As cited by Zaatari (2014), patriarchy is ‘the system of male dominance’ (Mumford, 1995). This system is inclusive of social, political, and cultural aspects. The media in the Arab world has played a role in supporting such patriarchal systems, constantly under or misrepresenting women in news stories and other media content.
I can clearly remember bonding with my family in front of the TV over “Bab El-Hara” after Iftar. The Syrian show has succeeded to bring many people, like my family, together; reminding them of simpler, happier times. However, as much nostalgia one feels looking back, there is no denying that that the show conveyed a first-hand patriarchal system.
“The show reflects a time where women have almost no access to the public space-except through a male chaperone, have no decision-making power in family affairs-including their marriage and divorce, and are expected to accept their husbands’, fathers’, brothers’, and sons’ wishes and anger.”
Zaatari, 2014
Other than TV shows similar to Bab El-Hara, different media platforms did a great job in reinforcing ideas of patriarchy, femininity, and masculinity. For example, studies have shown that Palestinian women’s active role in resisting occupation has been highly underrepresented in the media, and the numbers are there to prove it (TAM, 2017). Both men and women of Palestine have unarguably struggled with the Israeli occupation, but it seems as though the way women’s suffering is portrayed in the media is somewhat marginalized.
“They are being presented as weak and victims; being symbolized only by their tender and humane traits rather than focusing on their skills, capacities, knowledge and experiences.”
TAM, 2017
Reference List
Zaatari, Z. (2014). Desirable Masculinity/Femininity and Nostalgia of the “Anti-Modern”: Bab el-Hara Television Series as a Site of Production. Sexuality & Culture, 19(1), 16–36. doi: 10.1007/s12119-014-9242-5
Media Monitoring of Palestinian women’s image and representation in
news related to peace and security. (2017). Women Media and Development (TAM). Bethlehem, West Bank – Palestine.
Mira's Trail of Thoughts 