the Americans
American Television is occupying a wide area from our daily lives; also it has a huge influence on Arabs society especially over the youth. American television shows and movies reflect American culture, address the American social problems and present the American life, which don’t tone with Arab culture and norms. That's why we believe that the impact of these shows is often negative, though they are not intended to be so.
The impact of American shows is widely increasing in youth's life. Nowadays youth think that by imitating Americans they will be cool, popular and loved by the other gender. As a result, youth's behaviors and beliefs have changed a lot. Early relationships, sexual interactions, clubbing and all these behaviors have become so normal and acceptable. Besides, some American shows affect the relation between parents and their children. Children become more violence, rude and they think that they are old enough to take the lead and control their actions with out taking the permeation from their parents. In addition, I see a massive influence on youth's fashion, for me it's too funny when you see an Arab guy wearing those fluffy pants with a long nickels and a shirt that reaches the knees. I respect people's tastes, but guys this it not our culture stop copying the Americans because you are not one of them and you'll never be.
I have no problem with American entertainment shows or attitudes because they are following their culture. My problem is with Arab people who give the lead to Americans, by imitating their negative attitudes. Why don't we learn the good things such as being creative in order to invent new things that will benefit our nations?
We are Arabs so let's differentiate our selves by taking the advantages of other cultures which tune with our religion, norms and culture and use these positive behaviors to develop our selves and our countries.
American entertainment in the Arab World
As said we all have been watching American shows for a long time. But we also did watch Arabic show too. As we are affected by the Arab show we are surely affected by the American and western shows. Of course, these shows affect our culture, perspective and identity because nothing of what we see in these shows is related to our community in a way or another. But saying that watching an American show for fun will make the Arab watcher forget the whole idea later is wrong. Why would you watch something that doesn't benefit you or give you a new idea? In fact, most of us try to behave the same way. By the same way I mean the American western way. Now we can see everywhere that relationships before marriage are there, Arabs are dressing, acting, talking and living as western. But isn’t this what the western industry is trying to promote? I mean they promote the American dream and everybody is affected, no one can say no I'm not, there must be a little effect on us. If I take this issue personally I will say that I'm not completely affected by these shows and movies. In the other hand, I do everything I see them doing. Now talking about relationships before marriage. Before we didn’t have any of this, maybe people before didn’t know that they can do this. Back in the time people was getting married without seeing each other or knowing each other. Now we can see different relationships between men and women. We can see friends relation, lovers relation, engagement relation, one night stand relation and a lot more. So we can't say that these movies and shows didn’t affect us and that we are not acting in some how like westerns.
The Impact of Western Media
Haven't we discussed this kind of topic before? Regardless, western or American media has proliferated in the past decade right here in the Middle East. All the latest shows and movies are watched, discussed, and pretty much the most addictive things next to coffee and cigarettes.
Go back 20, 30, or 40 years ago. Look at your parents and grandparents. A lot of things that we deem acceptable or "the norm" right now was not the case back then. The very lifestyles we lead are extremely different. Where we study, how we spend out weekends, what we wear, and what we watch and listen to are completely different. Is this a result of the type of media content we are exposed to? Most probably yes. Co-educational systems, relationships, and even male-female friendships did not exist back then. I'm not saying that introducing these things is a bad thing; it all comes down to cultural, religious, and moral perspectives. Globalization has played it's part, and now instead of being constricted to the good and bad of our own cultures, we have so many different perspectives and ideas to choose how we want to live. However, the more we sink deeper into American/western pop culture, the more we let go of the cultural identities that we should be holding on to to some extent.
As I said before, there are always advantages to being exposed other culture, but the trick is to take the good and leave the bad. But then again, we have to define what is good and what is bad, which is even trickier. There's no question that when you're living in a sort of closed environment, the outside open world is mesmerizing is so many ways, however, we should be smart and critical enough to believe that what we see on television is not a reflection of reality. It is far from.
