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June 12, 2004
The benefits of getting poisoned by Chicken Biryani.
Why order such a thing, at a Five Star. You know the chef has probably made it twice, lord knows how much turnover there is, ... etc.
So, the benefits? None, really, except being laid out all Friday (non-working day you know out here), and having the opportunity during my in and out of consciousness moments, to watch the (in)famous al-Hurra, the US Propaganda Channel in Arabic.
First time I subjected myself to it.
Likely the last.
Let me say, lame does not quite capture the effort.
Primo, the format was "chatty" American style joke-around TV anchors. Completely alien format to the region, and my read of my friends reactions (some amigos dropped in to make sure I was not dead) tells me it went over like a lead balloon. Not to say people like the local State TV "Living Dead News Caster" format, but the more formal European style of news reporting (e.g. BBC) is clearly rather more appreciated. One amigo sarcastically remarked "all they're doing is translating American TV."
Secondo, choice of topics. Again, it was... well as if I was watching American TV translated into Arabic. I mean, carrying Reagan's funeral live with color commentary? How the fuck is that speaking to Arab audiences? Cover the damn thing, yes, but carry it live? The rest of the newscasting was similarly bizarrely parochial (i.e. American focused). They could have at least tried copying BBC Arabic, which is highly appreciated and manages to promote a certain British POV without being staggeringly parochial.
I was left with the sensation that maybe, just maybe this might appeal to Arab Americans, but for Arabic speakers in the region (never mind the agitprop aspect) it simply will be passed over in total bemusement. What a stupid idea and waste of money. Bloody navel gazing idiots in the States who know nothing of the ground here.
Reminds me, last week having dinner with some American VC guy from Arizona, who starts loudly talking about the Jihadi propaganda on al-Jazeerah (misprounounced of course).... where do people like this get this crap? Jihadi propaganda indeed. Corrected that.
Posted by The Lounsbury at June 12, 2004 11:02 AM
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Jan-Jul 2004
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