Ser árabe en España

EL PAÍS

17 May 201805:08

Summary

TLDRThe transcript discusses the complex emotions experienced after a terrorist attack, including fear and anxiety about societal reactions. It touches on the challenges faced by individuals of Muslim and Arab descent, who often confront stereotypes and discrimination. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diversity within Arab and Muslim communities and the need to challenge misconceptions. They call for a change in media representation, advocating for a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of these communities to foster understanding and unity.

Takeaways

😔 The speaker feels a mix of horror and fear after terrorist attacks, worried about the reactions they will face at work the next day.
😣 They have experienced direct hostility, being told to 'go back to their country' after an attack, highlighting the personal impact of such incidents.
😓 There is a common joke among friends that they find hurtful, suggesting that they are not fully accepted despite being part of the community.
🤔 The speaker identifies as both Moroccan and Spanish, rejecting the idea of having to choose one identity over the other.
🏠 They believe that if you live in Spain and have residency, you should be able to enjoy full citizenship rights.
🌍 The speaker notes that Spain has not seen the same level of extreme right-wing politics as some other European countries, which are openly hostile to Muslims.
👶 The speaker feels that children born in Spain who identify with the country should not be constantly reminded that they are 'from outside'.
👳♀️ There are misconceptions about Arab women being submissive, which the speaker refutes by stating that Arab women are diverse and should not be stereotyped.
🧕 The speaker has faced rejection from their own community for not conforming to expected roles of a Muslim woman.
📺 The media is criticized for perpetuating stereotypes, with the speaker feeling discriminated against when they see how Arabs are portrayed in the news.
🌐 The speaker calls for a change in media representation, advocating for a more inclusive view of Muslim and Arab individuals as part of the cultural fabric of society.

Q & A

What is the speaker's initial reaction to an attack?
-The speaker experiences a double sentiment: horror that something terrible has happened and fear or panic about going to work the next day due to the comments they might hear.
What kind of discrimination does the speaker face after an attack?
-The speaker faces discrimination through comments like 'go back to your country' and being told they have caused harm, despite the fact that the attacks have caused more damage to their own countries and humanity.
How does the speaker feel about their identity?
-The speaker's identities accumulate and add up rather than subtracting from each other, so they do not solely identify as Moroccan or Spanish but as a combination of both.
What does the speaker think about citizenship in Spain?
-The speaker believes that if you are in Spain and have residency, you should be able to enjoy full citizenship.
How does the speaker perceive the political climate in Spain regarding extremism?
-The speaker feels that Spain has not seen the same level of extreme right-wing politics as in France or the Netherlands, where political parties are openly against Muslims.
What challenges do children of immigrants face according to the speaker?
-Children born in Spain who identify with the country face challenges when they are constantly told they are from outside and do not belong, leading to discomfort in Western society.
What are the stereotypes the speaker addresses about Arab women?
-The speaker addresses stereotypes that Arab women are submissive, covered head-to-toe, and blindly obedient to their husbands, which they refute by stating that Arab women are diverse and should not be generalized.
How does the speaker feel about the representation of Arab people in media?
-The speaker feels discriminated against when they see the media using terms like 'Islamic terrorism' and portraying terrorists as people of Moroccan or Muslim origin, which perpetuates stereotypes.
What does the speaker suggest to improve the perception of Muslims and Arabs in society?
-The speaker suggests that society should not exclude someone based on their skin color or appearance and that the media should change its terminology and representation of terrorists and Muslims.
What does the speaker mean when they say 'the 2 or 3% that separates us'?
-The speaker is referring to the small differences that create divisions, suggesting that the majority (97%) of what unites people should be the focus rather than the minor differences.
Why does the speaker feel rejected by their own community?
-The speaker feels rejected by their own community because they do not conform to the expected roles of a Muslim woman in Spain, such as being seen as empowered rather than submissive.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Cultural Identity and Fear Post-Attack

The speaker discusses the complex emotions felt after a terrorist attack, including horror at the event and fear of the subsequent backlash. They recount an incident where a man told them to leave the country due to perceived harm caused by their community. The narrative emphasizes the importance of not remaining silent in the face of such comments and highlights the significant damage caused by terrorism to Islamic countries themselves. The speaker refuses to define themselves solely by their Moroccan or Spanish identity, advocating for a cumulative approach to identity that acknowledges multiple heritages.

🏙️ Experiences of Discrimination and Stereotypes

The speaker experiences discrimination and is asked about their origins, leading to a discussion about the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding Arab and Muslim women. They challenge the notion of Arab women as submissive, emphasizing individuality and the diversity within Arab culture. The speaker also addresses the broader issue of discrimination in Western society, noting that it often comes from within their own community rather than from Spanish society at large.

