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| Israel-Palestine |
| Many in Islamic World Angered by Public Displays of Yassin’s Blasted Head in Arab Media |
| 2004-04-01 |
| In this article, we wish to focus on an issue that has angered many throughout the Islamic world regarding the Arab media coverage of Yassin’s assassination. There are many angles to the international media coverage of this tragedy, but we wish to shed light particularly on the Arab media’s portrayal of the killing of Yassin. .... Following the assassination, pictures of Yassin’s broken wheelchair smothered with blood were shown all over the world. .... However, and quite paradoxically, some Arab written media outlets chose to share with their readers yet another image of the recent killing. To the amazement of many, what was not explicitly shown on Western media channels – was shown openly in various Arab newspapers. .... Words cannot explain the horrific feeling one gets when observing these pictures. The brains of a dignified leader are shown poured out of his skull, and one can sense nothing else but shame and grief when observing them. .... When publishing those photos, the editors didn’t have Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and his relatives in mind – and that is what makes a difference and is so annoying. The lack of respect in this case adds yet an entire new dimension to the tragedy. .... So if Islam and its followers regard "respect" as such an important and essential part of life as well as death – why did Arab editors ignore this value when they approved (and perhaps encouraged?) the publication of Yassin’s horrific dead body? ... Maybe Arab media decision-makers should also stand up and make a statement against the portrayal of such pictures? It should be noted that the publication of Yassin’s corpse triggered a chorus of outrage not only across the Arab world but also on the international front. .... Moreover, Arab newspapers serve as a mirror of Arab society, reflecting the essence of its culture and beliefs. Therefore, when deciding what to depict in various Arab media outlets, planners and decision-makers should remember that the images and the manner in which they are represented is how the West and the international community as a whole view and perceive the Arab world. |
| Posted by:Mike Sylwester |