“I’m afraid that if I watch a lot of TV, I will start to hate myself as an Arab, or as a Muslim or as a Palestinian,” says Samar Dahmash-Jarrah, “because there is nothing out there except bias and stereotyping and hatred.” Jarrah, 42, is a long way from her year-and-a-half stint as a contributor to CNN’s “World Report” in… return to article
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Reader Comments (22)Page 1 of 1 pagesI am all for both such projects. Understanding can often lean to better relations.
That said, i have indelible memories of dancing in the (Arab) streets after 911. Women making yowling sounds (ululating, i suppose), celebrating the deaths of thousands. Lots and lots of them. . .
TV certainly can be biased. It would be interesting for Dahmash-Jarrah to comment on the effects of TV, particularly the news sources in the Middle East. Do they help raise her self esteem as an Arab? I do wonder what she means about TV making her hate herself though. I do watch TV with some regularity, but really have no examples of what this could mean. Perhaps it *only* refers to US news, which i rarely watch (i prefer to get my news from the Internet and printed materials). Anyone with an example of how Arabs might be induced to feel self loathing due to TV, please post!
Posted by wolf on Sep 23, 2005 at 12:21 PM I would not presume to speak for her, but I imagine that these ‘indelible memories’ you have are exactly the ones she struggles with the most. Images of arabs rejoicing over the tragedy of the American people - devoid of any context or sense of scale have a certain effect. This is probably similar to, but not exactly like the self loathing a lot of us felt when the Abu Ghraib images were released - the happy, thumbs up American smiling over the suffering of other human beings…
It make you want to say “Hey guys, we aren’t all that way, please don’t think we are all bad...” But deep down, you know that a lot of people add it to the list of items like evangelical leaders calling for assassinations and other things they have heard about us… and just write us off.
So, yeah, I guess you could say that self-loating is sort of thing universally felt when the negative is getting airtime while the majority view isn’t being represented. It can be reflected in the ramblings of blog posters who purposefully use selective imagery as a means to negatively portray a much broader culture. I guess that could be what she meant.
Posted by GrayArea on Sep 23, 2005 at 3:05 PM The whole point of such a project is to allow those who have seen these images you mention to understand what exactly they were seeing.
Wolf your intentions are very well, but you are still making judgement from a place you imageine to be better or somehow beyond the surroundind world. How can a people who have such an all encompassing effect on the world, not realise that the world does not exist in isolation but is affacted like all things by the eye of the beholder.
The people you saw dancing and some using a traditional ‘Ullulating’ cry which can signify many things as far as you know, were not substantially different from you or I. They live and die for the same reasons as all people.
The fact that so many were delighted about what happened has for itself a cause, which if you understood from their viewpoint would seem much more natural to you. But first you must gain that understanding, really, before you can judge how they reacted to an event that neither you nor Rabbit can at this point definately even attribute to “Muslim Extremists”
You do know about the mossad agents who were caught with traces of explosives and videos of the WTC’s collapsing on 911? They were also dancing and celebrating when the police nabbed them.
Some Israelis, in government expressed satisfaction at least that the USA would now understand the “Israeli Struggle”
Poor little Israel and USA struggling against all the evil murderous Muslim and Liberal extremists. Poor little darlings with their Huge Nuclear Arsenals, and Chemical and Biological Weapons stockpiles.
Poor little scared Israel and USA who are so afraid that they need to make sure nobody else even gets one bomb. Even a dirty bomb which is something the USA dumps on Iraqis at the rate of 3500 tons in two years.
You are right Wolf, some understanding is in order here. Rabbit doubts the good Jarrah is likely to make much headway with those who are looking to understand why somebody else could be so deluded and twisted and hateful.
Remove the Log from your eyes and the mote in your brother’s may be much clearer.
Pearls before swine probably. Not you Gray.
Posted by GhostRabbit on Sep 23, 2005 at 11:14 PM I do agree with Ms. Jarrah regarding her comment “ I will hate myself if I watch TV”. As an Arab American living in the US, I’m still frightened by the media’s coverage of news in the middle east. It seems that all they put on TV are ugly, ignorant, extremist, uneducated middle eastern which only resembles 1% of the population. Why can’t the media interview the average Arab who is bilingual, goodlooking and well educated. Only I see on TV is horrible images of Arabs, Muslims and Palestinians. I suggest that Mr Wolf and anyone interested in the Middle East to visit the region or get to know their people who are living with us in the US who serve as Doctors, Lawyers, and regular innocent citizens.
