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1) J. Vernon's speculations as to the reactions of Arab-Americans to the film Rules of Engagement may or may not be accurate. It seems difficult to jump from such a speculation to the conclusion that 'Audiences with no knowledge of the Arab world will get a similar impression', ie two-thirds of them will be 'thrilled' (J.V.'s description) to see Arab children shooting at US Marines. 2) 'Is it the media's job to portray anybody as a hero?' The question posed by Professor Shaheen was whether the Western media have portrayed either 'humanely or heroically'. The problem Shaheen is pointing to is that the tide of demonization and vilification poured out against Arabs in Western society is not balanced by images and narratives helping Westerners to see Arabs as human beings, and not 'terrorists', 'fanatics', 'fundamentalists' and other subhuman creatures. The problem of anti-Arab racism is no doubt a major part of the continuing public inertia over economic sanctions against Iraq. The question is how best to combat this poison as we try to reverse specific policies as soon as possible. Protesting against this particular film (presuming it is as described) seems useful. On the sanctions issue, presenting real stories about actual Iraqis suffering under the sanctions has seemed to us the best way to break through the racism block. Best wishes Milan Rai Voices in the Wilderness UK 16B Cherwell St Oxford OX4 1BG 01865 243 232 voices@viwuk.freeserve.co.uk -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a discussion list run by the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq For removal from list, email soc-casi-discuss-request@lists.cam.ac.uk Full details of CASI's various lists can be found on the CASI website: http://welcome.to/casi