Tarek Fahmy: Cultural Critic

In my thesis project I am dealing with stereotypes and one way to change them. Since I am an Egyptian-American the stereotypes that I want to change are directed towards Arabs in the USA. Generally, these stereotypes are all negative.

Many of these stereotypes are perpetuated by the media specifically Hollywood. Since “Hollywood and Washington spring from the same DNA”, Jack Velenti, these stereotypes are also evident in Washington’s arsenal.

One way to change these stereotypes and humanize Arabs in the western world is to have a lobby in Hollywood via an Arab owned production company.

(DIC), a state owned Dubai International Capital just bought a ’significant’ share of Sony. As you may or may not know, Sony bought the Hollywood giant Colombia Pictures in 1989. In effect, DIC bought a stake in Colombia pictures as well.

I want to design the identity of the ‘new’, Arab owned Colombia pictures. Further, I want to develop a medium sized subsidiary of Colombia pictures that specializes in the production of Arab American films/documentaries, and the like.

Article Title: Dubai takes ’significant’ stake in Sony
LINK

State-owned Dubai International Capital makes investment in Japanese conglomerate.
“Hollywood and Washington spring from the same DNA.” Movie mogul Jack Valenti

After reading “Reel Bad Arabs”, Jack Shaheen, and watching the one hour documentary, I was thinking that it would be a kewl thesis topic to invent a fictitious Arab owned company that buys a Hollywood production studio and establishes a much needed Arabic lobby in Hollywood. Over time, that Arabic Hollywood voice would start to seep into western culture and politics in general, slowly changing the misleading ‘orientalist’ view of Arabs and painting a more humanistic picture of the peoples.

(DIC), a state owned Dubai International Capital just bought a ’significant’ share of Sony. As you may or may not know, Sony bought the Hollywood giant Colombia Pictures in 1989. In effect, DIC bought a stake in Colombia pictures as well. Will this be the start of eradicating the vilification of Arabs in Hollywood and culture in general or is it purely a financial endeavor on DIC’’s part?

Article Title: Abu Dhabi purchases iconic New York skyscraper
LINK

Investment council takes 90% stake in landmark tower, the Chrysler Building.

:::::::OLD NEWS::::::::

• The Abu Dhabi Investment Council pays $800 million for a 90% share of the Chrysler building.

:::::::DUBAI’S PURCHASING POWER:::::::

• Investment fund Meraas Capital of Dubai paid $2.8 billion last month for the General Motors Building on Fifth Avenue.

• Dubai International Capital, said it has made a “substantial investment” in Sony.

• Dubai International Capital agrees to buy a $1.26 billion stake in Och-Ziff Capital Management Group.

• Dubai has announced the purchase of the British ocean liner RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 from Cunard Line for US$100 million, for conversion into a luxury floating hotel.

• Dubai Aerospace Enterprise announced a firm order Tuesday to buy 100 Airbus planes worth $12.6 billion for its leasing operations.

“There’s nothing subtle about Dubai. Its crowded, smoggy skyline is part Miami, part Las Vegas, and all new.”

Article Title: Dubai detains 79 for indecent behavior on beaches
LINK

The government in Dubai seems a bit ambiguous regarding it’s laws and rules towards foreigners.

For a middle eastern city it’s a quite progressive and open society, since about 70% of it’s residence are foreigners

Alcohol is readily available in its Hotel bars and being topless on one of it’s beaches ‘was’ a common occurrence.

Recently, there has been a crack down on what the authorities call ‘lewd behavior’, especially on it’s beaches. This includes topless sunbathing, nudity, and indecent behavior.

This crackdown has been triggered by 2 Britons caught having sex on the beach.

In my opinion, Dubai has to balance the fact that it wants to appear modern and progressive and at the same time not to completely ignore it’s muslim traditions.

Article Title: Dubai property market strong, but faces challenges
LINK

New York (MarketWatch) — The booming Dubai’s property market will remain strong this year, but supply could overtake demand as soon as next year unless moderated by project delays and market management, said Fitch Ratings in a report published Wednesday.

Interesting point in the article:

Dubai’s population = 1.6 million people…
Shanghai’s population = 18.45 million, this year…
Moscow’s population = 10.4 million…

DUBAI has as much commercial property under construction as
Moscow and Shanghai.