The Myth of the Clash of Civilizations

In watching this critique given by Edward Said, I felt he brought up an interesting point about how civilizations many times in history have used "redeeming ideas" to justify the occupation and sometimes violent acquisition of previously established territories. Such ideas have been known as Manifest Destiny when the United States was expanding west, and the blame placed on Jews during the dictatorship of Adolf Hitler in Germany justified the genocide of millions.

I do see a resemblance between these redeeming ideas and the religious ideas that leaders in the Israeli military/government seem to have that justify the demolishing of houses, constant use of brutal force, and the inhumane treatment of other human beings.

There is no reason that can truly justify these actions but apparently as seen throughout history, the ends justify the means. This approach is never admired in hindsight.

To Die In Jerusalem

We watched a film in class called “To Die in Jerusalem.” It was a documentary that told the true story of two families, one Palestinian, the other Israeli, coping with the loss of their daughters who were involved in the same suicide bombing incident.
I found that throughout the film, I could not help but feel more sympathy for the Palestinian mother (as terrible as that may sound considering the loss that each faced as a mother.) Although her daughter Ayat was the suicide bomber responsible for the death of Rachel, the Palestinian mother was very compassionate, open minded, and calm.

Actually, as I try to write my response I am realizing that I don’t have as many valid reasons to support Ayat’s any more than Rachel’s. I just found that the film often showed Ayat’s mother being calm and friendly while Rachel’s mom was often angry, accusing, and constantly prying into people’s opinions. I don’t think any response would have satisfied Rachel’s mom. She is clearly still grieving and both sides of this conflict in general seem to have so many emotional attachments for Palestinians and Israelis that it is almost impossible to make an objective resolution or agreement.

I was shocked that Rachel’s mom was so scared to travel into Palestine when in reality she has more rights there than the Palestinian residents themselves! As they cleared checkpoints it was not her being threatened but the camera crew and the man taking her there. At this point I realized she clearly has been misinformed. Especially when she contested all of Ayat’s mother’s statements as to the reasons Palestinians have resorted to violence out of desperation.

I was also somewhat disgusted when Rachel’s mother was angry that Ayat’s family was appealing in order to not have their house demolished. She wanted them to lose their home! I feel that neither mother could be held responsible for the actions of their daughters and that if she tried to understand
There was no desire on her part to understand. Whenever Ayat’s family tried to help her understand, she never let them finish because she felt that they were only making excuses to justify what their daughter did. As Ayat’s mother talked and I saw from footage what life is like in Palestine I asked myself the question, “What would I do if I had grown up in this environment or if this happened in my country?” I honestly feel that after so much oppression I too would resort to violence if that is what would get attention. I think it’s only natural for a human being to resort to serious measures when their quality of life and freedom becomes so low that there is nothing left to lose.

I felt Rachel’s mother was condescending, rude, bossy, and completely resistant to change in views. I’m sure not all Israeli’s feel or act in the same way, but at times I even felt anger towards this mother for her unnecessary comments and behavior. As was discussed in class, it did seem as though she just wanted to make Ayat’s family feel bad in order to feel better herself. In the end I think both mothers were only more distressed.

I would also like to add that in my opinion, I did not find Ayat’s father’s presence at the meeting to be inappropriate. Although he had a few problems interrupting, he seemed supportive of his wife, and more there for her well-being. He let her speak her mind (he did not tell her to be quiet as is portrayed in many movies,) and he nodded in agreement with her.

Overall I definitely felt strong emotions while watching this film. I realize that in this case, the film was somewhat biased (as most are) and whether this was intentional or not, I know I could watch a film about an Israeli family who was perhaps more humble and open-minded and feel the complete opposite way if portrayed in the right way. I can only imagine the frustration these groups are feeling if a simple film on it has stirred this much in me as a bystander.

Class 1

This is my first classroom exposure to the subject of current conflicts and recent events in the Middle East. I think I have been very confused by the U.S. media since I, like many Americans my age, have relied heavily on major news organizations to present these facts to me.

I have gradually become more aware of the extent to which corporate interests in the U.S. can play such a role in filtering and manipulating journalists, but after seeing the film Peace, Propaganda, & The Promised Land: U.S. Media and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, I found myself shocked and disappointed with how much journalism seems to have lost its integrity. Specifically so in the U.S. It has become clear that propaganda is being used specifically to confuse many of us because if half of us understood the history of these conflicts and the occupancy of the Israeli military, I feel many Americans would no longer wish to support these efforts simply for oil or business.

Much of the footage I saw in the film of Palestine was new to my eyes. I don't understand why other countries have managed to show much clearer and unbiased stories. What makes our society different in that respect? I also wonder when corporate interests became so intertwined with journalism. What happened to muckraking and why does our government have the power to keep Americans in the dark? I have learned that I cannot rely on simple media coverage to understand what is going on day to day. It is my responsibility as a citizen to keep myself informed even if that means I must look elsewhere for the facts.

I was also quite surprised by my lack of awareness to the disrespectful portrayal of Middle Eastern people in not a few, but many movies which I have watched and considered to be some of my favorites. When examined in such a way as presented in the film Reel Bad Arabs it was absolutely surprising to me, but I had to agree with it. I find it hard to believe that other races would not be offended if they were portrayed time and time again as a threatening and “barbaric” people. Now that I am aware of Hollywood’s pattern, I know I will be unable to ignore such representations in the future. I think it is truly unfortunate that film makers continue to strengthen such stereotypes and that as an audience we have not responded to this.

I truly hope to get a lot out of this course and that by blogging my thoughts and sharing my opinions I can make others more aware of these issues.