Go back 20, 30, or 40 years ago. Look at your parents and grandparents. A lot of things that we deem acceptable or "the norm" right now was not the case back then. The very lifestyles we lead are extremely different. Where we study, how we spend out weekends, what we wear, and what we watch and listen to are completely different. Is this a result of the type of media content we are exposed to? Most probably yes. Co-educational systems, relationships, and even male-female friendships did not exist back then. I'm not saying that introducing these things is a bad thing; it all comes down to cultural, religious, and moral perspectives. Globalization has played it's part, and now instead of being constricted to the good and bad of our own cultures, we have so many different perspectives and ideas to choose how we want to live. However, the more we sink deeper into American/western pop culture, the more we let go of the cultural identities that we should be holding on to to some extent.
As I said before, there are always advantages to being exposed other culture, but the trick is to take the good and leave the bad. But then again, we have to define what is good and what is bad, which is even trickier. There's no question that when you're living in a sort of closed environment, the outside open world is mesmerizing is so many ways, however, we should be smart and critical enough to believe that what we see on television is not a reflection of reality. It is far from.
American Media in Middle East
The fact is for certain that American entertainment is affecting our culture and life-style. This has significantly increased in the last decade. Every generation is under the exposure of the influence of the environment around it. The type of music I like and listen to is different than what my parents listen to and I’m sure my future kids will not have the same taste that I have.
What we have and show in our mass media channels are directly or indirectly related to our culture. Culture is some thing that changes by every passing moment. Our way of perceiving changes all the time (sometimes a little and sometimes a lot.
I think the problem will start when we invade our religious regulation with these external influences. As long as they do not conflict with my religion, change is a good thing. At least I know it’s not bad.
Unfortunately, they do invade it. Lack of hijab, music and dancing, early relationships of boys and girls are some of the outcomes of these external impacts from foreign media channels.
What we have and show in our mass media channels are directly or indirectly related to our culture. Culture is some thing that changes by every passing moment. Our way of perceiving changes all the time (sometimes a little and sometimes a lot.
I think the problem will start when we invade our religious regulation with these external influences. As long as they do not conflict with my religion, change is a good thing. At least I know it’s not bad.
Unfortunately, they do invade it. Lack of hijab, music and dancing, early relationships of boys and girls are some of the outcomes of these external impacts from foreign media channels.
TV shoews, sitcoms and our behaviour
Our behaviors, attitudes and cultural identity that reshape our humanity and make us who we are get affected by the environment that we live in. A surrounding that we absorb from in order to align oneself to others. And we all agree that media have a great influence on us in terms of perceiving the other from different cultures, religious even the other part of the world.
Watching American sitcoms, movies or TV shows have a great influence on the way we think. Yet it is not the primer factor that changes our behavior or attitudes and to be honest I can blame the media for what has been happening to. One of the students in class mentioned in his presentation that persuasion of any kind usually takes time in order to happen depending on the strengths of the argument. In my opinion there many factors that effects our life and makes it close to western society, one of these factors is the private schools which spreads its academic system based on the American or British system and also the fact that these schools indoors students from both sexes creates an environment that might changes our traditions as Muslims.
In terms of American TV shows, first of we all perceive these sitcoms as only a mean for entertainment and our behavior, attitudes or cultural identity doesn’t get affected easily just by watching a certain TV show. I have been watching TV shows for ever and I have never missed an episode from that show, yet I don’t see myself get affected negatively in a way that I have changed what I have been believing in or what my parents taught me through my life. I have demeaned about such life but never expose my self to the idea that it might happen and at the end of the day I come across a realizations that it is just a fictional TV show only.
As I said before the way we behave now as opposed to our parents and grandfathers have greatly changed because of many factors that are considered to be affective than sitcoms. Perhaps we are being bombarded by all new TV shows that might address new set of behaviors delivered to us, but unless we have been taught by our parents or school in certain way, we will precise these shows as a mean for entertainment.
Watching American sitcoms, movies or TV shows have a great influence on the way we think. Yet it is not the primer factor that changes our behavior or attitudes and to be honest I can blame the media for what has been happening to. One of the students in class mentioned in his presentation that persuasion of any kind usually takes time in order to happen depending on the strengths of the argument. In my opinion there many factors that effects our life and makes it close to western society, one of these factors is the private schools which spreads its academic system based on the American or British system and also the fact that these schools indoors students from both sexes creates an environment that might changes our traditions as Muslims.
