Karen Molina
Dr. Metcalf
Orientalism and Occidentalism
Spring 2009
Due: April 9, 2009
Comparing News Reports
News broadcast along with other forms of media have facilitated the connection or communication between the nations of the world. Although the focus is the nation’s issues, international concerns and incident discussions are also available to everyone. There are numerous news groups and journalists that provide their version of an incident, which sometimes lead to a confusion of what is really true. The ways in which the news is written also depends on the views of the news corporation and the people who run it. In the present time the Israeli- Palestinian conflict has been a major focus in the world and has been a perfect example of the difference in news reports.
In November 2008 a blockade of the Palestinian Gaza strip by Israeli forces terrified the world, as trapped civilians suffered cruel conditions. News coverage through newspapers and television gave the people of the United States, among other countries, coverage of casualties as well as the progress of cease-fire. One of the most controversial events during the Israeli invasion was the attack on United Nations schools located in the Palestinian Gaza territory. These schools served as refugee shelters for a number of desperate Palestinians looking for refuge from the constant attacks on civilians. This event shocked the world and was a center of interest due to it being a U.N. school. Although it was one event, the news articles on the same incident were quite differently presented.
An article of the Arab News on the incident taking place Tuesday January 7, 2009, was presented quite differently than that of the New York Times. The first difference can be noted in the title of the articles. In the Arab Times the title of the article is “Massacre at refugee shelter” and was written by Hisham Abu Taha. The article, discussing the same incident, in the New York Times is titled “Israeli Shells Kill 40 at Gaza U.N. School” and was written by Taghreed El-Khodary and Isabel Kershner. At first glance the titles of the articles give a different perspective on the incident. The word “massacre” is used to describe the incident through a Middle Eastern perspective and is a strong word to emphasize the casualties that occurred. Other important words used were “refugee shelter” which was the exact purpose of the U.N. school. The New York Times, compared to the Middle East, uses less descriptive language to headline the incident. The title does not mention it was a massacre of a refugee shelter but rather describes the incident with a basic overview of whom and what was involved. The “who” is Israel, the “what” is a U.N. school, and instead of a massacre it is mentioned that 40 people were killed.
In further reading the article by the Arab Times it is clear that it provides an Arab interpretation of the incident, while the New York Times mainly focuses on Israel’s actions. Taha mentions that 43 people were killed and dozens were wounded in the incident compared to the 40 stated by El-Khodary. This shows the inaccuracy of the information but leaves someone wondering and questioning the right number of casualties. The New York Times fails to name the school in which such casualties occurred, while the Arab News gives the name Al-Fakhora School. The name of the school, although foreign to those not from the area, is important information that gives the institution its identity. In this article, it seems as the focus is on the actions of Israel rather than the school and the civilians within. In the opening paragraph, the New York Times mentions that the motif of the attack was that Israel believes that Hamas fighters had fired from the school. Arab News does not mention such thing but does say that the “United Nations regularly gave the Israeli army exact geographical coordinates of its facilities” to keep them safe as they served as refugees, which is missing in the other article. Such information further leaves a person uncertain of the real situation and cause of the attack.
A favorable attitude towards Israel is present in the New York Times article and remains as such through out the news. Perhaps it is due to the alliance between Israel and the United States as well as the post 9/11 view of the Arab nations. An example of such preference in the article is the mention of the Prime Minister of Israel and his planned visit to Egypt to discuss cease fire. This is clearly off the topic but is described after the opening paragraph. At this section of the article more about the incident should have been mentioned rather than what was included. An inappropriate statement by El-Khodary was about a rocket that was launched by Hamas and is said to have wounded an infant. This information has no reason to be mentioned as Palestinian casualties specifically those of numerous innocent children, were not included. An infant wounded is awful but if that is to be mentioned, for what reason is the death by gun shot of many innocent children not mentioned as well. The article also includes the Israeli view of Hamas as callous towards the lives of the Palestinian civilians. This should not be a subjective news article about Hamas but should have the role of informing of the incident. After a long introduction to an Israeli point of view, the article by El-Khodary ends with a short casualty report, actions taken by the Palestinian president, another school incident, and a few words of rage by a U.N. relief member. Despite their mention, the information was shorter and less descriptive than the beginning of the article.
