The first book to explore how Arab pop culture has succeeded in helping forge a pan-Arab identity, where Arab nationalism has failed.
Pop Culture Arab World! is the first volume to explore the full scope of Arab cultural life since World War II. The book reveals a homogeneous yet richly diverse culture across the Arab nations.
In-depth chapters feature radio/TV (particularly the satellite revolution, which has fostered a shared Arab identity), the press (vibrant and controversial), cinema (once thriving, now in crisis), music (the beating heart of modern Arabness), theater (a largely assimilated Western import), popular religion, belly dance (originating in the Arab world), Western consumerism, sport, and the Arabic language (for Muslims, the tongue of God's final revelation). At a time when almost all we see of the Middle East is violence, oppressive nationalism, dangerous zealotry, and despair, this book is a vivid reminder of the humanity of the region's diverse people.
Introductory essay exploring the evolution of Arab nationalism as a political ideology and its transformation into popular culturePhotographs of singers, actors, and other performers
- ISBN10 6610710864
- ISBN13 9786610710867
- Publish Date 15 December 2004
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 22 June 2011
- Publish Country US
- Imprint ABC-CLIO
- Format eBook
- Pages 376
- Language English