NEWS
Arab Women Film Series challenges stereotypes and inaccuracies
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October 7, 2011
CAPSTONE HOLDS DISCUSSIONS FOLLOWING
FILMS IN ORDER TO FOSTER DIALOGUE ABOUT
MISCONCEPTIONS OF ARAB WOMEN
By Renee Leach
Staff Writer
become accepted as accurate representations: Eastern men
were lascivious and Eastern women highly sexualized.
According to the film, these portrayals are not only wrong
but simplify an entire complex culture as "timeless and
exotic." These ideas dehumanize Arab culture, making it into
a commodity for the West's disposal.
College offers students many opportunities to explore
and pursue their passion. But, for someone trapped in the
academic grind, it is difficult to see how these lofty subjects
can be applied in the "real world."
Assistant Professor of English Diya Abdo hopes that her
Arab Women Writers capstone students will move the topic
out of the class to tackling real problems in their immediate
surroundings. Through the Arab Women Film Series, the
class invites the community to educate themselves on the
prevalent misconceptions of Arab women.
"My students (learn) the significance of bridging the gap
between what happens in the class and the world outside of
it, said Abdo in an email interview. "Also, greater comfort
with public speaking."
On Sept. 28, the class kicked off the series with the short
documentary "Hollywood Harems" made by the production
company Women Make Movies.
In signature Guilford fashion, the student facilitators began
the night by turning the floor over to the audience, asking
about their preconceived notions of harems. Answers varied
from "sex" to "cushions."
However, the movie argued that many of the ideas of
harems and Arab women are incorrectly constructed and
even have poisonous effects in the world.
"Hollywood created an imaginary East full of fantasies and
myths," the narrator says over footage of black and white
scenes of harems, almost always cast with non-Arab actresses.
These fantasies and myths have, according to the iilm.
Associate Professor of Philosophy Vance Ricks (far right) joins
Assistant Professor of English Dlya Abdo (second from right)
at the Arab Women Film Series premiere. Students inAbdo'sArab
Women Writers class facilitated discussions following the film.
"Viewers could intrude voyeuristically through the
intruder's gaze," says the film's narrator.
As audiences could peer into harems through Hollywood,
Arab culture was dehumanized into a commodity for the
'West's' bccasro'narfecfeational use,-accofdihg 'fb the film.
After the movie, the audience formed small groups to
discuss the film, each group facilitated by one of Abdo's
students. Participants were encouraged to share how the film
challenged their ideas of harems and even to criticize the film.
Many participants expressed that the film had sparked their
interest, but that they now wanted an accurate depiction of
harems, which the film did not include.
The turnout for this event included a motley group of
Guilford students, professors, and interested community
members. ^
I m in the post-colonial lit class and we've been discussing
these ideas, said junior Polly Rittenberg. "It was interesting
to see this enacted in films because we've only been applying
these theories to literature." ^
Regardless of the reason that brought someone to this
event, Abdo's aim was for that person to leave challenged.
"(I hope they gain) a better understanding of how, why,
and to what effect other cultures are represented in damaging
and inaccurate ways," said Abdo.
Som^members of the class argue that these misconceptions
P^^'^^lsnt and will not be quashed anytime soon.
Orientalism is a hell of a system," said senior Colleen
Hayes, one of the student presenters.
Hayes emphasized the importance of simply getting people
thinking and practicing empathy.
I hope that they will be able to look at different portrayals
of Arab women and see if they are true or pertinent,"
said Hayes. I would ask them to put themselves in these
women s shoes, and see themselves not only as Arab women
but Arab women who are scrutinized by the West and their
own culture."
"^he class will host two more scheduled film screenings in
the Community Center: "Algeria: Women at War" will play
on Oct. 26 and "A Woman's Word" on Nov. 26.
Both showings will last from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., offering two
more opportunities to delve into important subjects, support
the passion of these students, and enjoy some free food.
Community Senate Update
stuff we did
Had a conversation about
accountability, consent, respect,
community, sex, drugs, and
alcohol.
Getting a smoking shelter
for the old apartments.
Looking to restart the
ethical purchasing initiative
of some years ago.
stuff we're doin
stuff we're
gonna do
#
Invite representatives from Public
Saftey and Campus Life to have a
conversation about clarity, safety,
and community moving forward.
Have an idea? A dream?
Something you want
students to hold in the light?
Send it to senate@guilford.
edu
stuff
you wqnna
S66 dori6
By Yahya Alazrak
Community Senate President/Clerk
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TBS 48 B«U8 fiUB FESTiVAl
The Challenge:
To create a film
in only 48 hours
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Work Time:
Begin: 12am Sat. October 22
End; 12am Mon. October 24
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Lod^or posters around campus or
^^^*Guilford Film Society*
(film@guilford.edu)
for more information!
UP BE
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