The Arab News provides a closer look into the incident and continues to look at other forms of aid to the Palestinian people. The allegations that the coordinates were given to Israel, if true, clearly shows Israel as the worst, deceiving, and heartless enemy. This article clearly argues that the location of the refugees was known and targeting it showed no mercy for the refugees. It is also revealed that when reporters asked the Israeli Foreign Minister about the deaths, she was “not familiar” with such occurrence. In the article ambulance and medic targeting is also discussed as they not being able to help injured people since they are shot by assault helicopters. Like the article by the New York Times this information goes of the main topic of the incident but links it since it deals with the impediment of humanitarian aid.
A final and important aspect of both news articles is the photograph included at the top of each article. The New York Times included a picture of a young wounded Palestinian being carried by others. This photograph demonstrates the chaos and anger seen in the faces of the people present the day of the incident. The Arab News presents a more graphic and heartbreaking image of the casualties, but it is not one taken of the incident discussed. Instead a picture of a man trying to pull out the body of a child out of the rubble is shown. The use of a child in such condition could be used to capture the cruel reality of the blockage but can be seen as being too dramatic with the purpose of obtaining increased pity from the people. The use of imaging is important and different depending on the message being transmitted by the article.
The bombing of the Al-Fakhora School in Jabaliya on the 11th day of the war on Gaza demonstrated the extent of Israel’s invasion. Refugees sought shelter but they soon realized that there is not safe place. The news of the incident spread through out the world, but different views developed due to the way it was presented to the public. As a person reading the article by the New York Times, more knowledge is received about the actions being taken by Israel. On the other hand, a person reading the article by the Arab News is informed of the lack of respect by Israel towards humanitarian groups in Gaza during the blockage. Both articles mention the school bombing, but the information included varies depending on the newspaper. This creates a problem as people are oriented and manipulated by what they read, which may not be the entire truth.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Week 8- Views of the self or views of how others view us
The film "Loose Change" brings about new ideas of what really happened on 9/11 that seems almost wrong to think about as Americans. Personally I have never heard such ideas or questioned what happened on that day. This film speaks of planned demolition and framing of people, quite outragious and something seen in movies. The idea that the World Trade Center collapse was due to explosions within the building and not for the reason we are given was very scary. Many people died through the collapse of the towers and to think that their deaths were planned is hard to grasp. How can a government allow such actions to take place if it is true? When the film first mentions the idea I did not believe it but as the sound of explosions where pointed out in videos of the day, I began to give the idea some thought.
The part of the film that really captured my attention was when evidence from the terrorists such as a bandana, passports, and drivers license that were found in various sites. It is interesting how such things survive a crash, fire, or building collapse and still remain intact. Due to this discovery it is not hard to not believe in framing since the FBI used such documents to determine those responsible. Overall, this film was very scary and creates doubt about the government.
The part of the film that really captured my attention was when evidence from the terrorists such as a bandana, passports, and drivers license that were found in various sites. It is interesting how such things survive a crash, fire, or building collapse and still remain intact. Due to this discovery it is not hard to not believe in framing since the FBI used such documents to determine those responsible. Overall, this film was very scary and creates doubt about the government.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Paper 2: Film Analysis
Karen Molina
Spring 2009
Orientalism and Occidentalism
Due: March 19, 2009
Film Analysis: The Kingdom
For many years people of Middle Eastern decent have been depicted as villains in various Hollywood films. Events of terrorism and wars occurring in the Middle East have been used as the worst case scenario in the eyes of the average American citizen. These scenarios have developed discriminating stereotypes that have offended many people. An example of a film that not only causes fear, but portrays the villainous characteristics of Arabs is The Kingdom. This film, directed by Peter Berg, is based on the bombings that took place in 1996 and 2003 in American housing compounds in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The film opens with an overview of the relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States. These include the oil drilling that created problems due to the competition for ownership and the 9/11 involvement of Saudi Arabian terrorists. This beginning provides a brief concept of complicated and extensive issues that make Saudi Arabia seem like a dangerous place for Americans. For a viewer that has no historical and current knowledge of issues in the Middle East, this country seems full of terror, corruption, and mystery due to the different culture.
