Syria-sly Intense

Warning: Before I get started, just let me say this: in no way is my horrible attempt at a Syria pun for the title meant to make light of what I'm about to write. Please note, that some of the following may not be easily digested by all who read.

Okay, so here I am procrastinating once again. I did 16 burpees earlier in an attempt to not write term papers. THAT's saying something. Not that 16 is an impressive amount of burpees, more so the fact that doing them (or attempting to) sounded like a better option than writing term papers!

This has been one intense/interesting week. It's been filled with a lot of positive, a bit of stress, and ended with one eye-opening, heartbreaking, and humbling experience. To start, perhaps I should make a bit of a confession (not that I really need to). During my first week here in Manchester, I experienced the first few days of total aloneness since my Mom died. I'd been doing a good job of living life in what I like to call 'survival mode.' Having a few days of quiet and not knowing anyone meant I had time to think. One of my first posts after arriving in the UK indicated to some that things were not alright, and in fact, they weren't. I suffered a mild, but terrifying emotional breakdown, which resulted in me sitting in a counselling session a few days later. Every few weeks since, I have returned to the same office in an effort to actually deal with living without my Mom, and how to cope when it becomes too much. Well, this week I have graduated. I have completed, what I hope to be, my last session. This was an amazing way to start off my week.

Now, this also happened to be the final week of classes. That's right - as of yesterday I have completed all of the in-class components of my Masters degree. All that stands between now and graduation is 4 term papers, a dissertation and a whole lot of waiting time. This week also happened to include my final tutorial, for which I was the only one to show up!

So, yesterday, I left for my final Representations of Development class. I felt mixed about this, as it has been my favourite course by far in this degree, but on the other hand I'm ready to move forward! We had an interesting discussion, which had a slow start due to our collective end-of-week tiredness, but picked up as we went (I even spoke! ...which was a first, I think?). The class ended with the most epic selfie of all time! The perfect way to end a great course.

Beat that Ellen!
Photo credit: Dan Brockington/Salma Bouchiba

But, immediately after than, I had to rush to a session that was the conclusion of another course, Reconstruction and Development. This session focused on Syria (hence the title). It featured two Syrians (Dr. Ayman Jundi from Syria Relief and Dr. Haytham Alhamwi from Rethink Rebuild Society), and local filmmaker/photographer, Matt Norman (also with Syria Relief).

Admittedly, I wasn't looking forward to this session. There is a lot going on, Syria isn't my area of focus, and usually these types of presentations aren't overly useful. But, to be fair, I didn't know a lot about Syria other than what I've heard a good friend of mine tell me about her home. I was intrigued from that point, and as a result of my conversations with Samah, I have had a growing interest in learning more about this country. What we hear in the news is often doom and gloom, but I've been fortunate enough to hear about the beauty and culture within this country that is often left out of mainstream media. I think this is partly so it's easier for 'us' in the West to associate the area with a negative view, and also to prevent ourselves from seeing any connections between 'us and them.' You know, they way 'we' usually do it in the Global North...

Anyway, over the three and a half hours we sat in the lecture theatre we heard some remarkable stories. Stories that reiterated what my friend had shared with me, about the beautiful landscapes, and rich culture. Stories that gave us an overview of the country's transition into civil war status. But most importantly, we heard stories about everyday people. And they were heartbreaking, and at times difficult to hear. We heard about individuals who were arrested for opening a public library, for wanting to see change, and in one instance for recounting a dream (and listening, but not reporting it!). We heard about the conditions of the prisons, and the torture that often takes place. We heard about family and friends who lost their lives, and others who's whereabouts are unknown years after their arrest. We learned that schools and hospitals were key targets for attacks. Schools. SCHOOLS! These are places that we tell our children they are safe - and hospitals are an assumed extension of that.

Hearing these men recounting these experiences and stories was by far the most humbling experience I have had in a while, possibly ever. When I think about what the top news story is back home, and compare it to what is happening in the world around us (not just in Syria, but in many other parts of the world, as well), I simply cannot grasp how and why we allow ourselves to forget just how lucky we are. And, while I understand the insecurity, upset, and perhaps shock, of the cuts outlined in the latest budget, it is nothing in comparison. It's a sense of entitlement that comes with living in the "free world." I don't get it - I never have*.

But, let's get back to business here. For me, the most challenging part of this session happened in the first half an hour. We were shown an edited version of a Channel 4 documentary that Syria Relief was a part of. Those 14 minutes and 8 seconds were gut-wretching. Many of us fought to hold back tears. It was brutal, in the truest sense. It was putting faces to a crisis that hadn't been presented to me in this angle. Actually, angle isn't the right word here, because there wasn't one - it was just meant to show a view of the situation we don't get to hear about. Today, during one of my study breaks, I elected to watch the entire film. It wasn't any easier to watch. In fact, most of what we saw yesterday was tame by comparison. Even as I type now, thinking about what I saw, I'm struggling to hold it together.

