The first video shows the demand of soap operas in the arab world. What this demand tells us is that how a strong percentage of the arab world wants to and is seeking out televisions shows that have similar context the those in the United States. Although there is some protest and criticism, the shows are ultimately still played and watched by citizens. While we may think that values and interests are not only united but also highly strict in the arab word, however in reality this is not the case. Another interesting point is what the shows are based on. The video describes most of the soap operas to be about normal life in the arab world. As the clips show, this is nothing like the clips we are shown in the media, with some almost being able to pass for being in the United States if not for the language. Having shows we would consider normal about their culture and lifestyle shows how our interests are much more connected to the arab world than we might think.
The format of the second video appears to be similar to U.S shows such as The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. In the video, you have a host, dress normally in a suit, showing and commenting on clips in the media. Although you can’t make out what he is saying as it isn't in english, the show follows the same format and as in America. Speak on the issue, show a clip from a speech or event on the issue, and then follow it up with more commentary or mockery. The only notable difference is how the show is more singular with no audiencing seeming to be involved. Besides this, the arab version of news mockery is basically the same as the ones in America.
What these two videos show is how the television culture in the arab world is actually very similar to the United State’s. No only do they have shows in the same format but also show an interest in everyday soap operas about what life is like. In the U.S, we are constantly seeing clips and hearing about what people are like and how different they are from us, making us out to be so different from one another. As these two videos show we have much more in common than we think and it is truly a shame we are unable to focus on these similarities and are pushed away from only looking at the differences.
I really liked this post and completely agree with your analysis of the similarities between these Arab shows and similar programs in the United States. It's such a shame that the US media inaccurately portrays Arab culture and media as so vastly different from that of the West. What if anything do you think can be done to educate citizens in the US about the similarities between our two cultures?
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DeleteOne possibility that comes to be mind would be to have more people that are arab or of arab decent in high ranking positions. I think this could change some of the perception we currently have in addition to bringing awareness to the issue. Specifically, this could include the forms of media, such as television or newspapers for elite outlets that touch not only a large amount of people but also a wide range of cultures in the United States.
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