After the opening summary, which is brief and vague, American citizens in their oil company’s housing compound appear playing softball peacefully. In no time two terrorists kill and take the place of the Saudi State police in order to enter the compound to kill American civilians. These terrorists begin shooting through the housing complex, even killing a small child riding a tricycle on the sidewalk, until they are finally killed by a Saudi police officer. Another Saudi, which appears to be helpful in evacuating the people in the playing field, is in fact a suicide bomber that kills many more civilians. Before he pulls the trigger he says the prayer that has been linked to terrorists through out Hollywood, “La illaha ila Allah Mohammed rasul Allah” which means “there is no God but Allah and Mohammed is the messenger”. In Hollywood, this phrase and “Allah Akbar”, which means “God is the greatest”, have been common phrases used by terrorists right before an attack or suicide mission. These phrases clearly insinuate that Islam is the religion associated with the terrorism. Religious people find this association degrading and insulting to their religion, as such acts are not part of the Muslim practice. It also gives the American audience a sense that all Muslims are violent and could pose a potential threat to their safety. Also, the fact that Saudis kill their own countrymen shows a country that is torn amongst its people and where trust is hard to find. For an American it is a horrifying scenario as is it difficult to tell who the enemy is and who is there to protect them. The Americans in the film are living in a foreign land that does not want them there, which can be seen clearly as they are isolated into compounds,
While investigating the tragedy that same night, another bomb is set off killing more civilians and investigators. Later in the movie it is found that a hijacked ambulance was the source of the bomb, which shows terrorists having no remorse and being immensely deceitful. An ambulance, which serves the purpose of saving lives, is used as the source of terror and death in the film. After the attacks, four FBI agents are sent to Saudi Arabia to investigate, but are restricted access to the crime scene by the Saudi police. Upon their arrival the FBI members are transported at a fast speed to the safe grounds and when a suspicious car neared all guns were ready to fire. As they got closer only a camel was observed, clearly showing the paranoia that the police have while traveling through the streets. The agents are given rules that include not being able to be out at night, assuming that such time is the most dangerous. The FBI agents also met with Prince Rufus in public to promote his knowledge and cooperation with the involvement of the FBI. During this meeting the female agent was covered due to her tight revealing western clothes and is prohibited from attending a dinner at his palace. This shows the inferiority of women and how traditionally closed minded the men of the country can be towards the opposite gender. For the Western world this status of women and their appearance as the veiled silent citizens of the country seems extreme.
After a short investigation and raid of amateur teenage fighters, the FBI agents are escorted to the airport. But due to the knowledge of their presence by the terrorists, they become victims themselves. One of the agents is kidnapped by the terrorists but the others are quick to follow its trace. The race ends in a highly populated civilian city where other members of the terrorist group await the arrival of the agents. An attack begins with the use of guns and bazookas that have been linked as the preferred weapons of the terrorists. It is interesting to see in the film that bazookas are kept within common households in a highly populated civilian area. For an action fanatic this scene is the ultimate edge-of-your-seat fighting scenario. But for an Arab, the killing of more Saudis by the FBI agents, who only possessed guns and were outnumbered, seems unrealistic. Critics of the film have stated that it gives a sense of FBI worship like in other films where the few or even single American can defeat a whole group of highly armed villains.