🌐 The Influence of Media and Political Climate

The speaker criticizes the media and political climate for perpetuating stereotypes and discrimination. They argue that the portrayal of Muslims and people of Arab origin in the media contributes to a hostile environment. The speaker calls for a change in terminology used by the media to avoid associating terrorism with Islam and suggests that the media should stop casting individuals of Moroccan or Muslim backgrounds as terrorists in TV shows and movies.

👥 Unity and the Power of Shared Identity

The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of unity and the shared aspects of identity that bring people together. They argue that the differences that separate people are minimal and that focusing on the 97% that unites us can help overcome discrimination and prejudice. The speaker calls for a collective effort to challenge and change the narrative surrounding Arab and Muslim identities.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Atentado

The term 'Atentado' translates to 'attack' or 'assault' in English. In the context of the video, it refers to a terrorist attack, which is a violent act intended to create fear and disrupt society. The script mentions a specific attack in Barcelona, indicating the impact such events have on individuals and communities, causing both horror and fear for the future.

💡Identidad

The concept of 'Identidad' or 'identity' is central to the video. It refers to the characteristics determining who someone is, including nationality, culture, and personal beliefs. The speaker discusses their mixed heritage, being from Libya and the Sahara, and how they choose not to define themselves by a single identity but rather embrace a combination of both.

💡Discriminación

Discriminación means 'discrimination' in English. The script highlights discrimination as a key issue faced by individuals of Arab or Muslim backgrounds, where they are often unfairly treated or excluded based on stereotypes and prejudices. The speaker feels discriminated against in the media and society, which is a central theme of the video.

💡Ciudadanía

Ciudadanía translates to 'citizenship'. The video discusses the idea that if someone is in Spain and has residency, they should be able to enjoy full citizenship rights. This concept is tied to the broader theme of belonging and acceptance in society.

💡Extrema Derecha

Extrema Derecha refers to the 'far-right' or 'extreme right' political ideology. The video mentions that Spain has not seen the same level of far-right political activity as some other countries, which often includes anti-Muslim sentiments. This term is used to contrast the level of discrimination and exclusion faced by Muslim individuals in different countries.

💡Stereotipos

Stereotipos means 'stereotypes' in English. The video addresses common stereotypes about Arab and Muslim people, such as being barbaric, homophobic, or submissive. The speaker challenges these stereotypes and emphasizes the diversity and individuality within the Arab and Muslim communities.

💡Ignorancia

Ignorancia translates to 'ignorance'. The script discusses how ignorance fuels stereotypes and discrimination. The speaker mentions questions that stem from ignorance, such as living in a tent and riding a camel, highlighting the need for education and awareness to combat these misconceptions.

💡Inclusión

Inclusión means 'inclusion'. The video advocates for a more inclusive society where individuals are not judged or excluded based on their background or appearance. The speaker argues for a focus on the 97% that unites people, rather than the 2-3% that divides them.

💡Medios de Comunicación

Medios de Comunicación refers to 'media'. The video criticizes the media for perpetuating stereotypes and discrimination by using terms like 'Islamic terrorism' and casting people of Arab or Muslim backgrounds in terrorist roles in TV shows and movies. The speaker calls for a change in media representation to promote inclusivity and understanding.

💡Empoderamiento

Empoderamiento translates to 'empowerment'. The video discusses the importance of empowerment for women, particularly Muslim women, who are often seen as submissive. The speaker challenges this stereotype by presenting themselves as an empowered individual, defying traditional roles and expectations.

💡Comunidad

Comunidad means 'community'. The script mentions the community's role in reinforcing stereotypes and expectations, particularly regarding the role of Muslim women. The speaker discusses feeling rejected by their own community for not conforming to traditional Muslim female roles, which is a significant theme in the video.

Highlights

Personal experience of fear and panic after an attack.

The double-sided feeling of horror and fear of reactions at work.

Fear of hearing comments after an attack.

Experience of being told to leave the country after an attack.

The common joke among friends about the harm done by others.

The importance of not staying silent but standing up against hate.

The impact of terrorism on humanity and Islamic countries.

The complexity of identity and not identifying as solely Moroccan or Spanish.

The belief that one should enjoy full citizenship if residing in a country.

Lack of extreme right-wing political sphere visibility in Spain compared to France or Holland.

The feeling of not being accepted and the constant reminder of being 'from outside'.

The material culture of Arab society is much more than what is imagined.

The stereotype of the submissive Arab woman and the misconceptions around it.

The uniqueness of every individual regardless of their Arab or non-Arab origin.

The ignorance behind stereotypes such as '野蛮人', '强奸犯', '恐同者', and '无知的女人'.

The societal rejection experienced, often from one's own community.

The shock of seeing an empowered Muslim woman in Spain.

The use of derogatory terms for people from North Africa.

The feeling of discrimination when watching news and seeing terminology used.

The exclusion experienced by children due to their appearance or skin color.

The need for media to change the narrative around terrorism and not associate it with Islam.

The importance of not casting people of Moroccan or Muslim origin as terrorists in TV shows and movies.

The belief that the majority of what unites us is much more significant than what separates us.