Monday, January 10, 2011
A Reality Show where Islam is the Biggest Star
If one were to start a discussion on Islam and Muslim, the word "conservative" will always usually pop in one's mind. Hence it was really interesting to see what Malaysia was actually doing to pique the interests of younger Muslims to become religious leaders. Reality shows and religion often do not see eye to eye and at times become a source of conflict in more conservative and traditional societies. Seeing the success of such a successful mix does indeed raise several questions. Look at some of last semester's post on the topic, I am most curious as to why Afghan Star received so much backlash from society and this did not. Is it the nature of each society?
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Hi Eliot, you point out a few issues worth further investigation. Firstly, why is it that religion and reality shows are not a comfortable fit? Is it using an entertainment medium, i.e. television to communicate religious ideas that is the problem? Is it the competitive element, i.e. watching people perform to prove that they are "better" religious leaders than other, that makes us uncomfortable?
ReplyDeleteWith regard to "Afghan Star", your question will certainly need to be addressed when we watch the documentary. Hand onto it!
Sorry, that should read: HANG onto it!
ReplyDeleteI love the way you started on your comment, as it really depicts what went through my head when I finished reading the article!
ReplyDelete=)
How true it is, that religion and almost any other thing has their distinct differences and more often than not, it is usually tension and discontent that results from those differences, hardly anything near what we are seeing in this religious reality show now!
Is it worth mentioning that so long as it does promote harmony and not malcontent, that this should alright? and by Alright, I mean that with the strictest sense of neutrality.
I think the success of reality shows are strongly bounded to the local culture. In order for a show to be welcomed by the general public, it has to avoid cultural sensitive issues and relate to the people’s lives. As you pointed out Islam is in most cases “conservative”, this goes counter to the character of a competitive and fashionable reality show. But it turns out to be a huge business success. This contradiction brings out the unknown side of Islam to us and this show will probably be a strong force to push the reform of the religion and attract more young people.
ReplyDeleteWith respect to Durwin's comment, yes I agree that as long as it promotes harmony it should be "alright". =)
ReplyDeleteBut Durwin you mentioned that "religion and almost any other thing has their distinct differences and more often than not, it is usually tension and discontent that results from those differences," I think it is more accurate to say that it is the elders or those in positions of power within that religion that objects to the usage of religion with other things more often than usual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the general public.
What do you think?
Hi Elliot,
ReplyDeleteHere are my two-cents worth: I think, to a certain degree, religions are pretty much influenced by elders and those in positions of power. But might it be possible that they could be representing the views of the layman?
Although in this case-study, it is pretty amazing that the show has induced fervor amongst its religious viewers - almost like a religious fervor (pun-intended), considering how "conservative" Islam is often portrayed to be.
In response to what Elliot mentioned, I am with much agreement with it. More often than not, we notice that problems arises when people in power choose to react too violently, or not to react at all.
ReplyDeleteIn the case of religion, or more specifically Islamism, it is usually the case, because religion are largely founded on a "doctrine of precedents", ancient prophecies and texts that will determine the life of a religion per se in time to come. Imams, religious leaders and devotees serve their purpose only to upkeep and protect such laws and covenant of the religion. More often than not, that is how we observe tension building and objections of many religions against modern practices.
As such, what you said is inextricably true, at least to a large extent, because what the general public thinks is not important, its what the leaders believe in that is essential.