The kidnapped agent is used immediately for a terrorist filmed announcement, which also portrays terrorists as eager to show the world what they have done. The kidnapped agent is rescued and the leader of the terrorist group is killed. The agents finally go home after what seems to be an accomplished mission for Americans. At the very end of the film both the Americans and Saudis end by saying “We’re going to kill them all”. This ending to the movie showed no hope for peace between Saudi Arabia and the United States. The young boy who is told this line by his dying grandfather is yet another brain washed Arab whose focused enemy is the United States. The presumption that all children born in the Middle Eastern countries are brain washed to hate and be willing to take part in terrorism is yet another false stereotype developed by the media. In the film, during the rescue mission of the kidnapped FBI agent, a young teenager is killed after shooting the Saudi police officer named Faris. This shows the willingness to die so young for a cause said to be right by the elders. The character named Faris, as the colonel of the Saudi police force works hand in hand with Agent Fleury and both men even become good friends. Both characters talk about what is right and seem to have a lot in common in their views. Colonel Faris is shown in the film as a religious man who dreams of really helping his country end the fighting and places his life in danger in order to settle things the right way. This character, who could symbolize the good and hopeful change, dies by the hand of his countrymen in the end. The film uses this as a loss of faith and to show the true danger that can occur while intervening with terrorism.
The Kingdom is a great example of the portrayal of the Middle East in the present time. Especially for Americans, after 9/11, the countries of these areas are seen as dangerous and full of people waiting for the chance to kill Americans. The presence of American civilians working with oil companies is clearly viewed as invading and those living there are not welcome in the country. Due to their presence, terrorist actions are planned and executed, which cause many casualties. The film incorporates many aspects of the Middle East that are commonly seen in the media including suicide bombers, ransom videos, weapons, women inferiority, American hatred, and killing of civilians. Such films, although based on true stories, do twist the truth and add what may seem to be the action that would be taken by a terrorist. If such films continue to flourish, the hatred and view of Arabs as villains will not decrease among Americans but in fact will grow far greater for years to come.
Spring 2009
Orientalism and Occidentalism
Due: March 19, 2009
Film Analysis: The Kingdom
For many years people of Middle Eastern decent have been depicted as villains in various Hollywood films. Events of terrorism and wars occurring in the Middle East have been used as the worst case scenario in the eyes of the average American citizen. These scenarios have developed discriminating stereotypes that have offended many people. An example of a film that not only causes fear, but portrays the villainous characteristics of Arabs is The Kingdom. This film, directed by Peter Berg, is based on the bombings that took place in 1996 and 2003 in American housing compounds in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The film opens with an overview of the relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States. These include the oil drilling that created problems due to the competition for ownership and the 9/11 involvement of Saudi Arabian terrorists. This beginning provides a brief concept of complicated and extensive issues that make Saudi Arabia seem like a dangerous place for Americans. For a viewer that has no historical and current knowledge of issues in the Middle East, this country seems full of terror, corruption, and mystery due to the different culture.
