08 May, 2010

Amman: East | West



Last wednesday i attended the screening of Amman: East | West at the RFC,a jordanian documentary short film directed by Dalia AlKuri,produced by AlJazeera Documentary.
It was around half an hour film that highlighted the differences between Amman east and Amman west,focusing mainly on the educational sector,how the western citizens attend private schools where they pay a lot of money and gain more benefits whether during school days or when they finish school and join the labor sector.
The film focuses also on the social life of both areas,where it shows the west as a deveolped ever growing city,and the east as a poor less priviliged one! they contributed this issue to the unequal distribution of resources and financials, where most of the advantages and benefits go to the west leaving behind the east and thus creating a huge economical and social hole between the areas of the same city.
The film in general was relatively good, sound effects,filming and directing as well.But the problem i guess was in the content itself i felt like it relatively took the extremes and made the film on them as well as not giving the subject its full depth along with somehow solutions or attitudes that we can follow in order to help in decreasing this hole or at least to try to change these stereotypes!
My personal observation was that both areas have its own identity, the west with its modernity and rapid urbanization,and the east with its authentic and rich history that needs to be cherished and taken care of.
Maybe there is a financial problem but we can't look over what is really happening in that the people that live in the west have more money and can attract more investments and thus the rapid development,but the east doesn't have this kind of privilege so they wait for the government to help them improve their community and facilities,and it is improving relatively slowly to its counterpart, while preserving its authenticity.Regarding the educational part i believe that there are initiatives and plans to improve the quality of public schools and education!

I do believe that we can't just wait for others to help us ,sometimes we need to just do it ourselves.So why don't the private sector help the public sector!? both educational and social wise!And what about the youth? we need to promote volunteering more in our youth generation! let them participate and take part in helping and improving their community!promoting good patriotism as well through helpful deeds and positive actions!

Here is a segment of the film in two parts for you to watch.kindly share your honest opinion on this matter and how we can positively and effectively contribute!



4 comments:

  1. How on earth did I miss this post? Thank you Diana, it's beautifully written. You are right about the video showing two extremes except for the last girl whose spirit I admired.
    This video was only a debate and how people see Amman and on what basis they define the East/West. Another video is necessary to discuss solutions to minimize this gap as Raghda Butros did with Hamzet Wasel initiative.
    I agree, there is something to admire about both sides of Amman as you said. However, those kids who grow believing they are the tough ones and will be the real men in comparison to west Amman kids need so much attention and care lest they feel inferior as adults as one example.

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  2. Yes, there are lot of differences not only between west and east, also at the same city side. I believe our society been divided to several classes.
    "Money" could be the reason of what is happening and the main difference among people classes, but the major risks appear when the financial problems start to affect people thoughts, beliefs and culture.
    Actually we have more than one gap among our society classes. Those gaps MUST be minimized as possible before we stand in front of one city full of hate, jealousy and conflicting feelings.
    Frankly, I am not optimistic, but we have to hope at least.

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  3. Thank you Bardees and Rami for your insightful comments.

    I highly agree with you Bardees that we need another video for solutions and approaches, otherwise nothing will ever change, on the contrary, as Rami said the gap will only expand!

    I also believe that environment, culture, and stereotypes play a significant role in this issue.

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  4. Thx 4 this, it`s so so soooo sad :(

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