We have looked at the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict with the purpose of analyzing how the culture has affected and been affected by the conflict.
We stopped at the beginning of the Lebanese Civil War. You can get more historical background by watching the rest of The 50 Year War in two parts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSAD9pS8NIw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtLorIXCcz4
Your assignment is to watch West Beirut, a feature file about changes in Lebanese culture during the civil war and write an ANALYSIS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCB7k34uxhw
Your analysis should focus on only one theme or technique. Please, do not summarize the story and do not add personal reactions.
For example, you can address one of the following questions:
– The movie tells the story of Tarek and Omar’s quest to develop a movie. Halfway through the movie, they completely forget about it and let go of their quest. How did they change? What cultural changes affected their personal development?
– What are the triggers of humor in the movie? What is the function of humor (the refugee lady that screams at the rooster, the Umm Walid adventure, etc.)?
– How has Arab identity changed through the movie? Think about the French teacher and the French Lebanese national anthem as well as Tarek’s conversation with his father about being Phoenicians.
– Discuss religious tolerance/intolerance and the change from a westernized secular society to the rise of conservative religious values.
– How has the conflict affected women’s role in society?
You are free to choose the theme of your paper. Your paper should be 2-3 pages (double space; one inch margins).