After the opening summary, which is brief and vague, American citizens in their oil company’s housing compound appear playing softball peacefully. In no time two terrorists kill and take the place of the Saudi State police in order to enter the compound to kill American civilians. These terrorists begin shooting through the housing complex, even killing a small child riding a tricycle on the sidewalk, until they are finally killed by a Saudi police officer. Another Saudi, which appears to be helpful in evacuating the people in the playing field, is in fact a suicide bomber that kills many more civilians. Before he pulls the trigger he says the prayer that has been linked to terrorists through out Hollywood, “La illaha ila Allah Mohammed rasul Allah” which means “there is no God but Allah and Mohammed is the messenger”. In Hollywood, this phrase and “Allah Akbar”, which means “God is the greatest”, have been common phrases used by terrorists right before an attack or suicide mission. These phrases clearly insinuate that Islam is the religion associated with the terrorism. Religious people find this association degrading and insulting to their religion, as such acts are not part of the Muslim practice. It also gives the American audience a sense that all Muslims are violent and could pose a potential threat to their safety. Also, the fact that Saudis kill their own countrymen shows a country that is torn amongst its people and where trust is hard to find. For an American it is a horrifying scenario as is it difficult to tell who the enemy is and who is there to protect them. The Americans in the film are living in a foreign land that does not want them there, which can be seen clearly as they are isolated into compounds,
While investigating the tragedy that same night, another bomb is set off killing more civilians and investigators. Later in the movie it is found that a hijacked ambulance was the source of the bomb, which shows terrorists having no remorse and being immensely deceitful. An ambulance, which serves the purpose of saving lives, is used as the source of terror and death in the film. After the attacks, four FBI agents are sent to Saudi Arabia to investigate, but are restricted access to the crime scene by the Saudi police. Upon their arrival the FBI members are transported at a fast speed to the safe grounds and when a suspicious car neared all guns were ready to fire. As they got closer only a camel was observed, clearly showing the paranoia that the police have while traveling through the streets. The agents are given rules that include not being able to be out at night, assuming that such time is the most dangerous. The FBI agents also met with Prince Rufus in public to promote his knowledge and cooperation with the involvement of the FBI. During this meeting the female agent was covered due to her tight revealing western clothes and is prohibited from attending a dinner at his palace. This shows the inferiority of women and how traditionally closed minded the men of the country can be towards the opposite gender. For the Western world this status of women and their appearance as the veiled silent citizens of the country seems extreme.
After a short investigation and raid of amateur teenage fighters, the FBI agents are escorted to the airport. But due to the knowledge of their presence by the terrorists, they become victims themselves. One of the agents is kidnapped by the terrorists but the others are quick to follow its trace. The race ends in a highly populated civilian city where other members of the terrorist group await the arrival of the agents. An attack begins with the use of guns and bazookas that have been linked as the preferred weapons of the terrorists. It is interesting to see in the film that bazookas are kept within common households in a highly populated civilian area. For an action fanatic this scene is the ultimate edge-of-your-seat fighting scenario. But for an Arab, the killing of more Saudis by the FBI agents, who only possessed guns and were outnumbered, seems unrealistic. Critics of the film have stated that it gives a sense of FBI worship like in other films where the few or even single American can defeat a whole group of highly armed villains.
The kidnapped agent is used immediately for a terrorist filmed announcement, which also portrays terrorists as eager to show the world what they have done. The kidnapped agent is rescued and the leader of the terrorist group is killed. The agents finally go home after what seems to be an accomplished mission for Americans. At the very end of the film both the Americans and Saudis end by saying “We’re going to kill them all”. This ending to the movie showed no hope for peace between Saudi Arabia and the United States. The young boy who is told this line by his dying grandfather is yet another brain washed Arab whose focused enemy is the United States. The presumption that all children born in the Middle Eastern countries are brain washed to hate and be willing to take part in terrorism is yet another false stereotype developed by the media. In the film, during the rescue mission of the kidnapped FBI agent, a young teenager is killed after shooting the Saudi police officer named Faris. This shows the willingness to die so young for a cause said to be right by the elders. The character named Faris, as the colonel of the Saudi police force works hand in hand with Agent Fleury and both men even become good friends. Both characters talk about what is right and seem to have a lot in common in their views. Colonel Faris is shown in the film as a religious man who dreams of really helping his country end the fighting and places his life in danger in order to settle things the right way. This character, who could symbolize the good and hopeful change, dies by the hand of his countrymen in the end. The film uses this as a loss of faith and to show the true danger that can occur while intervening with terrorism.
The Kingdom is a great example of the portrayal of the Middle East in the present time. Especially for Americans, after 9/11, the countries of these areas are seen as dangerous and full of people waiting for the chance to kill Americans. The presence of American civilians working with oil companies is clearly viewed as invading and those living there are not welcome in the country. Due to their presence, terrorist actions are planned and executed, which cause many casualties. The film incorporates many aspects of the Middle East that are commonly seen in the media including suicide bombers, ransom videos, weapons, women inferiority, American hatred, and killing of civilians. Such films, although based on true stories, do twist the truth and add what may seem to be the action that would be taken by a terrorist. If such films continue to flourish, the hatred and view of Arabs as villains will not decrease among Americans but in fact will grow far greater for years to come.
