Our World Isn’t Twisted Enough

By Sally Bishai

I was halfway finished with an article decrying the discrimination against and persecution of certain races, but then an unbelievable series of events led me to a Yahoo! Movie Page dedicated to the horror genre.

Having read the synopses, and having taken in more ads advertising “The Year’s Scariest Flick!” and proclaiming that “You’ll Never Be Able to Turn The Lights Out Again!” than I could comfortably stomach so early in the morning, I decided to switch gears, in hopes of addressing the sick cinematographic appetites that are fuelling this 178 BILLION dollar industry. (And, the other article was taking too long to finish.)

I know that I’m (in)famous for going on about how I hate “the industry,” how TV is from the devil, and all sorts of semi-radical views of that nature.

You can’t really blame me, however, since the television and movie industry 1- use sex to sell everything from wall paint to rice, 2- is one of the most powerful tools of wide-range culture-transmission that we have available to us, 3- invariably depicts immorality, drug use, violence, disrespect to elders, and other actions that today’s youth don’t need to be imbibing—24/7, it seems—during their formative years.

After all, the more often one sees something, the more desensitized said person is to said behavior, leading to a much higher probability of said person’s adopting said behavior.

Scary, hmm?

I know what you’re thinking.

“Sally, wasn’t it YOU who was preaching tolerance a few weeks ago? Wasn’t it YOU who said we should hate the sin and love the sinner?”

You’re right, dear reader, I did.

BUT.

No one said anything about a methodical system of creating people who have an ever-increasing appetite for violence and mayhem!

(And before I go on, let me tell you why I’m focusing on scary films rather than on immoral films. It’s because sex is something that, within the proper situation, isn’t wrong, and can’t harm you. The addiction to it might, but sex itself won’t; besides, we’re wired for it. On the other hand, there is no context in which violence and torture could be considered “right,” and I defy anyone to tell me a situation where it is.)

“What dost thou mean, O Sally, dear Gadfly of this day and age? WHAT could be wrong with watching the occasional scary movie?”

Merely this: it’s not GOING to be the occasional one. The nature of the macabre, like a Lays potato chip, prevents you from HAVING just one. Humans are born with an innate fascination for all things morbid, and if you don’t believe me, try driving past an accident on the highway… without wondering just what happened.

I know, I know, people are innately curious, which doesn’t always translate to “morbid fascination.” But it’s a rare person who really doesn’t want to know about a tragedy or horrific thing.

If I told you that I saw the scariest movie of all time, you KNOW you’d ask what it was, and what made it so scary.

Your poor little mind wouldn’t let go of the thought, and you’d stay up all night, wondering.

You’d think “Nothing could be THAT shocking, though. I am past the point of being shocked!”

You might then watch the film, to see if it lived up to the hype.

You’d be so intent on proving yourself right that you may not be as horrified as the situation calls for.

And then…your tolerance for the truly horrible would get that much higher.

There, in a nutshell, is the development of the reprobate mind. So the whole “building a tolerance” thing is my first issue with horror films.

My next issue includes the fact that the pandering to this morbidity in us reminds me of the time when Romans would turn out, en masse, to watch the people (some of them Christians, others just garden-variety innocents or criminals) get eaten by lions, or turned on a wheel that would break their bones.

After a building of tolerance comes an actual appetite for something, you see. Serial killers over the years have confirmed this, admitting that when their perverse tastes couldn’t be quenched by films, they had to go create their own horror just to feel normal.

My most powerful argument, however, and the one that should appeal to a rational being (or a liberal, even) where the past two arguments may smack of the religious—meaning that some people might see nothing wrong with going around killing people, or torturing them—is the state of the world.

When suicide bombers kill themselves in an attempt to kill others, when prisoners of war (formal or informal) are tortured for information, or for the mere crime of belonging to the “wrong” side…does this sound like a world that needs even one more violent act—whether real or staged?

If you want to watch something gruesome, you may as well watch real videos of real people being tortured.

Actually, don’t. It would just serve the same purpose as watching the staged version of the same thing in some horror movie.

This makes me wonder: Are horror movies worse, or “snuff films,” their real-life counterparts?

On one hand, the horror movie is just a movie, and no one should have gotten hurt making the film, although the attempt to slake the thirst for violence is still there.

On the other hand, most people watching “Faces of Death” know that they’re watching the real thing, which makes them even worse. Or does it?