Posted by adjo73 on Sep 24, 2005 at 7:01 AM I have not read Samar Dahmash-Jarrah’s book yet, so this is not a criticism of it. What she is doing is to be commended — better to light one candle… However, in this article I find her comment, “...there is nothing out there except bias and stereotyping and hatred.” to be as much a generalization as those who stereotype her.
Immediately after 9/11 an Arab-owned bakery in town here was spray painted with obscenities and threats. The response from the community overwhelmingly condemned the action and people sent money, helped to clean up and wrote letters of support for the owner and his family.
She is experiencing what almost everyone does in some way or another — the radical reaction of a few. Unfortunately, today a few can be all it takes to terrorize the many. A Timothy McVeigh or Mohammed Atta need not represent a majority to wreak terrible destruction.
Negative news sells and repetition tends to convince. Does the average Arab she speaks of get an unbiased view of Americans? I doubt it. Since so much of the news we get about Americans is biased, (they see it too) how can they possibly form an objective opinion?
Certainly she is right that Americans know little about Arabs and I expect the reverse also is true, but the problem is the few religious extremists have such a pervasive effect and fear is a strong influence.
Since “Jarrah made a conscious decision to exclude more extremist Arabs...” I hope she also excluded the American extremists as well.
Although she will probably never know for sure, her attempts at educating both sides may have already had a positive effect. Ignorance works against us all.
Posted by whattheheck on Sep 24, 2005 at 10:00 AM So many thoughtful replies. . .
A few observations.
On the tv shows i watch, Arabs are simply non-existent. Not negative, just invisible. (This is what triggered part of my initial interest.)
I agree that everyone has a reason for doing what they do. The most guilty murderers on death row all began their lives as innocent children. They too had a reason for committing their crimes.
From my pov the reason i would want to understand them is to attempt to prevent other innocent children from growing up to become horrible murderers. I would want to identify what “went wrong” in such a life.
I think all of us want to understand what is “going wrong” in the Middle East. The list is long and we all tend to order it quite differently. Some of us think the US and its policies are what is going wrong. Others see the internal corruption in the regions religion and politics and point there. Undoubtedly it is a combination of these and other factors.
I do not judge them to be “inferior”. But i do think they need to be brought into the 20th century. The problem has become urgent - 21st century weapons coupled with medieval thinking can easily lead to tragedy. (To be fair, tragedy was only narrowly averted in our recent history, over the last 50 years or so.)
I do feel some empathy for the many good Arabs here. In the distant past, yours was the dominate culture and power in the world. Now it is a collection of marginal societies who fight and bicker amogst themselves endlessly. But there is a jewel hidden in that coal, deep inside. The only real question is how to uncover that potential.
I realize the US and its people are imperfect. Really just a lucky and fortunate group, augmented by a (fading) tradition of hard work. We certainly have had our duds (traitors, homegrown terrorists, crazies, etc). But i cannot fathom tens of thousands of US citizens celebrating the deaths of thousands of innocents (from many nations and ethnic groups, not that it matters) under ANY conditions. If/when the US deteriorates to that level, i will hang my head and cry (and very likely, quietly take my things and go).
Posted by wolf on Sep 25, 2005 at 10:21 AM GrayArea
Yor response to wolf’s question ... “Anyone with an example of how Arabs might be induced to feel self loathing due to TV, please post!” ... was excellent.
Extremists on both sides are guilty of what they charge the other with. People who understand that have to feel a certain amount of guilt and self loathing.
Posted by David in Canada on Sep 25, 2005 at 5:06 PM wolf wrote :
“ But i cannot fathom tens of thousands of US citizens celebrating the deaths of thousands of innocents .. under ANY conditions “
How about ignoring the deaths of thousands of (Iraqi) innocents? .. under conditions of ignorance, indifference or cultural superiority?
Maybe some are celebrating in their hearts and minds?