In terms of American TV shows, first of we all perceive these sitcoms as only a mean for entertainment and our behavior, attitudes or cultural identity doesn’t get affected easily just by watching a certain TV show. I have been watching TV shows for ever and I have never missed an episode from that show, yet I don’t see myself get affected negatively in a way that I have changed what I have been believing in or what my parents taught me through my life. I have demeaned about such life but never expose my self to the idea that it might happen and at the end of the day I come across a realizations that it is just a fictional TV show only.
As I said before the way we behave now as opposed to our parents and grandfathers have greatly changed because of many factors that are considered to be affective than sitcoms. Perhaps we are being bombarded by all new TV shows that might address new set of behaviors delivered to us, but unless we have been taught by our parents or school in certain way, we will precise these shows as a mean for entertainment.
American Sitcoms,
If I were to examine myself specifically being exposed to American sitcoms and how it changed my perspective of the world, of my beliefs and ethics, I would probably say that the influence was more of a positive than a negative one. Perhaps the fact that I got exposed to such sitcoms at an older age than the generations which came after me, not to mention that this exposure was followed by constant control and observance coming from my parents. Having that I was only watching what is appropriate for my age and as I grew older I had the growth and understanding to not let any of those broadcasted influences effect me in any way. To be honest American sitcoms improved my English language in all aspects, it provided me with a broader vocabulary, and enhanced my accent. It also introduced me to a total different culture and perspective, which is clearly different than the culture that I have lived in.
Sometimes we tend to blame the American sitcoms or the western sitcoms in general for the change in behavior that we see very evident in the young generations and the generations to come. Examples are surrounding us everywhere, on campus for example we see girls dressed in the same provocative way that we see on television, we see Arabs building those distinction between people of different colors where we see those with dark skin colors dressed like African Americans, behaving and talking like them. Vocabulary contains all sorts of terms to be ashamed of and embarrassed to hear coming from a Muslim or an Arab. Maybe, I was not influenced negatively by those sitcoms but a large number of people around me have and now you don’t even need to watch those sitcoms because the people who have been influenced by it are putting more pressure on the generations to come to conform to their groups. We have become a westernized society where we cannot even speak an entire Arabic sentence without English sneaking into it. True we taught our selves to speak with a universal language; however, we have left our own holy language along the way.
Sometimes we tend to blame the American sitcoms or the western sitcoms in general for the change in behavior that we see very evident in the young generations and the generations to come. Examples are surrounding us everywhere, on campus for example we see girls dressed in the same provocative way that we see on television, we see Arabs building those distinction between people of different colors where we see those with dark skin colors dressed like African Americans, behaving and talking like them. Vocabulary contains all sorts of terms to be ashamed of and embarrassed to hear coming from a Muslim or an Arab. Maybe, I was not influenced negatively by those sitcoms but a large number of people around me have and now you don’t even need to watch those sitcoms because the people who have been influenced by it are putting more pressure on the generations to come to conform to their groups. We have become a westernized society where we cannot even speak an entire Arabic sentence without English sneaking into it. True we taught our selves to speak with a universal language; however, we have left our own holy language along the way.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
American entertainment in the Arab World
Hi Everyone,
We have all been watching American sitcoms, shows and movies for years, however no one really took a minute to look back at how this inflow of American media products affected our lives, beliefs, traditions and cultural identity. This week let us consider how watching American entertainment has affected us either positively or negatively. Do you think people in the Arab world, especially youth, watch American shows for mere entertainment and then discard all they've seen and firmly hold on to their cultural identity? Or are they affected in any way by what they watch, which in many occasions can be the extreme opposite of what they were taught throughout their lives. Think of yourself, how did watching American shows change you? And look closely at all the famous shows and movies and their messages. For example, do you think that Friends changed our (Arab youth) perception of relationships and did it make us more tolerant to relationships before marriage and so on?
We have all been watching American sitcoms, shows and movies for years, however no one really took a minute to look back at how this inflow of American media products affected our lives, beliefs, traditions and cultural identity. This week let us consider how watching American entertainment has affected us either positively or negatively. Do you think people in the Arab world, especially youth, watch American shows for mere entertainment and then discard all they've seen and firmly hold on to their cultural identity? Or are they affected in any way by what they watch, which in many occasions can be the extreme opposite of what they were taught throughout their lives. Think of yourself, how did watching American shows change you? And look closely at all the famous shows and movies and their messages. For example, do you think that Friends changed our (Arab youth) perception of relationships and did it make us more tolerant to relationships before marriage and so on?
