Conference to Focus on Creative Media and Youth in the Middle East
Background
April 2007 — This conference, conducted March 15 – 18, 2007, brought together regional analysts, public diplomacy and information operations experts, and the initiators of popular, cutting edge media programs in the region. Most conferences on this subject approach the issue from a Western perspective and discuss the messages “we” want to send and the best ways to transmit them. This conference provided positive messages that are self–generating within the region. This was intended to produce a stronger understanding of audience receptivity, of effective local platforms and of cultural resonance. It will also helped to identify synergies and strategic partnerships.
What is Creative Media?
By Creative Media we mean the use of multiple, often non–conventional platforms to transmit ideological content, to socialize youth into new values, to challenge existing norms and paradigms, and to influence the public discourse. In the Middle East, this includes media and messages that Western public diplomacy would in some instances probably consider too risky or forward leaning, but that have obtained large followings in the region: cartoons featuring scantily dressed Egyptian female superheroines, for example, or a Syrian soap opera about a repentant terrorist who wants to “go back home”. These programs offer instructive insights into audience receptivities and tolerances for change.
Conference Details
Often U.S.–based projects aim to encourage discourse and community building, through various media, because of the positive effects on civil society and stability overall. Policy recommendations often include diverse initiatives for building such capacity. The RAND IMEY Conference on Creative Media and Youth in the Middle East was unique in that it focused on indigenous regional initiatives that have developed independently of U.S.–based resources or interest. Conference speakers were regional activists who have developed creative media based means for transmitting their message and avenues for capacity building among various Middle Eastern populations. The conference was designed to encourage discourse between these initiators, to encourage growth, exchanges of content, and collaboration. It also hoped to provide a more authentic understanding of the audience – the Middle Eastern public – for Western attendees.
Conference Report Conference Press Coverage 
IMEY Online Bulletin Board
Top