Posted by David in Canada on Sep 25, 2005 at 5:11 PM WTH
Nothing Rabbit can disagree with you on, (Happy Rabbit)
The fact is that most people are as tolerant and reasonable as you indicate, we too had something like this in our neigborhood recently.
A local bunch of racist nutjobs who run about distributing pamphlets and spray painting slogans decided to enter the big time.
They did once before manage to set themselves on fire while trying to burn a chinese restaurant, ten years earlier and got caught as a matter of fact.
This time these warriors for white Australia, who blame Asians for all the evils of their own petty lives, managed to burn a Local Chinese restaurant. (Shows practice makes perfecxt perhaps)
Here also the response from the local community was overwhelming, tons of support, outraged letters to the editor on their behalf and the business has boomed since as a matter of fact.
That does not surprise Rabbit, but nor does the general attitude in the community which still feels convinced that there is some sort of constant threat and danger to their lives from Muslim Terrorists.
The difference is those you can see and those who you are only told about.
Now for a perfect lesson on how alike we all are, read River Bend’s Blog spot, if you haven’t already. Here is a young woman who would bring credit to any culture. This young lady will humble any who think they are cultured and yet think Iraqis are not. This will shame anybody who thinks they are tolerant yet feel Muslims are not.
http://riverbendblog.blogspot.com/
It will confuse any who think Muslims are a backward race of violent people.
As it happens, Rabbit who writes quite spirited tracts from time to time and has been quite non-conformist when it comes to any religious statements, has been printed and given a fair hearing in Islamic media including their MSM. Rabbit has recieved positive rsponse to statements which were at eleast as “blasphemous” to Muslims as Christians. The Christiuans called Rabbit names and wanted to burn Rabbit at a stake.
The Muslims thanked Rabbit for his views and took what they desired from them. They wished Rabbit well and no fanatics ever attacked Rabbit ‘over there’.
Posted by GhostRabbit on Sep 25, 2005 at 11:10 PM Wolf Rabbit can see that you are still trying to drag others back into the 20th Century. You can stay there but we the rest of us and that includes our Muslim Brothers and Sisters are sticking to the 21st, if you don’t mind.
You are trying to sound resonable but you are demonstrating the same old Hubris which says them wrong, us right.
Wolf my boy the Muslims have some Fundamentalists who are all eager to put their lunatic doctrines into effect. The Christian Fundamentalists are no less insane or dangerous and they have some equally lunatic and viscious doctrine, in fact their score of dead Muslims is actually making them the clear leaders in the “Crusaders Cup”..
Oh you might be sure that those Muslims who are being killed and dispossessed are full of hate and you as well as your soldiers are doing it for love. In fact that is exactly what you believe isn’t it, Bigot.Your words cannot be made polite or reasonable sounding if they are essentially the words of Blind Bigotry. Which is why you are earning this sharp reprimand from Rabbit.
You say WOLF..
“all of us want to understand what is “going wrong” in the Middle East”
...... No Wolf we want it to stop going wrong, there is no doubt about what it is.......Whether or not there is corruption in the Middle East is no concern of yours or mine, since we do not call that place home Wolf. Besides are you so sure that there is not corruption and vice going on in the West, the USA? Maybe you don’t, well Rabbit thinks there are a whole bunch of Bath Party supporters who would see nothing wrong with their old government. Too bad you lack a sense of Irony Wolf, but others can enjoy the joke.
Wolf kids himself....
“I do not judge them to be “inferior”. But i do think they need to be brought into the 20th century. The problem has become urgent - 21st century weapons coupled with medieval thinking can easily lead to tragedy.”----That talent for unconscious Irony is worth bottling Wolf, if only you could see it. Of course that would spoil it, you could not say such ironic nonsense without shrivelling up in shame if you saw the truth.
Anybody who ever says “I am not bigoted, but...”
Is a complete bigot and not even ready for dicsussion of any sort.“I do feel some empathy for the many good Arabs here.”
........Good Arabs? Like many Racist Aussies say I don’t mind the real Aborigines, the good ones, it’s the bad ones that ruin it for everybody. Yes we know, the ones you actually see, I’ve seen the automatic blinkers come into effect at the first sight of an Aborigine in the city. They know nothing about him but that they can see him and he is therefore one of the bad ones.
