I watched this documentary the other night and was both impressed by the research that the author/narrator Dr. Jack Shaheen had completed - and distressed by the images from Abu Ghraib. If you watch the film (link hereunder) be aware those will come up:
The site: http://www.reelbadarabs.com/
The film:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-223210418534585840
As I watched, I was led to consider the pursuit of cultural stereotype and where the line falls (if indeed there is a line) between this and out and out propaganda.
I watch a reasonable amount of documentaries and there have been times when I have experienced genuine surprise at an individual or group of people in a country acting in a certain way e.g. friendly, supportive and helpful, towards an adventurer or filmmaker. When I have that response I realise it's because I have come to expect something entirely different. What has influenced me? Media. And not just news services but interpretive news and film.
I don't know enough about the core and history of Hollywood - or the socio-political influences that may govern aspects of its financing - to know just how much the pursuit of cultural ism is a function of conscious choice (although life experience tells me it's probable). Or has part of this come about by simply following 'what has come before'?
I also wonder how many individual filmmakers would dare to be completely different IF they wanted their film to be part of mainstream. Would cutting across isms set within Hollywood - whether it be THIS topic or any other - naturally cast you in a problematic light. That people would take a step back and wonder about your 'subversive' agenda?
We've managed to move to gay cowboys - and celebrated that. People laud a new breath of life, reality and compassion. Where else might we travel - or be afraid to?
