SHEHATA: US complicity in Middle East
Approximately 60 percent of Americans believe the U.S. positively contributes to the Middle East. Still, almost a third declined to give their opinion when asked about specifics of the U.S. policies toward the Israel-Hamas War.
This indicates a significant disconnect between perceived and actual understanding. Americans commonly hold views on international issues without fully grasping what the issues are. Understanding the historical context of U.S. involvement in the Middle East is essential for Americans to combat false narratives and harmful stereotypes about the region and its people.
The media plays a significant role in shaping people's beliefs. So, when American media portrays Middle Easterners as violent and extremist, that will be the believed narrative in the country.
For example, "Argo" is a movie about the Iran hostage crisis. There was only a brief summary of how the U.S. and Great Britain overthrew a democratically elected leader and replaced him with an oppressive monarch leader, acknowledging how the U.S. acted as a catalyst for the Iranian revolution. Then, it opens with clips of Iranians protesting, burning flags, threatening Americans and acting savagely.
The sudden shift sabotages any sympathy American viewers might have had for the Iranians. The intentional use of pictures and monotone narration when discussing the historical context can help shape viewer perceptions of the incident to be more U.S.-friendly. But, in reality, empathy for both Iranians and American hostages should not be mutually exclusive.
Americans being fed stereotypical views of the Middle East impacts support for military intervention. Based on how Middle Eastern people are portrayed in the media, who would not believe that these countries need a white savior? That is why awareness is essential to ensure the public is well-informed before supporting destructive foreign policies.
These negative portrayals have a lasting negative impact. "Aladdin," a popular Disney movie released in 1992, perpetuates orientalist stereotypes of the Middle East. The fictional city of Agrabah is portrayed as a dangerous land plagued with barbarians.
Jack Shaheen, a scholar and activist, believed that there was a "link between make-believe aberrations and the real world" and that there would be consequences from this movie. He was proven right when a survey in 2015 revealed that 30 percent of Republicans would vote in favor of bombing Agrabah. This alarming statistic underscores the broader implications of such portrayals, illustrating how media representations can shape public opinion.
Those who believe issues in the Middle East are irrelevant to them are wrong. American taxpayer dollars are funding the federal spending of foreign aid, including billions in military aid to countries like Israel.
This financial support has direct consequences, influencing the dynamics of regional conflicts and humanitarian conditions. Whether Americans realize it, they are forced into complicity through their government's actions. By remaining uninformed, they allow harmful narratives to persist and contribute to cycles of violence and instability.
Hence, critical engagement should be encouraged more. In an age where disinformation can spread quickly through social media, verifying information by comparing it to what is being said by other credible sources should be second nature.
The power that the American public has is severely underestimated. Freedom of speech is protected, and the government does not block websites criticizing the nation — luxuries that many do not have in the Middle East. This freedom provides an opportunity, even a responsibility, to question and speak out against policies that shape the lives of millions beyond our borders.
Change might be slow, but it is not impossible. Boycott movements against companies that support Israel recently became relevant on social media. Now, young people are more aware of what is happening to Palestinians and are partaking in the movement.
Grassroots initiatives like Operation Olive Branch prove that local efforts can play a powerful role in fostering peace. This initiative aims to support Palestinian communities by providing essential resources, raising awareness and advocating for justice and humanitarian rights. By empowering individuals and communities to take action, Operation Olive Branch demonstrates that meaningful change can occur without the need for political connections or millions of followers.
Ignorance makes you complicit. Instead, use privileges like public WiFi and recently funded libraries to educate yourself. Advocate for change and donate to organizations that provide aid to those in need. Change does not require millions, just a willingness to act.
Somiah Shehata is a first-year in the School of Arts and Sciences majoring in journalism and media studies. Her column, “Anything and Everything,” runs on alternate Wednesdays.
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