In viewing the topics that will be covered in this class, I hope I will obtain a better understanding about the historical and current issues that are occurring in the orient. The first class was very enlightening as we got to watch two films about an important part of the orient, the Middle East. Viewing the film Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised Land was, in my opinion, at a perfect time since the problems between Palestine and Israel were still occurring as we watched the film. Most people heard about the problems that were occurring in the area due to the Gaza trespass by Israel, but the historical background was vague to many. The media did not help the public as it was clear that Israel was the preferred side. Having the truth revealed through this film gives students an insight of the life of the oppressed people of Palestine. Peace is something that will not be obtained at any proximate time, there are just too many factors that will serve as impediments. Compromise in dividing Israel was the original plan but it was not followed.
The other film, Reel Bad Arabs, showed us the stereotypes of Arab people that have been displayed in various films. Most of the films that were shown I had seen many years ago but I never noticed the racism towards the people of the Middle East. They are seen as the bad guys, the ones with guns, with bombs, and who are simply looking to do harm to others. What surprised me the most was that the Disney film Aladdin, which is viewed by young children, also had such horrifying stereotypes of the Middle East. Personally, I have viewed this film many times over the years but I had never noticed the song in the beginning. I am glad that it has been changed since it is a children's film that should not contain such descriptions about the area. I think these films gave the class a good informing and thoughtful beginning.
No comments:
Post a Comment