American entertainment in the Arab World
Hi Everyone,
We have all been watching American sitcoms, shows and movies for years, however no one really took a minute to look back at how this inflow of American media products affected our lives, beliefs, traditions and cultural identity. This week let us consider how watching American entertainment has affected us either positively or negatively. Do you think people in the Arab world, especially youth, watch American shows for mere entertainment and then discard all they've seen and firmly hold on to their cultural identity? Or are they affected in any way by what they watch, which in many occasions can be the extreme opposite of what they were taught throughout their lives. Think of yourself, how did watching American shows change you? And look closely at all the famous shows and movies and their messages. For example, do you think that Friends changed our (Arab youth) perception of relationships and did it make us more tolerant to relationships before marriage and so on?
We have all been watching American sitcoms, shows and movies for years, however no one really took a minute to look back at how this inflow of American media products affected our lives, beliefs, traditions and cultural identity. This week let us consider how watching American entertainment has affected us either positively or negatively. Do you think people in the Arab world, especially youth, watch American shows for mere entertainment and then discard all they've seen and firmly hold on to their cultural identity? Or are they affected in any way by what they watch, which in many occasions can be the extreme opposite of what they were taught throughout their lives. Think of yourself, how did watching American shows change you? And look closely at all the famous shows and movies and their messages. For example, do you think that Friends changed our (Arab youth) perception of relationships and did it make us more tolerant to relationships before marriage and so on?
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Martyrs or Suiciders
Today, many people take into their burden to 'fix' the society and the spread the word of God 'as they call it'. We see on TV channels that broadcast day and night lectures and preaches about "Islam". We also see the invasion of those people to the internet. I do not disagree with the fact that we, as all other religions do, have the right to spread our beliefs and try to convince people with our point of view and beliefs. However, what I do not agree with, is the fact that we are spreading terrorism, and encouraging young people to commit suicide and kill dozens of other people along the process. We live in a world that accepts all kind of religions and beliefs and we should not give our self the right to announce that these people are wrong and they are going to 'hell'. We should be spreading the word of peace and love, and we should encourage each other to accept what is different and treat better than how we treat each other. You often see those people on TV cursing christians and whatever other religions that exist on Earth, and praises Islam and Muslims. Unfortunately, many people are being affected by this invasion and went along with it, we see hundreds of people killing themselves each day in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, and they call themselves 'Martyrs' but in fact they are suiciders. I believe the reason people are being affected by them is because of lack of education, we should be aware of how the world works and what is really going on. They would not change the world in bombing themselves each day, but they might change the world if they use words peacefully and spread love instead of hate in a world that already has enough of it.
Martyrs or Suiciders
Today, many people take into their burden to 'fix' the society and the spread the word of God 'as they call it'. We see on TV channels that broadcast day and night lectures and preaches about "Islam". We also see the invasion of those people to the internet. I do not disagree with the fact that we, as all other religions do, have the right to spread our beliefs and try to convince people with our point of view and beliefs. However, what I do not agree with, is the fact that we are spreading terrorism, and encouraging young people to commit suicide and kill dozens of other people along the process. We live in a world that accepts all kind of religions and beliefs and we should not give our self the right to announce that these people are wrong and they are going to 'hell'. We should be spreading the word of peace and love, and we should encourage each other to accept what is different and treat better than how we treat each other. You often see those people on TV cursing christians and whatever other religions that exist on Earth, and praises Islam and Muslims. Unfortunately, many people are being affected by this invasion and went along with it, we see hundreds of people killing themselves each day in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, and they call themselves 'Martyrs' but in fact they are suiciders. I believe the reason people are being affected by them is because of lack of education, we should be aware of how the world works and what is really going on. They would not change the world in bombing themselves each day, but they might change the world if they use words peacefully and spread love instead of hate in a world that already has enough of it.