The good Arabs as you see them, exist only in your head WOLF. The bad Arabs as you see them also exist only in your head.
The Bad ones are screaming for your blood and want everyone to die and hate freedom and democracy like you hate satan.
The good ones are waiting patiently to be rescued by Wolf and his armies of Righteous Soldiers. They are just desperate to be allowed the freedom to cue up and recieve the true word of God, and worship alongside of the righteous.
Posted by GhostRabbit on Sep 25, 2005 at 11:42 PM WOLF again:
“If you can’t see them In the distant past, yours was the dominate culture and power in the world. Now it is a collection of marginal societies who fight and bicker amogst themselves endlessly”
....Because of colonial interference sunshine, history, read it.WOLF
“But there is a jewel hidden in that coal, deep inside. The only real question is how to uncover that potential.
....No secret, stop sitting on it you stupid big American oaf.“I realize the US and its people are imperfect.”
.......No you don’t you just think that sounds like largesse.“Really just a lucky and fortunate group..”
.....Really? there are some who are not feeling so lucky but you have not noticed them I guess.,“i cannot fathom tens of thousands of US citizens celebrating the deaths of thousands of innocents (from many nations and ethnic groups, not that it matters) under ANY conditions.”
.....Nor can Rabbit Wolf, why do you do it?WOLF
“If/when the US deteriorates to that level, i will hang my head and cry (and very likely, quietly take my things and go”
....... Time is up WOLF when do you go? Have you finished crying yet? Mate I seriously doubt you have any shame, sorry..
Posted by GhostRabbit on Sep 25, 2005 at 11:43 PM Wolf, Rabbit:
I’m really surprised from your reactions. I suggest that you try to know some of yoru Arab neighbors wiether they were Arab Muslims or Arab Christians, fyi, the Arab Christians living in the Middle East in Peace with their Muslim brothers and sisters for more than 2000 years now. So if Relegion wa sto be blamed for what is going on in the Middle East, there will be no Christian living in the ME or the west by now, if we are all murderes like the media claims.
My advice once again is to try to contact yoru Arab neighbors, and they exist everywhere, your Pharmacist, your MD, your isurer, etc…
and if you personaly can’t visit the ME region, then get Ms. Jarrah book and start the dialouge.
Peace for all.
Posted by adjo73 on Sep 26, 2005 at 12:53 AM Adjo73,
Please read all the posts of people before you start replying to them.
Rabbit has at no point claimed that religion is to be blamed for what is going on in the middle east. The politics of powerful, greedy robber barons and their economic interests, in particular the challenge of the EURO to the US dollar is to blame, at the momnet.
The fact remains that this war is only possible because fundamentalist Christians, in particular been used to usher in a new age of intolerance and fear which has allowed the whole mess in the middle east..
Do not presume to know anything about Rabbit’s knowledge of or understanding of the Middle east.Rabbit is well aquainted with people from various countries like Iran, Turkey, Iraq, Pallestine, Israel and Jordan. Some Kurdish Iranians are sworn brothers.
As an agnostic it is easy and joyful to learn about the core of any belief system.
So if you don’t mind, don’t you ever put Rabbit’s name in the same sentence as you say Wolf, or Rabbit might show you the Boundaries of his own substantial tolerance.
...............................^^...........................
ADJO73
Posted by GhostRabbit on Sep 26, 2005 at 3:41 AM As for who and how well they live together in the middle east, how dare you presume to lecture Rabbit about things which he probably could teach you, young monkey.
You made a broad yet accurate point about Christians and Muslims living in the middle East. These are not the sort of Fundamentalist Christians Rabbit has clearly detailed above however.
Furthermore you pompous little twerp, Shia and Sunni live in better harmony than Catholics and Protestants and Jews too have their place in various middle eastern countries.
Now don’t you ever stand up and presume to tell Rabbit anything, you young know all who would dare lecture his elders and betters.
Have some respect, if not for your self then for others.
Huh....Say something to Rabbit and Wolf as if anything could apply equally to both. You are bloody lucky Rabbit cannot reach you boyo or he would give you a thick ear..... And see if I won’t..........Huh!
