In the last few months, several videos or documentaries shown in North America about the Lebanese have misrepresented them and their culture.
For instance, Oprah’s recent video on Nancy Ajram referred to Lebanon as being ‘deeply conservative’ and contrasted this conservatism with Nancy’s Ajram’s dance moves and an image of a mosque. This video did not include any images of Lebanon’s churches or synagogues or highlight the fact that there are about seventeen different religious sects in Lebanon. This video did not illustrate the fact that most Lebanese women dress very freely or that one of the world’s most famous designers, Elie Saab, is Lebanese and designs some of the dresses that American celebrities, such as Halle Berry or Angelina Jolie, wear at Oscar ceremonies. This video does not mention that Nancy Ajram is only one of many Lebanese artists and that her work is welcomed by the Lebanese public. This video does not represent Lebanon in a holistic way nor does it represent the Lebanese in a way that truly reflects their reality, identity and culture.
Yes, the Lebanese have had their share of conflicts, setbacks and problems but their country is also the place in which the world’s first alphabet was created. Oprah’s video fails to show Lebanon’s vibrant nightlife, colorful festivals, energetic beach parties, rich wine-tasting cellars or evocative history. Her video also fails to include the fact that Lebanon hosted 6th Francophone games this year.
Bakalava Blues, a supposed documentary on the Lebanese, shown on RDI and produced by Piemiento Productions, also misrepresented Lebanese. It misrepresented both the Lebanese living in Lebanon and the Lebanese Canadians who have immigrated to Canada, become Canadian and made Canada their home. This has caused many Lebanese to wonder whether or not there is a political agenda behind these misrepresentations and cultural presuppositions.
