Wow! eBook
Friends Watching Friends: American Television in Egypt
Author(s): Katherine Dillion (Author)
- Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing
- Publication Date: 13 Nov. 2009
- Edition: 1st
- Language: English
- Print length: 225 pages
- ISBN-10: 1443814261
- ISBN-13: 9781443814263
Book Description
Friends Watching Friends: American Television in Egypt is a media study on the impact and influence of American television in Egypt. Based on personal and small group interviews and research from 2004–2006, the work includes ways that Egyptian women view the influence of American television in their daily lives as well as showing ways that Egyptians use the media to develop their ideas about Americans. Using the sitcom Friends as a focal point, the study probes commonalities about humor between Egyptian and American women that make Friends particularly appealing as an international text. Additionally, using an ethnographic approach, the research examines relevant social trends in employment, relationships, and the economy. It celebrates a diversity of opinions among Egyptian women and gives voice to those who want to share their views with others internationally and who have a strong tie to their own culture and heritage.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Kathy Dillion’s important book could not be more timely, thoughtfully researched, or tenderly composed. Her examinations of Egyptian response to American pop culture and media examine so many of the ‘differences’ and conflicts dominating the world conversation in the 21st century, while exploring deeper realities of tradition, variation and the confusions of change. Always, always, she writes with respect, personal interest and care.”―Naomi Shihab Nye, Arab American poet and writer”Dillion’s must-read book brilliantly illustrates how cultural dialogue shatters myths, strengthens relationships.”―Dr. Jack Shaheen, writer and professor, author of Reel Bad Arabs
About the Author
Katherine Dillion is an assistant professor in the English Department at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas and teaches humanities in the summer at Pepperdine University in Malibu. Holding a BA in English, two Masters degrees, and an interdisciplinary PhD in Heritage Studies from Arkansas State University, she has a particular interest in Middle Eastern research, which she includes in the classes that she teaches. Seeing the role that education and research can play in building cultural bridges between East and West, she plans to continue her research, writing and involvement with women’s issues in the Middle East. She currently lives in Searcy and enjoys spending time with her daughter, Jacqueline, and sons Grant and David.