Martyrs or Suiciders
Today, many people take into their burden to 'fix' the society and the spread the word of God 'as they call it'. We see on TV channels that broadcast day and night lectures and preaches about "Islam". We also see the invasion of those people to the internet. I do not disagree with the fact that we, as all other religions do, have the right to spread our beliefs and try to convince people with our point of view and beliefs. However, what I do not agree with, is the fact that we are spreading terrorism, and encouraging young people to commit suicide and kill dozens of other people along the process. We live in a world that accepts all kind of religions and beliefs and we should not give our self the right to announce that these people are wrong and they are going to 'hell'. We should be spreading the word of peace and love, and we should encourage each other to accept what is different and treat better than how we treat each other. You often see those people on TV cursing christians and whatever other religions that exist on Earth, and praises Islam and Muslims. Unfortunately, many people are being affected by this invasion and went along with it, we see hundreds of people killing themselves each day in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, and they call themselves 'Martyrs' but in fact they are suiciders. I believe the reason people are being affected by them is because of lack of education, we should be aware of how the world works and what is really going on. They would not change the world in bombing themselves each day, but they might change the world if they use words peacefully and spread love instead of hate in a world that already has enough of it.
Media and the influence!!
When I first read the topic to this blog I was unsure of the word polarization so I looked it up. Polarization according to Merriam Webster is a sharp division, as of a population or group, into opposing factions. What I understood by the definition is the division of media and mainly television across the world. For example when I was in the United States and I listened to news about the Middle East it’s very normal that they make us “Arabs” look barbaric and vise versa. Its human nature for this to happen but what occurs really is a diverse division between a group of people that change there view towards the world because of media.
A very well known example that we can talk about is 9/11 this is when the media straight away blamed the Arabs although we were not sure it was Arabs that have done this and a division occurred. Shortly after that the London bombings occurred as well and before they even caught the people they blamed the Arabs automatically MEDIA controls people. I believe were all puppets and us humans naturally believe media like it’s a daily routine in our life.
The media has ruined our religion the Muslim religion people didn’t even dare say a word about Muslims or arabs before 9/11 and the whole terrorism issue. I don’t believe some radio stations have values or behavior. One believes it’s disrespectful for channels such as CNN, CNBSC, or BBC to humiliate arabs and blame them for everything while AL jazeera may have some fall downs or flip outs but still manage to stick to news. As I was saying its human nature for one to defend there cultures and views.
Do they encourage us to listen, interact, and understand the “other” judgment? NO! I don’t believe any TV channels encourage every channel has a way of convincing its viewers that they are right.
I have an example for you all: David letterman, Jay leno, and Conan O Brian they are all late night talk hosts but they all have certain viewers and other viewers that watch each chow believe in them and will not change there mind, if one viewer believes in one talk show they wont change there mind!
A very well known example that we can talk about is 9/11 this is when the media straight away blamed the Arabs although we were not sure it was Arabs that have done this and a division occurred. Shortly after that the London bombings occurred as well and before they even caught the people they blamed the Arabs automatically MEDIA controls people. I believe were all puppets and us humans naturally believe media like it’s a daily routine in our life.
The media has ruined our religion the Muslim religion people didn’t even dare say a word about Muslims or arabs before 9/11 and the whole terrorism issue. I don’t believe some radio stations have values or behavior. One believes it’s disrespectful for channels such as CNN, CNBSC, or BBC to humiliate arabs and blame them for everything while AL jazeera may have some fall downs or flip outs but still manage to stick to news. As I was saying its human nature for one to defend there cultures and views.
Do they encourage us to listen, interact, and understand the “other” judgment? NO! I don’t believe any TV channels encourage every channel has a way of convincing its viewers that they are right.
I have an example for you all: David letterman, Jay leno, and Conan O Brian they are all late night talk hosts but they all have certain viewers and other viewers that watch each chow believe in them and will not change there mind, if one viewer believes in one talk show they wont change there mind!
Media and the influence!!
When I first read the topic to this blog I was unsure of the word polarization so I looked it up. Polarization according to Merriam Webster is a sharp division, as of a population or group, into opposing factions. What I understood by the definition is the division of media and mainly television across the world. For example when I was in the United States and I listened to news about the Middle East it’s very normal that they make us “Arabs” look barbaric and vise versa. Its human nature for this to happen but what occurs really is a diverse division between a group of people that change there view towards the world because of media.