Here's the documentary in full, and your second warning of the day: I would highly recommend everyone to watch the preceding film. BUT, take note, it is one incredibly difficult film to sit through. I would strongly discourage viewership of small children, or anyone with a weak stomach. But, watch it. It's important to expose ourselves to these opportunities to see a reality that is not our own. Sometimes accepting that is what makes it difficult to view. There are many advertisements which interrupt viewing, but sometimes at very welcomed points. 

A&EWZ [couchtripper] by couchtripper

On a lighter note, we ended the session by having a tea and sweets social. The representatives from Syria Relief joined us, and we had some interesting discussion on various topics. And, more importantly, we were treated to an incredible array of Syrian sweets, courtesy of my friend, Samah. Diet down the tube. But, boy! was it worth it!

Photo credit: Arafat Safi

Photo credit: Arafat Safi

Photo credit: Arafat Safi

Well, I suppose I should get back to it... See you on the other side of this term!

-the Orange Canadian

*But this isn't about a "let's shit on filmmakers in Nova Scotia" rant, - I'm a filmmaker! - or even an attempt at making us, any of us, feel guilty about the geographic location in which we were born and/or grew up in. It is simply just me thinking, stepping back, and reminding myself how unjustly and foolishly luck I am to be a Canadian - something I had no say over. 

MMMAAAAIIIIILLLLLLLL!*

Sometimes living abroad can be lonely. It can be challenging. You tend to miss strange things you didn't think you really enjoyed in the first place. You miss specific places, foods, and people. Then there's also the added challenge of attempting to describe, and give justice to, your experiences. But the things that get you through those moments where you don't quite feel yourself, when you're longing for those places, foods, and people, are the phone calls, emails and my personal favourite - the letter and/or care package!

Just a sample of some of the notes I've received since arriving in Manchester.

In the last few weeks, I've been fortunate enough to have received two letters and an Easter care-package (for which I cheated and opened and then pretty much consumed immediately!). Picking up the phone or sending a quick note on the computer are easy to do, with little effort. Taking the time to sit down, write a note by hand, and send it takes just that - time. It's a dying art-form, and one I really enjoy.

The questionable contents of my care package. I swear I do wash! 

Epic wrapping courtesy of my grandmother.
Oh, and my thumb...

All the maple products one can imagine...all of
which I ate (or shared) before I could take a picture!

I think there's something almost magical about finding the perfect card or writing paper and spending a few moments reflecting on a meaningful message to whoever the recipient may be. It doesn't even have to be lengthy, because the very thought behind the act is in itself a message. Plus, there's the added bonus of receiving something that doesn't demand payment (although I'm certain the sender wouldn't mind if you responded with a financial surprise, as well!).

But seriously, it's so easy to do - you don't even require special paper. I challenge you, (yes, YOU!) to write a letter to someone. Anyone. Maybe it's someone you haven't spoken to in a while. Maybe it's your neighbour. Whoever it may be, I can almost guarantee that you will bright the their day when they receive it.

So, for those of you back home who have been kind enough to take a moment or two from time to time to jot me a quick "hello" - thank you, and keep 'em comin'! I can honestly tell you that many of these arrived at a moment when I need a little boost to get me motivated!

Happy letter-writing,

-the Orange Canadian

*Yes folks, that was a reference to Blue's Clues. Great show. 

Yeah, I did!

Jesus Christ...a Superstar?

The other night I made a comment about my love of the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar." (Seriously -  it's got some great tunes!) Upon making the comment, a friend of mine asked me whether it was an offensive representation of Jesus, and my immediate response was no way! He didn't seem convinced, and the conversation changed fairly quickly afterwards. Now, to be fair, we were in a meeting, unrelated to the film in question, so it didn't really make sense to continue. However, as I've inherited my mother's inability to stop thinking and processing, that question has been on my mind quite a bit ever since*. The more I thought about it, the more uncertain I became, and the more I felt I needed to look into it. So, I took a step back and began looking for an answer.

Jesus Christ Superstar, for those of you unfamiliar with this musical, was written by Broadway legends Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. It debuted in 1971. A film adaptation by Norman Jewison was made in 1973. Both were and continue to be highly successful productions, and both received mixed reviews.

To break it down, many religious groups initially felt (and from what I gather still feel) that it was a poor portrayal of Jesus Christ - particularly the aspect of his sexualization. But, there were other valid points to their argument as well, such as some of the liberties taken to move the story along. There have been various accusations that certain characters were said to have done things or said things that do not align with what was written in the scripture. While I do not know the Bible by heart, and can neither confirm, nor deny these criticisms, I wouldn't find it overly surprising to find this to be true (a point which I will address in a minute). Some felt Judas was too likeable, emotional or sympathetic, while the omission of the resurrection was thought to be sacrilegious and disrespectful. Other criticisms just felt it to be all around inappropriate - script, music, and all! It's even been banned in some parts of the world!