Posted by GhostRabbit on Sep 26, 2005 at 3:49 AM By the way Adjo, Rabbit can see you may be a Muslim, if you think that will exempt you from a Rabbit boxing if you need it, then you have much yet to learn about equality, and Rabbit will be glad to teach you.
You may if you choose read a few of Rabbit’s posts about the Middle east and about religion however and find out who you are talking so disrespectfully to.
You may also go back to Al-Jazeera about April 2004 to read a bit more of Rabbit’s stance on the middle east. Try Steve Pallister for author. Another name for Rabbit.
Posted by GhostRabbit on Sep 26, 2005 at 3:55 AM Rabbit is Steve Pallister??
Not Hazel or Fiver??
Or the rabbit in the Japanese folk tale… the one who taught the badger a lesson??
Or the friend of Uncle Remus and nemesis of Brer Fox?
Or....
Posted by Liz on Sep 26, 2005 at 4:35 AM Guys,
you shouldn’t be wasting your time with who said what to who. There are innocent American and Non American lives dieing in Iraq and the middle east for no justified reason. That is our responsibilities as humans, wheither you are an atheist, Christian, Muslim, or Jew. All of us should be vocal.
I still advise to start the dialouge.
Thanks.
Posted by adjo73 on Sep 26, 2005 at 7:12 AM Uncle Remus agin Liz. Cannot be all Rabbits though that is actually what Rabbit is, I guess. Must do some more reading about “Famous Rabbits” it seems. You are clearly a conoisseur, Rabbit will be your fantasy Rabbit with glee, dear Liz.
If you know Rabbit nature you will not doubt it is real. Men could not say Rabbit things without sounding much more arrogant, so its best sometimes if BIG but simple things get said by a small funny looking creature at your feet.
Ever wonder why Yoda carries so much credibility? Simple words of truth and a funny looking non-threatening appearance.
Adjo73, thankyou for the encouragement and we shall certainly put your advice to good use.
What do you think Liz, is Rabbit being inconsiderate of these Non-American lives dieing (sic)in Iraq and the middle east for no justifiable reason?
Actually Rabbit thought one reason was to make George Bush a WAR PRESIDENT, now there a justification on its own feels Rabbit.
Anything which Made Bushler like any kind of president would be at least some justification for something.
Start the Dialogue? Hmm should we?
Come on Adjo my boy go play on the right wing sites we have it in good hands here and it is happening on a level you might not fully be down with. Take your message to the Republicans and confused left. It is of the sort of refinement more familiar to their ilk.
Posted by GhostRabbit on Sep 26, 2005 at 7:28 AM Do you know this one Liz?
http://www.muridae.com/rabbits/rabbittalk_intro.html
...................
Where are these God Squaddies? Rabbit has said some things which would normally get them salivating in anticipation of a good bible bashing. They shall be along in good time, patience Rabbit. May have to go sleep a bit, eat a chocolate frog, and clean teeth. (Slightly different order though) Look by tomorrow, Nite Liz.
...........................^^..........................
GoodNite Adjo, practice that dialogue and we’ll see if you can do it with two people later. Get a few cklues first. Rabbit does not need you to give him basic lessons in religious tolerance. Rabbit notices you have not listed Gnostics as being the same or Budhists, but shall take it on good faith you mean us too. You have heard of us hopefully? We have not always been that popular anywhere.Seems to be a common way to die for Gnostics is being barbecued and tortured and flayed.
Posted by GhostRabbit on Sep 26, 2005 at 7:40 AM Good Wolf, has gone over to the God Squad, where he should be. Took a bit of baiting though.
...............
Hee Hee, naughty, manipulative Rabbit...................^^...................
Posted by GhostRabbit on Sep 27, 2005 at 7:30 PM Question, Is Wolf, ..... Jay Cline? at the God Squad? The metamorphosis from Wolf S Britain (at ADE), to WOLF, to JAY? is almost palpable. Others too have mentioned it privately.
The weird thing is the transformation, some complete inconsistencies in what is a strange fish at every stage. Never quite what it seems to be.
..Maybe Rabbit imagines it, just thinking Rabbit........Looks funny though....Rabbit hops away but will be back..
..........................^^...............
Posted by GhostRabbit on Sep 29, 2005 at 3:57 AM Seriously................. Go here it is sweet grass for the eating only, but sweet and good.
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/3167
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