In a related matter, I happen to think it’s equally horrid to find humor in people’s misfortune, like in Home Alone, when the bumbling thieves—who, by all accounts, deserve to have some sort of come-uppance for their misdeeds—keep having all sorts of “accidents” precipitated by a naughty 11-year-old.

Hokey, perhaps. On par with snuff films, though? You’d better believe it.

From reality shows to real life, any time we derive any sort of entertainment from the misfortune—macabre or not—of others, we’re violating some moral code or other.

The sad thing—in any case—is that people give in to these macabre desires because it gives them a little jolt.

It makes the hair stand up on their necks.

What they don’t realize, however, is that they’re doing a wild dance with death, trying to get as close as they can to the edge, flirting with it a little, maybe, in an attempt to make themselves feel more alive.

The answer isn’t in pricking ourselves with the needle of Norman Bates or Freddy Krueger, though.

The ANSWER lies in waking up from our spiritual deadness and really CARING about something, and not just anything!

The spirit can only awaken—and fully develop—in the heavenly glow given off by our Heavenly Father.

May the light of the sun—and the Son—envelop you this day, my friend, and grant you the peace that passes all understanding!

Paradise Now!

This indie film, set in Palestine, will be out on DVD in March. Sounds like a great pick for Movie Night! Have a look at the Yahoo! page about it, or read on for the description from their page…

Two young Palestinian men embark upon what may be the last 48 hours of their lives.

On a typical day in the West Bank city of Nablus, where daily life grinds on amidst crushing poverty and the occasional rocket blast, we meet two childhood best friends, Saïd and Khaled, who pass time drinking tea, smoking a hookah, and working dead-end menial jobs as auto mechanics.

Saïd’s day takes a turn for the better when a beautiful young woman named Suha brings her car in for repairs. From their spirited interaction, it is apparent that there is a budding romance growing between them.

Saïd is approached by middle-aged Jamal, a point man for an unnamed Palestinian organization, who informs Saïd that he and Khaled have been chosen to carry out a strike in Tel Aviv. They have been chosen for this mission as a team, because each had expressed a wish that if either is to die a martyr, the other would want to die alongside his best friend.

Saïd and Khaled have been preparing for this moment for most of their lives. They spend a last night at home– although they must keep their impending mission secret even from their families.

During the night Saïd sneaks off to see Suha one last time. Suha’s moderate views, having been educated in Europe, and Saïd’s burgeoning conflicted conscience cause him to stop short of explaining why he has come to say good-bye.

The following day, Saïd and Khaled are lead to a hole in the fence that surrounds Nablus, where they are to meet a driver who will take them to Tel Aviv. But here the plan goes wrong, and Saïd and Khaled are separated…

National Islamofascism Day (Otherwise Known As “Now I’ve Seen It All.”)

Ok, so it’s actually “National Rally Against Islamofascism Day,”(R.A.I.D.) to be held on Wednesday, February 1st 2006. (You have to admit that “National Islamofascism Day” had a nicer ring to it..)

At any rate, the United American Committee claims to have organised 15 (count ‘em) rallies across America. The ‘rallies’ are apparently because of the growing—wait. I think you might get more out of their own promotional material. Hold on a sec, I’ll go get it..

Ok, I’m back. Here it is..

“Why “Islamofascism?”

Fascism in definition is (from Webster’s dictionary) is “A political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition”

The Islamic extremists wish for Islam to be an all encompassing lifestyle and government law, it fits quite well with Webster’s definition of fascism, and is therefore…Islamofascism, a growing threat against democracy and the American way of life.

Before I go any further, I should make a few things clear, seeing how I’m an “Arab” (actually, I’m Coptic, which is nowhere near Arab, although I do speak Arabic and am an Egyptian) and our good friends over at UAC might think I have terrorist ties, which is ridiculous, since I’m something of a hermit, really. (Stay on task, Sally! You can do it!)

1- I am not one of these people who runs about with flailing arms, fearful of Arabs, Muslims, and/or terrorists (of any religion, actually. Remember the IRA?).

2- Furthermore, I am not one of those people who thinks that ALL Muslims belong to sleeper cells, plotting to do away with one skyscraper or another.

3- I DO NOT BLAME Americans, Westerners, New Yorkers, or any other blanket population, for fearing a segment of the population that they may not have too much experience with. Or a segment that, unfortunately, they’ve only had one or two very bad experiences with.

