Youssef highlights the stereotypical portrayal of Arabs and emphasises the will for a strategic method in addressing Western audiences
The twenty second Arab Media Discussion board (AMF) nowadays hosted a consultation that includes media character Dr. Bassem Youssef titled The Arab International During the Western Media Lens.
The consultation used to be attended via Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Helper to His Highness the UAE President; His Excellency Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of Situation for Synthetic Wisdom, Virtual Economic system, and Far off Paintings Packages; and Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, and President of the Dubai Press Membership (DPC).
Youssef, a vital determine in reshaping the Arab narrative in western media, stated: “The Western media have stereotyped us, the Arabs. This is partly because of how we talk about our causes. We are emotional people and they often provoke us, especially in one-on-one dialogues. They start talking about Israel and provoke us by talking about hostages, trying to drag us into emotional responses. They don’t dwell on Palestinian hostages.”
The twenty second AMF used to be held below the umbrella of the Arab Media Peak, which additionally encompassed the Arab Early life Media Discussion board, the Arab Media Award, and the Arab Social Media Influencers Award.
Talking to Jessica Azar of MTV, Youssef stated comedy performs a an important position in converting those narratives. Youssef used to be known as ‘Egypt’s Jon Stewart’ for the usage of satire as a weapon to name out the hypocrisy he noticed within the Egyptian govt all over the revolution. Extreme occasion, he drew global media consideration upcoming an interview on ‘Piers Morgan Uncensored’, the place he spoke concerning the Palestinian factor. “Now, some people associate me with unrest. I laugh it off,” he says.
Elaborating on his viral dialog with Piers Morgan, he stressed out that he doesn’t intend to repeatedly have interaction in dim comedy. “I used the platform to voice my opinion. Who cares about Piers Morgan and his views? He’s a devil’s advocate. He loves to trend and be in the public eye. His opinions don’t matter to me,” Youssef mentioned to raucous thank you.
In spite of his important have an effect on and outspoken nature, Youssef stated he isn’t a political analyst. “I see something, and I voice my opinion, that’s it. The irony is, if I speak, I’m accused of taking advantage of the situation. If I stay silent, I’m accused of not speaking. Social media is like quicksand, it pulls you in either way.”
He critiqued the Western media’s double requirements, bringing up their protection of various international conflicts. “For instance, their media talks of a ‘bloodbath’ in Ukraine when seven people died, but they haven’t used such language for Palestine, where thousands are dying. Human rights is seen differently by Western media. We need to hold a mirror to them, exposing their empty words.” Youssuf stated the Western media has “corrupted themselves for the next 100 years”, via their hypocrisy and rarity of isolated communicate.
In the meantime, Youssef additionally said that his outspoken perspectives have price him alternatives, together with a task in a ‘Superman’ film. “There are many things I don’t dwell on. The fact is I’m a Hollywood star, and I’m famous. That’s enough,” he stated.
Adapting to the shortened consideration spans of recent audiences, Youssef has now shifted his conversation technique. “No one has the time and patience to listen to an hour-long podcast. So, I create 1- or 2-minute clips of important portions of my interviews and broadcast them. I always back up my points with proof.”
Youssef reiterated that Arabs will have to keep away from emotional reactions when discussing their reasons. “Americans think and speak differently. We need to do the same—be assertive and speak to the point, without emotion. I am an American citizen, and I have chosen this land to raise my kids. I understand how their media and government operate. I won’t leave that place; I will stay and help change the perspective about the Arab world.”
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