TV shows cause controversy in Arab world - International Herald Tribune
"Some shows that test the limits on the treatment of sexual relations and gender roles are clearly "exposing people who are culturally isolated to modernity at a pace that is faster than they would like," said Ramez Maluf, an associate professor of communications at Lebanese American University.
But it may be the rising popular impact of television, as much as its content, that is making these shows so controversial. Recent surveys released by Arab satellite television networks suggest that TV dramas are reaching larger audiences than ever before.
"You can't put the consumer back in the box, and the authorities find that threatening," said one Arab television executive who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of repercussions. "A generation is growing up, and they watch this stuff and care about it; they upload the characters' faces onto their cell phones."
Four major serials scheduled to run through the Muslim holy month of Ramadan have been canceled. Two about Bedouin history were dropped because they apparently offended the sensitivities of tribal leaders in Saudi Arabia, and two were canceled in Syria after they treaded too close to criticizing members of the regime there."
0 comments:
Post a Comment