4- My future points (in this posting, anyway) are in reference to certain points in the UAC’s 10-point mission statement. (I’ll include them here so you can get what in blazes I’m even talking about.)

5- There is a huge debate (for those of you who don’t know) about whether people like Mohammed Atta and his crew are actually following Islam to the letter, or if they’re just foisting off their own bloodthirstiness on a religion that is sometimes misinterpreted. (For those of you who are nodding off, what I mean is that some people claim that Osama ibn Laden and other terrorists are the TRUE Muslims, whereas others think that Uncle Osama is twisted, and has naught to do with Islam.)
I think I’ll make a note to write an article about that later on, but for now….

“UNITED AMERICAN COMMITTEE: PLATFORM”

1. Our goal is the unity of all Americans, against the threats of Islamic extremism which face our nation and a goal of ensuring a secure future for America. We will accomplish our goals set forth through the following actions: Educate our society on the natures of our enemies. Inform the American people on issues which must be resolved. Influence and encourage the actions of the President and Congress to accomplish our goals.

(What about Christian and Jewish extremism? Won’t the UAC protect us from that? And this “unity” of theirs.. does it include Muslims? Wait, I’d better hold off on saying anything til I’ve read past issue #1..)

2. Our goal is that freedom for all religious faiths continues, insofar as they do not endanger the American people, or the existence of democracy.

(That sounds great, but what if a religion teaches and preaches that women have less rights than men? Or can be beaten? Or can’t be a priest? Doesn’t democracy sort of–through about 16 Levels of Kevin Bacon–protect Women’s Rights? How does that–Wait, I’ll just keep reading. This is me, by the way. Just in case you thought I was some gremlin in the UAC charter, or something..)

3. Our goal is the education of the American people regarding the philosophies and activities of our enemies which are operating from within the United States borders.

(What if they’re operating outside of our borders? If “we” can invade Iraq to “help out” then we can certainly invade other countries in the interest of protecting ourselves, right? And it never hurts if billions of gallons of oil come to us via our “helping out,” right?)

Therefore any terrorist activities found to be operating within our borders should be brought to the attention of the American people.

(They should?)

The citizens must be informed at all times. Any threat to the American people and to American democracy shall be dealt with immediately.

(By the UAC?)

Furthermore, it is the duty of every American to report to authorities any activities observed which may inflict harm upon the American people.

4. We encourage the judicial system of the United States to enact the following in regards to terrorist activities: Terrorist activities by those who wish to inflict injury of the common welfare of the United States and the American populace, who are captured while in the process of committing a terrorist attack as defined by the patriot act,

(Wait a second, hold up. The PATRIOT ACT, which congress didn’t even read before signing on the dotted line, CAN NOT be the provider of any official definition! This is almost as bad as the guy in one of my classes who said, and I’m quoting, “Terrorism isn’t terrorism unless it’s committed on American soil.” Stop defending him! He actually said that the IRA is NOT a terrorist organisation because, even though it is responsible for many deaths, and even though the actions are explained away as “fighting for religious freedom,” this lad thinks that, Hey, since it’s happening in a place other than the U.S., it ain’t terrorism. I’ll stop here…)

shall not be allowed to continue spreading his/her ideology in any matter, but shall be dealt with by capital punishment,

(Meaning what, UAC? Are you gonna track down the terrorists and spank them or something? Oh, wait, that’s “Corporal” punishment. Sorry. Getting carried away here.)

regardless of creed or race. For their accomplices, no parole shall ever be granted to those who have plotted or assisted in the plot against the common welfare of America and the American people.

(Don’t they mean “For those who have been found guilty of” or “Those who have had a trial to determine that they actually did something wrong, unlike the Law and Order where they went after this Persian doctor who it turned out hadn’t done anything wrong”? It was really sad, too. He had this girlfriend who was either German or American or Turkish, and she really loved him, and was devastated by his death in the bombing that he got blamed for and ended up dying because he was trying to defuse it. Phew. Let that be a lesson to you, kids. Never marry a German, a Turk, or an American if you happen to be Persian. Actually, everyone should stick to their own kind. Less cultural issues that way. Seriously. It’s bad enough being 100% anything in a land that your parents didn’t grow up in.)

