Photo: Sawa.com
As an Arab, I have always been a fan of Arabic television series. However, I have noticed a disturbing trend in recent years. Many Arabic series are not portraying the actual reality that we live in the Arab world. Instead, they are often filled with unrealistic storylines and characters that do not reflect the true diversity of our society. This is a problem that needs to be addressed urgently.
The issue with many Arabic series is that they are often created by directors who have a limited understanding of the society they are portraying. They rely on stereotypes and clichés to create their characters and storylines. This results in a distorted image of our society that does not accurately reflect the reality we live in.
For example, many Arabic series portray women as weak and submissive, with no agency or independence. This is far from the truth. Women in the Arab world are strong, independent, and have been making significant strides in various fields. However, this is not reflected in many Arabic series.
Another issue is the portrayal of minorities in Arabic series. Many series do not accurately represent the diversity of our society. They often rely on stereotypes and caricatures to portray minorities, which is not only inaccurate but also offensive.
The lack of authenticity in Arabic series' is not only a problem for those of us who live in the Arab world but also for those who are interested in learning about our society and culture. Arabic series have the potential to be a powerful tool for cultural exchange and understanding. However, if they do not accurately reflect our society, they will only perpetuate stereotypes and misconceptions.
So, what can be done to address this issue? The first step is to encourage and support directors who are committed to creating authentic Arabic series. Many talented directors in the Arab world are passionate about telling stories that reflect the reality of our society. They need to be given the resources and support to create their work.
One way to support these directors is through funding. Many countries in the Arab world have established funds to support the arts, including film and television. These funds should prioritize supporting directors who are committed to creating authentic Arabic series.
Another way to support authentic Arabic series is through education. Many film schools in the Arab world do not provide their students with the necessary training to create authentic work. They often focus on technical skills rather than storytelling and cultural understanding. This needs to change. Film schools should prioritize teaching their students about the diversity of our society and the importance of creating authentic work.
Finally, audiences also have a role to play in supporting authentic Arabic series. We need to demand better from our television networks and streaming services. We need to support directors who are creating authentic work and boycott those who continue to perpetuate stereotypes and misconceptions.
In conclusion, the urgent need for authentic Arabic series cannot be overstated. We need to support directors who are committed to creating work that reflects the reality of our society. We need to provide them with the resources and education they need to create their work. And we need to demand better from our television networks and streaming services. Only then can we create a true reflection of our society and culture for the world to see.
