Salim Tamari's Video Conference

I found the articles by Salim Tamari to be interesting because he focused on more than just the war and violent history of the city, but more on the social consequences and affects.  I thought he was very humble and charming on video.  I got real laugh out of our video conference with him.  However, there are a few disagreements I had with him.  

First, I felt he was too bias on the Palestinian cause.  There is a fine line between fair criticism and pure bias.  I thought he crossed the line.  Also, I felt he neglected the political realities of the American political machine.  There will always be corruption and special interest influence on Washington.  To simply say that paying taxes is indirectly funding Israel is being ignorant.  

Regardless, I enjoyed the video conference with Mr. Tamari but I think he should take a step back and see the broader picture, if I may say that. 

Rick Herrmann's Discussion

I really enjoyed Rick Herrmann's discussion on Jerusalem and current affairs in Israel.  I genuinely thought that he portrayed both sides fairly and with minimal bias.  Honestly, I tend to be skeptical of political scientists but I felt that Mr. Herrmann really knew his facts and information. 

Final Project

For my final project, I would like to analyze various films that encompass some aspect of Jerusalem, which we have discussed in class of course. I am interested to see how Jerusalem is portrayed and the level of bias towards either or neither side.

I intend to cut out certain clips and shots from the film to reinforce my findings.

Films to analyze:
• Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
• O Jerusalem (2006)
• Paradise Now (2005)

Response to the Film

I thought the film was interesting and sometimes unintentionally funny. But it wasn't until the end that I figured out who was who and whether they were Arab or Jewish --> I don't speak Arabic or Hebrew --> whoops.

I thought some of the lyrics were pretty excellent, but I was surprised that the language of choice was either Hebrew or English--and not so much Arabic.

Honestly though, the male rapper egos were a little over the top. I mean come on--really?! And it seemed like they wanted to imitate the American rap scene too much (idols, clothes, EGOS). Where is the Arab identity? Where is the Jewish identity? Are the lyrics of the songs the only original element?

P.S. - I need to borrow this film for my final project.

Music

INDIE MUSIC!!! --> win.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull&cid=1231167313892

http://www.jewishjournal.com/arts/article/missflag_shuns_politics_for_love_in_israels_indie_rock_scene_20061123/

Israeli indie rock bands:
Elephant Parade
Panic Ensemble
I Got The Hotties
Roy Rieck
Idan Rabinovici
geishNo
Yontam ben Horin
TV Buddhas
Kitzus
missFlag
The Pit That Became A Tower