A very well known example that we can talk about is 9/11 this is when the media straight away blamed the Arabs although we were not sure it was Arabs that have done this and a division occurred. Shortly after that the London bombings occurred as well and before they even caught the people they blamed the Arabs automatically MEDIA controls people. I believe were all puppets and us humans naturally believe media like it’s a daily routine in our life.
The media has ruined our religion the Muslim religion people didn’t even dare say a word about Muslims or arabs before 9/11 and the whole terrorism issue. I don’t believe some radio stations have values or behavior. One believes it’s disrespectful for channels such as CNN, CNBSC, or BBC to humiliate arabs and blame them for everything while AL jazeera may have some fall downs or flip outs but still manage to stick to news. As I was saying its human nature for one to defend there cultures and views.
Do they encourage us to listen, interact, and understand the “other” judgment? NO! I don’t believe any TV channels encourage every channel has a way of convincing its viewers that they are right.
I have an example for you all: David letterman, Jay leno, and Conan O Brian they are all late night talk hosts but they all have certain viewers and other viewers that watch each chow believe in them and will not change there mind, if one viewer believes in one talk show they wont change there mind!
A very well known example that we can talk about is 9/11 this is when the media straight away blamed the Arabs although we were not sure it was Arabs that have done this and a division occurred. Shortly after that the London bombings occurred as well and before they even caught the people they blamed the Arabs automatically MEDIA controls people. I believe were all puppets and us humans naturally believe media like it’s a daily routine in our life.
The media has ruined our religion the Muslim religion people didn’t even dare say a word about Muslims or arabs before 9/11 and the whole terrorism issue. I don’t believe some radio stations have values or behavior. One believes it’s disrespectful for channels such as CNN, CNBSC, or BBC to humiliate arabs and blame them for everything while AL jazeera may have some fall downs or flip outs but still manage to stick to news. As I was saying its human nature for one to defend there cultures and views.
Do they encourage us to listen, interact, and understand the “other” judgment? NO! I don’t believe any TV channels encourage every channel has a way of convincing its viewers that they are right.
I have an example for you all: David letterman, Jay leno, and Conan O Brian they are all late night talk hosts but they all have certain viewers and other viewers that watch each chow believe in them and will not change there mind, if one viewer believes in one talk show they wont change there mind!
Religious Media!
Religious channels, be it Islamic or based on Christianity focus only on religion and the whole world means nothing to them! Their target audeince are those who are not interested in other wordly things as well, and they reach out and connect to those human beings that want to know more and learn about their religion. I have seen two religious channels, one was Christian T.V and the other one was Islamic, but i cant recall the name correctly since it was in Arabic.
Viewing these channels, even though it was only once, made me observe how their sole purpose is to preach, show what the people of "their" religion practice and make people more aware about it! They do not care about money, popularity or fame like other media channels! It is not about politics for such channels, instead it is truly about faith, beliefs and "Imaan" (arabic for faith and belief)!!
If someone is genuinely interested in knowing more about a certain religion there are million of ways they can find out, religious books, articles, magazines, radio stations, so why not Television too? This is the best way to get across to us social beings! So... religious channels create a religious mood, enticing their audeince into watching their channel if and only if they want to and are sincerely interetsed in religion and learning more about it.
I agree with the second option, Proffessor Abeer states : They advocate judgement and lead to polarization. All religious channels do, do that! This is just the way it is! If my channel is about Christianity i will seriously not be promoting Islam, or even vice versa! My aim would be to spread Christian beliefs and teachings. It is wrong to degrade any other religion, and they do not do that. Though i have noticed that sometimes Islamic channels have a tone of negativity to other religions. This is very obvious when Islamic scholars are talking alone, and the camera is focused upon them, like a sermon!
One thing i succintly remember watching is a program on a christian channel ,where there is a priest who heals people. He heals all sorts of illnesses and physical disorders. This was one show that was aired on a religious channel to prove that miracles still happen!
Each religion has some basic values and principles, all the religious channels just revolve around those values and principles and run their channels, hoping to teach, preach and spread their religious point of views, to those who are already in their religion, and to those who are not but are interested!
