Author: Brett Fujioka
I remember scoffing at Saudi Arabia when it declared a fatwa (Islamic ruling) against Pokémon under the delusion that it was a part of a Jewish-Zionist conspiracy. With the approach of the debut of an Arabic MTV, it seems like the Islamic world may have something worth getting mad about (aside from a certain superpower’s presence in its region). Globalization isn’t a new imposition in the Middle East. I’m already well aware that there are Starbucks, McDonalds and other commercial chains present in the Arab world. My problem with MTV expanding itself within an already tense region is that this program represents some of the more decadent aspects of the Western world.
The programming itself not only serves as a challenge, but a liability on MTV’s part. They’re attempting to translate television shows that are incompatible with the Islamic world. For one thing, Islam scorns the materialistic opulence that MTV encourages throughout most of their international networking. “Trick it Out,” an Arabic counterpart to “Pimp My Ride” will definitely will lock horns with Islamic values. I’m also certain that Andy Dick’s “The Assistant” isn’t going to positively strengthen Arab views towards America.
MTV Arabia will inevitably bring about a clash concerning certain gender issues. Exposing women in Arabia to television programs like “My Super Sweet 16” and “Prom Queen” will do one of two things. On the one hand, it’ll bring into light how relatively spoiled American children are. The girls on “Sweet 16” complain about the most minor imperfections on their birthdays. Seeing this could make Arabs appreciate their own culture, but at the same time it could further dampen America’s reputation.
MTV executives have assured news sources that they will remain sensitive to the Middle Eastern culture, something I believe is impossible. As many people are aware, the Middle East is a conservative region, especially when it concerns the attire of its women. MTV is incapable of being courteous in this respect, because it wouldn’t be MTV if the television screen weren’t replete with scantily clad women.
As predicted, only one-third of its programming will actually consist of music. They aren’t even trying to return to their musical roots of the ’80s. Instead, they’re starting from the same agonizing position they assumed during the new millennium, a time in which reality shows have supplanted music. Their spokesmen persist that their primary goal is to debut underground hip-hop artists within the region. How are they supposed to do that if their music takes up only one-third of the broadcasting time? This same figure will likely dwindle if their ratings grow like they did in America. They haven’t even mentioned how much American music will overlap its Arabic counterpart.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m completely neutral concerning globalization. I scoff at people who whine about how Levis Jeans and BAPE have replaced the traditional garb of other countries. Despite the changes that modernization brings about, some remnant or trace of a culture will persist. What I am against is bringing about a controversial flagship to a region that hasn’t fully been modernized yet. Bringing MTV to the Middle East is like bringing pork to a Jewish potluck. People are going to be offended and uncomfortable at best, and it’s small wonder if a violent reaction doesn’t occur.
Brett Fujioka is a junior ECLS major. He can be reached at bfujioka@oxy.edu.
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