Download PDF People Like Us Misrepresenting the Middle East Joris Luyendijk 9781593762568 Books

Product details Paperback 256 pages Publisher Soft Skull Press; Original edition (September 29, 2009) Language English ISBN-10 1593762569

People Like Us Misrepresenting the Middle East Joris Luyendijk 9781593762568 Books Reviews

• This is one of the most important books about foreign policy, the middle east, and the limits of journalism (especially, as presented in the mass media) that I have ever read. This is not a chatty account of "How I learned to love Egyptian food when I lived in the Middle East." Instead, it is a highly readable but very powerful critique of modern journalism and how difficult it is for middle eastern correspondents to provide the context (background information) necessary for readers of the news to interpret it meaningfully. How the mainstream media manipulate the news (and hence, the reader) is discussed in detail. One of several examples given presents the reasons behind the superiority of Israeli over Palestianian attempts to influence Western public opinion. Also mentioned is the difficulty in obtaining reliable information about countries under dictatorship (no one talks on the record due to fear of official retribution; the absence of reliable statistical data, etc.). The discussion of the profound difference between the absence of free speech/journalism in middle eastern dictatorships (which the USA supports) and democracies is also compelling. Finally, the author points out how journalists routinely fail to mention the diversity of views in middle eastern countries. This is a book that I am certain that the major news networks wish had never been published. Mr. Luyendijk shows what persistent journalistic dedication to telling the truth and discussing alternative views of the same issue can create enlightenment and understanding.
• Well written, interesting, and with a unique point of view!
• A great insight how the news is cooked in the Middle East, from a guy who it experienced over a period of 5 years. After a 3 year experience of having lived in Saudi Arabia this book provides the best about what takes place (and what does not) by a long shot.
• I'm an American currently living in the Middle East and studying Arabic. This book is so helpful, it paints such a clear picture of "what" and "why" Americans think, when they think, about the Arab world. I am recommending it to all my friends and family back in the States. Hopefully it will help them see through the show that is the Western media and begin to think a little deeper about the average Arab guy and gal who really are just "people like us."
• Very informative read showing how the press all over the world has manipulated the information we
  receive everyday in our world.
• Great book you'll never look at the news as you used to. Joris shows many of the dilemmas that reporters in the Middle East face and how that influences our view of the conflicts in that part of the world
• Very honest, very well written, very true, it hits you on the head...
• Of major importance especially now, read how regular people, not the politicians or activist, think about their region and their relations with the wets