Week 7- Views of the Self
The way that someone views himself in the society they live in is very important in the progress of everyday life. One cannot live in peace without being confident in the place where you are living. Upon watching the YouTube clip named Terror TV, which deals with a television show in Iraq that has the sole purpose of humiliating criminals, I got mixed feelings. This show is said to be funded by American money and as media separate from the government. But after watching it, maybe it is funded by the government (which is backed by the US) to show people how terrorists are handled. Public humiliation can be devastating for a person and deprives the people from their rights. Although they are criminals should they be exposed to everyone? Why publicly humiliate men if there is no message behind it? Personally I think that yes its a way to show how effectively the removal of terrorists is progressing, but it could be a way to cause fear among the people. Some of the men in the film could not be a criminal but someone set up by the show. Who really knows?
Minorities in the U.S. commonly share the same struggle to find their place in this nation. After the attacks on September 11, which were said to be done by Arabs, made the way of life for Middle Eastern people even harder. This film titled AmericanEast gives an interesting story about a middle class Egyptian family in the U.S. The family is constantly struggling in the a society that constantly criticises due to their nationality. In this film we can see many conflicts with one self. In the beginning, the young son named Mohammed is not satisfied with who he is. Everything about him including his religion and name bother him due to the actions of society. He constantly asks his father why he was named Mohammed and later on in the film he rejects prayer while in a mosque. As a young man in the U.S. he is confused and rather scared of his association to the Middle East. It is sad to see how society makes someone hide or even deny their nationality and religion. This is the case for many people who find it easier to hide their nationality to other so they are not subjected to rejection or nasty comments.
The character that I felt most sorry for was the character named Omar, who was an aspiring actor in Los Angeles. He was very talented but was always casted as a suicide bomber or a terrorist. Due to his nationality he was never given a chance to participate in a good role that did not involve stereotypes. He is even arrested after a few teenagers aggravated him by saying to move his book bag which he later said had a bomb just to agree with them. Due to his detainment he missed a very important casting call. Desperate and truly shattered, Omar decided to take hostage people running a film set which he is supposed to once again be a terrorist. He is killed without compromise. This film brought about many issues including detainment in an airport for speaking Arabic, investigation of transactions to home country, arranged marriage, and others that families go through everyday.
Minorities in the U.S. commonly share the same struggle to find their place in this nation. After the attacks on September 11, which were said to be done by Arabs, made the way of life for Middle Eastern people even harder. This film titled AmericanEast gives an interesting story about a middle class Egyptian family in the U.S. The family is constantly struggling in the a society that constantly criticises due to their nationality. In this film we can see many conflicts with one self. In the beginning, the young son named Mohammed is not satisfied with who he is. Everything about him including his religion and name bother him due to the actions of society. He constantly asks his father why he was named Mohammed and later on in the film he rejects prayer while in a mosque. As a young man in the U.S. he is confused and rather scared of his association to the Middle East. It is sad to see how society makes someone hide or even deny their nationality and religion. This is the case for many people who find it easier to hide their nationality to other so they are not subjected to rejection or nasty comments.
The character that I felt most sorry for was the character named Omar, who was an aspiring actor in Los Angeles. He was very talented but was always casted as a suicide bomber or a terrorist. Due to his nationality he was never given a chance to participate in a good role that did not involve stereotypes. He is even arrested after a few teenagers aggravated him by saying to move his book bag which he later said had a bomb just to agree with them. Due to his detainment he missed a very important casting call. Desperate and truly shattered, Omar decided to take hostage people running a film set which he is supposed to once again be a terrorist. He is killed without compromise. This film brought about many issues including detainment in an airport for speaking Arabic, investigation of transactions to home country, arranged marriage, and others that families go through everyday.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Week 6- Aladdin
I did not attend this class but I have been told that we watched Aladdin in class. This classic Disney movie has brought me to think in a different way about what messages it transmits. The first times I saw this film I was very young and only amuzed by the characters without really realizing what was going on. As I got older I realized that it actually held many stereotypes about the characters and setting that was transmitted even through the music. Emerging as a classic Middle Eastern Folk tale, it originally had genies, hidden treasures, and magic. Disney took the oportunity to add to the magically mysterious setting that Aladdin is said to live in.
