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The messages reflect the posters views and values and also
their backgrounds. As previously discussed, forum participants come
from different countries and origins, propitiating a multicultural
dialogue. According to Prabhu (2001), “multiculticuturalism
implies a fundamentally democratic spirit, the ability and willingness
to engage with others in dialogue to find common ground. This by
no means precludes criticism.” (p.32)
The messages regarding poster’s views of the portrayal of
Morocco and Muslim culture by the telenovela gives space to the
exchange of different opinions and criticisms. While the poster
makes sure that her status as a fan is clear, “don’t
get me wrong, I love the novela’, this position does not deter
her criticism of the novela’s portrayal of Morocco and Muslim
culture that might be misunderstood by some people. Continuing the
dialogue, another poster expresses her notion of oppression: “It
has been my observation that, in most cultures, wealthy women are
free women. The farther away you get from wealth and/or cities,
the greater the chance you have of seeing suppression in countries
around the world.” The discussion’s ability to generate
involvement in the form of message participation is also demonstrated
when one of the posters indicated: “Wow you guys I wasn't
going to participate in this discussion just read all your comments
but after finishing I have to say that I see all of you have really
good points.” Even thought the poster does not intend to actively
participate in the discussion, the debate is able to stimulate an
active response.
The messages analyze for this research present many observations
and questions associated with the novela cultural thematic. Polygamy,
virginity, Muslim’s wedding night, woman’s rights, honor
killings, these are all themes covered by the novela and present
in the messages. Also present are topics such as belly dancing,
woman’s make up and clothes, headscarf, and jewelry. Some
posts that reflect cognitive interaction are exemplified as follow:
Thank you V
I really enjoy knowing, learning and appreciating other cultures.
I started to listen to Arabic Music back in early 90's, because
of a friend. Thanks to this novela and forum and I've been able
to re-introduce myself to this beautiful and enchanting music. Now
my collection includes......Amr Diab, Tarkan, Natasha Attlas, Tony
Mouzayek........................ and I'm still listening..................
Re: hahahahahha t/n
What people are failing to realize about the veil thing, is that
in their world there is no other option, a woman who throws down
her veil is a disgrace, b/c in their customs a veil is a beautiful
thing, a thing to be admired. The way some people are jsut saying,
she should say no is not realistic.
This is just an illustration of the many subjects touched by the
sample messages that are analyzed and categorized as reflecting
cognitive parasocial interaction.
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