The Arab Street
Days of Rage on the Arab street
What the Iran Street Protests Mean for the Arab World
The Arab-Nazi Connection
The Arab Counter Revolution
The Angry Arab Speaks
The use of the term "Arab Street" is one of the most racist Western cliches directed toward Arabs. First, there is still a stubborn reluctance in the Western press to recognize Arab public opinion. Many Western "journalists" and commentators often prefer to quote some shopkeeper in Cairo or some falafel stand owner as a reflection of Arab opinion instead of conducting scientific polls. This is beginning to change as even American polling firms now conduct frequent studies of opinion in the Arab world.
But whenever many in the American media personnel resort to citing Arab public opinion they often use the term "Arab Street." Why "Street"? Arabs are the only people from whom their collective opinion is referred to as the "Arab Street". The reason for this is latent if not explicit racism. The term "Arab Street" conjures up an image of barbaric mobs, of people with violent motives; a favorite Western racist and stereotypical presentation of Arabs. Arabs are not the only ones who protest on streets, all people do; but by calling it the "Arab Street" there is an effort to dismiss Arab grievances that actuate protest as irrational and not worthy of consideration. This is not surprising since the reasons for Arabs protest are usually reasons against Western imperialism and involvement in their region. And many Westerns would prefer to dismiss the complaints against them as nothing more than Arab fanaticism instead of a legitimate criticism. Calling it the "Arab Street" accomplishes this goal.
Although scientific polls are finally being used, Arabs are still often denied the ability to properly represent themselves in the media. Al Jazeera has recently produced an excellent 30-min show that features on moderator, no narrative; it just poses a question and lets ordinary Arabs express themselves. The diversity and eloquence of normal Arabs may surprise those unfamiliar with the region. The show is often very engaging and amusing. Every week or two, Al Jazeera selects a new city to showcase Arab opinion. The name of the show?: The Arab Street. The title is awful, and Al Jazeera should know better, but what the hey! The first city was Beirut:
Beirut Part 2
Ramallah:
Ramallah Part 2
And Apparently the "Arab Street" extends to New York:
New York Part 2
Let the Arabs talk!