From the beginning of the movie we see a man riding on a camel through a desert terrain. People who do not know of the different regions of the Middle East quickly think of it as having solely desert arid conditions. There are deserts of course, but that is not solely the terrain. But of course through the media, the desert is linked to the Middle East. The opening song that was in the first soundtrack release of the film was changed due to critizism. The lyric "'Where they cut off your ear if they don't like your face/It's barbaric, but, hey, it's home," received protests from the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). This caused the 1993 video release to change the lyric to "Where it's flat and immense and the heat is intense/It's barbaric, but, hey, it's home." This shows how cruel the Middle Eastern society is portrayed by others without thinking that the people its referring to clearly find it offensive and false. Another instance where such barbaric lyrics are present is during the second song One Jump Ahead. Right before the song the guard says "I'll have your hands for a trophy" and during the song the guard sing "rip him open and take it back". These seem quite barbaric for the intended audience, which are young children. During the song stereotypes of the people are also present. As Aladdin is running from the guards he encounters a man laying on a nail bed, a man walking on lit charcoal, a man swallowing a sword, a snake charmer, and three young girls wearing quite revealing belly dancing like outfits. All of these clearly are stereotypes of the Middle east as having exotic people who like defiying painful actions.
Princess Jasmine is portrayed as a person who does not know of the life outside the palace. I may not know much about Princesses back then but I think they would have known something about the society they live in.... right?? She actually has to be saved by Aladdin after she gives a hungry young child an apple without paying and is threatened to loose a hand for such action. In the beginning of the movie her father is trying to marry her off as she is coming to age. Despite her seemingly tough attitude, she is ruled by men all through the film. Which is another stereotype that is quite common when dealing with the Middle East: Inferiority of Women.
From the beginning of the movie we see a man riding on a camel through a desert terrain. People who do not know of the different regions of the Middle East quickly think of it as having solely desert arid conditions. There are deserts of course, but that is not solely the terrain. But of course through the media, the desert is linked to the Middle East. The opening song that was in the first soundtrack release of the film was changed due to critizism. The lyric "'Where they cut off your ear if they don't like your face/It's barbaric, but, hey, it's home," received protests from the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). This caused the 1993 video release to change the lyric to "Where it's flat and immense and the heat is intense/It's barbaric, but, hey, it's home." This shows how cruel the Middle Eastern society is portrayed by others without thinking that the people its referring to clearly find it offensive and false. Another instance where such barbaric lyrics are present is during the second song One Jump Ahead. Right before the song the guard says "I'll have your hands for a trophy" and during the song the guard sing "rip him open and take it back". These seem quite barbaric for the intended audience, which are young children. During the song stereotypes of the people are also present. As Aladdin is running from the guards he encounters a man laying on a nail bed, a man walking on lit charcoal, a man swallowing a sword, a snake charmer, and three young girls wearing quite revealing belly dancing like outfits. All of these clearly are stereotypes of the Middle east as having exotic people who like defiying painful actions.
Princess Jasmine is portrayed as a person who does not know of the life outside the palace. I may not know much about Princesses back then but I think they would have known something about the society they live in.... right?? She actually has to be saved by Aladdin after she gives a hungry young child an apple without paying and is threatened to loose a hand for such action. In the beginning of the movie her father is trying to marry her off as she is coming to age. Despite her seemingly tough attitude, she is ruled by men all through the film. Which is another stereotype that is quite common when dealing with the Middle East: Inferiority of Women.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