Good readings:
"The rival conceptions of God" by C.S Lewishttp://petermg.com/writings33/5-03_concept.html
"The divine revolution" by Vaclav Havel
http://www.utne.com/issues/1999_88/features/309-1.html
Viewing these channels, even though it was only once, made me observe how their sole purpose is to preach, show what the people of "their" religion practice and make people more aware about it! They do not care about money, popularity or fame like other media channels! It is not about politics for such channels, instead it is truly about faith, beliefs and "Imaan" (arabic for faith and belief)!!
If someone is genuinely interested in knowing more about a certain religion there are million of ways they can find out, religious books, articles, magazines, radio stations, so why not Television too? This is the best way to get across to us social beings! So... religious channels create a religious mood, enticing their audeince into watching their channel if and only if they want to and are sincerely interetsed in religion and learning more about it.
I agree with the second option, Proffessor Abeer states : They advocate judgement and lead to polarization. All religious channels do, do that! This is just the way it is! If my channel is about Christianity i will seriously not be promoting Islam, or even vice versa! My aim would be to spread Christian beliefs and teachings. It is wrong to degrade any other religion, and they do not do that. Though i have noticed that sometimes Islamic channels have a tone of negativity to other religions. This is very obvious when Islamic scholars are talking alone, and the camera is focused upon them, like a sermon!
One thing i succintly remember watching is a program on a christian channel ,where there is a priest who heals people. He heals all sorts of illnesses and physical disorders. This was one show that was aired on a religious channel to prove that miracles still happen!
Each religion has some basic values and principles, all the religious channels just revolve around those values and principles and run their channels, hoping to teach, preach and spread their religious point of views, to those who are already in their religion, and to those who are not but are interested!
Good readings:
"The rival conceptions of God" by C.S Lewishttp://petermg.com/writings33/5-03_concept.html
"The divine revolution" by Vaclav Havel
http://www.utne.com/issues/1999_88/features/309-1.html
TV
Specialization makes any work done more effectively, in my opinion. For example a very known T.V channel in the Arab world, MBC, created 5 other MBC’s (mbc Arabia , mbc2 ,mbc3, mbc4 ,and mbc action),each for a specific kind of programs or shows which made MBC a very popular channel that is watched by a huge audience. On the other hand, in media, especially T.V, people are looking for variety in content. Sometimes we are just overwhelmed with life’s problems and watch to watch friends for some laughs, some other times we really need to know what’s going around the world so we change for news, and so on. Due to the great boom in recent technology, many organizations have been able to start their own T.V channels and publish their shows that support their goal whatever that was. As a result of the normal need for people to change and for the channels to be more effective and successful, I think it’s the right thing to have specialized T.V channels. There are many examples of channels that succeeded, such as IQRA as a religious channel, Al Jazera and CNN as a news channels, MBC as an entertaining channel, and a lot more, more over, there are those channels which failed to introduce a good image and as a result people rejected them.
After all, having a religious channel doesn’t mean we have to watch only them, nor means we have to watch nothing else. In my opinion it means they are specializing to give their best. People who criticize them for being strict didn’t actually give them the right to express their pure ideas, because if they do not agree with their content they can change the channel any time but they can’t stop them from expressing it, especially if a space is given for every one else to say whatever they want. On the other hand, whatever is said on a religious channel, whether its Muslim ,Christian ,or Jewish, it doesn’t have to be right all the time, sometimes the information is questionable, and we have to look it from credited sources because we are an educated audiences.
Finally, I think religious channels are good; it opens the path for people to communicate, interact, and learn about one of the most important aspects of their lives which is religion. Recently, T.V has been watched for a lot more that just entertaining, its also for educating and interacting.
After all, having a religious channel doesn’t mean we have to watch only them, nor means we have to watch nothing else. In my opinion it means they are specializing to give their best. People who criticize them for being strict didn’t actually give them the right to express their pure ideas, because if they do not agree with their content they can change the channel any time but they can’t stop them from expressing it, especially if a space is given for every one else to say whatever they want. On the other hand, whatever is said on a religious channel, whether its Muslim ,Christian ,or Jewish, it doesn’t have to be right all the time, sometimes the information is questionable, and we have to look it from credited sources because we are an educated audiences.
Finally, I think religious channels are good; it opens the path for people to communicate, interact, and learn about one of the most important aspects of their lives which is religion. Recently, T.V has been watched for a lot more that just entertaining, its also for educating and interacting.
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