Now, to present the opposing case, both Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber have stated that there was no offence intended. The focus of the musical is basically how Judas sees Jesus' rise in, dare I say, popularity, and the events leading up to his death and Jesus' crucifixion. Rice also argues that they intended to showcase Jesus as a man, rather than a god-like figure, which is pretty much how Judas views Jesus (at least in the film, and from my own interpretation of this part of the Bible - which again, I'm no expert on!). Both men are members of the Church of England, but neither seem to appear overly committed to their beliefs (at least publicly), and both have produced various religious-themed works outside of the one at hand.

So, here's what I'm concluding...

I see both sides. Based on other works by these two, I don't feel that Jesus Christ Superstar was born out of ill-intent. It's an interpretation of a significant part of the Bible and the story of Jesus. I think that no matter what the depiction, selecting biblical, or perhaps religious in general, topics will always open themselves up for controversy, regardless of intent. Look at Passion of the Christ, for example (which also happens to be another of my favourites and is basically Jesus Christ Superstar, less the music and far more dark). Yes, there were other issues with that film as far as the director's beliefs and actions are concerned, but if you take that film for what it is, it is actually a really interesting portrayal of the same story. But please understand, one's religion is a very personal choice - one that is usually not decided upon on a whim. I'm not trying to undermine that. I'm merely trying to sort out whether or not this one representation of Jesus Christ is offensive.

As I mentioned before, some of the greatest critiques of the musical were related to the ways in which the storyline strayed from what the scripture states. I think there are a few liberties within the script itself, but they are perhaps the result of trying to fit a massive story into a short period of time, rather than attempting to deviate from what the scripture states. For me, as a non-believer, but with an interest to learn about various religions, it was an easily digestible way to understand the story. I have seen the the musical production a number of times, and am always amazed by the range of audience members. I've sat next to little old ladies (who were appalled by my lack of knowledge of what was going on), small children, and everyone in-between**. So, it truly is difficult to conclude whether this is a positive or negative account of Jesus.

Yet to further my argument that it isn't necessarily inappropriate, I feel it's also a reflection of how many religious organizations celebrate the life of Jesus and their belief in God. I'm not saying that all Christians jump up and down, dance, and/or belt out hymns, but I have witnessed many instances where this was the case. My time in Ghana for one, placed me in what I felt to be quite exuberant celebrations of their faith, sometimes to the point of being uncomfortable (throwback to the gyrating and pelvic thrusts I encountered that one time...). However, this was not exclusive to my experiences with church services in Ghana, nor is it fully representative of ALL of my church-going experiences in that country. Sure, I've seen boisterous services even in Canada. Not in Europe though... everything here seems to be pretty low-key, and conservative. My point being, that although some may have found the dancing and music of this production to be inappropriate, it may only be because of their own interpretation of how to properly show appreciation for their beliefs - their god.

The second part of my friend's questioning of the film was with the word "superstar" in relation to the description of Jesus. For me, Jesus as a "superstar" is more so the emphasis of how his followers held such adoration for him (not unlike the celebrity culture we see today...well...a toned down version, I suppose), while Judas saw him as no more than a fellow human. Based on how he is described, even today, he is somewhat of a superstar - whether that's the right word or not. But really, Jesus in all of his visual interpretations and descriptions, is easily one of the most recognizable figures in human history. And like I said above, any time a religious figure is questioned, portrayed, or represented, it is almost always guaranteed to be the subject of criticism and controversy.

Therefore, I am concluding that Jesus Christ Superstar is a very liberal interpretation of the weeks leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. It wasn't created to offend. It wasn't created as a means to degrade the religion or its believers. It's a form of art. So, while some may find this to be extremely controversial, others see it as a celebration of their God -  their faith. There's lots more I could probably say, particularly about the deviation from the scripture and the omission of the the resurrection, but, even that is a topic of much debate. While some don't feel that it is part of the film, others, including myself, feel it has actually been included... it just really depends on how you see it.

So, now that I've exhausted myself trying to answer this question, I'd like to wish my friends, family and readers where ever you are in the world a Happy Easter! I'll leave you with two clips from the film***. The first of which is one of my favourite songs from the musical, sung by Carl Anderson (*swoon*) as Judas (my dream role, for the record!!). The second is a tad bit more controversial, but I'm posting it for my pal 'B-dubs' who shares a mutual love of this film. I know she really likes the ending part where Ted Neeley (who plays Jesus) really gives it! Please note, I have no copyright ownership to either of these clips.

-the Orange Canadian


*It's really hard to concentrate on writing essays about climate change and urban poverty when you have the sweet, sweet jams of Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson flowing through your head!
**Now, I don't know that I'd recommend allowing a child to see it, but to each their own!
***It was truly difficult to decide which ones to include! Check out the film or soundtrack to hear more!