5. Those who reside in America who are aliens, whether documented or undocumented, and who are not citizens, who are from countries with governments which have known ties to Islamic extremism, shall not only be subject to American laws, but shall be subject to strict immigration laws. Current immigration laws must be enforced to the full, and must not be restricted. Any violation of these laws must be dealt with by immediate deportation. Those coming from countries whose governments have known ties to Islamic extremism, wishing to gain entry to America shall be closely scrutinized, and access shall only be granted after a lengthy process of research and analysis of the individual case.

(Um, that could get pretty expensive, hmm? By the way, is there a list quantifying what “Islamic Extremism” is? Because lots of White Americans would probably think that an Egyptian dad keeping his teenage daughter from going to a slumber party counts as “extremist”… so it’s probably a good idea to define what Islamic “extremism” actually is. Hmm. Maybe we should leaf through the PATRIOT ACT to see what they have to say…)

6. Our nation’s security shall come first and foremost.

(Doesn’t every country say that?)

The United American Committee is dedicated to protecting the American people, and allowing them to live safe and comfortable lives, without the threats of Islamic extremism and terrorist activities. We feel a key to accomplishing this is by maintaining a secure border.

(I’m glad they said it’s A key and not THE key, but what about Americans who converted, or are, say, American Black Muslims and born into it? Or John Walker Whateverhisnamewas Muslims? Again, this is assuming that terrorism is ONLY carried out by Muslims. I guess they didn’t think about Ruby Ridge and Waco, Texas and Oklahoma City, etc.)

Our goal is an increase in border security along both our northern and southern borders, as well as an increase in funding to Coast Guard and Immigration agencies so that they may work efficiently and that the American people may live in safety.

7. We encourage laws to be implemented stating that no organization of any kind deemed to be promoting ideals which endanger the American populace shall receive funding by any foreign government or other foreign source. We encourage the United States government to closely scrutinize the funding of any organization from a foreign source.

8. Our goal is for America to cease dependency on imported oil from countries tied to Islamic extremism.

(If it ain’t extreme Islam, it’s some other form of dictatorship. Or I shouldn’t say “other.” The truth is, UAC, that “Islamic Extremism” is either “The Real Deal,” or else it has nothing to do with Islam at all. Any more than I, a Protestant, take any of the “credit” for the crusades, or even abortion clinic bombings.)

We encourage the United States government to expand our importation of fuels from allied democratic nations, as well as to decrease exportation of American oil. The United American Committee also encourages automotive corporations to pursue alternative fuels in order to help decrease the funding of foreign regimes which have known ties to Islamic extremism.

9. The United American Committee believes education is a key to a bright future. We ask that the education system of America shall teach our youth the facts, and the true nature of our extremist enemies. Our educators shall not feel pressure to withhold vital information for fear of reprimand due to political correctness. Our youth are our nation’s future. We must hold their education to the highest level of importance.

10. Our goal is to encourage Muslim Americans to embrace democratic ideals, and the American way of life. All citizens are equal and are entitled to the rights granted by the United States constitution. These rights may only be revoked when an individual, regardless of creed or race, commits an act against his/her fellow American or against the American populace, whether by action or intent. We encourage American Muslims to denounce the ideals of our extremist enemies, and to stand against our enemy’s terrorist actions.

As you may have noticed, I didn’t even touch the last two or three. Why? Well, because there’s only so much a person can say about any one topic, and, well, I’m just SO OVER talking about this.

Next Topic… Who are the REAL Muslims? Can “Islamic Extremism” Actually Exist? Can a person be tolerant of other faiths and be true to his own? These and many more will be covered on the next edition of Geraldo!

“United American Committee Announces a National Rally Against Islamofascism Day!

The United American Committee is currently organizing a National Rally Against Islamofascism Day to be held at venues all over the United States next Feb. 1st, 2006.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) November 30, 2005 — The event, described on the UAC’s website at www.unitedamericancommittee.org has already scheduled 13 locations nationwide where rallies will be held. Many more locations across the USA are expected to be added as the scheduled date approaches.

The main rally will be held at Ground Zero at the former location of the World Trade Center in New York. Other states scheduled to participate with rallies include Washington, D.C., Virginia, Texas, Missouri and Arkansas with more signing up each day.

“We figured Ground Zero was the main rallying point, but this is an event for all who support America regardless of their faith, be it Christian, Jewish, Muslim or any other. All are welcome to participate,” said UAC leader Jesse Petrilla.”

Sorry, couldn’t resist.