It's been a while since a TV series or a drama managed to generate such a sizeable social buzz and garner such a volume of comments and interactions across numerous countries. A’ Amal managed to do all the above due to many factors, notably its tightly woven script and the gripping storyline that expertly applies the plot device known as cliffhangers.
The series explores various women-related issues. Each character portrays her own story and the challenges she tackles, be it from fathers, brothers or husbands. In Eastern societies, women often find themselves subjected to male dominance and control. However, some viewers felt that the narrative was blown out of proportion, arguing that such situations – including female abuse, murder and the constraint to abide by a certain lifestyle – are no longer prevalent in our society. Some wondered if these issues are even commonplace in Lebanon, suggesting that the series is disconnected from reality.
This statement is fundamentally flawed, often voiced by people who most likely live in relatively open-minded societies. Whereas in Lebanon, each neighborhood has its own culture and specificities. Sadly, incidents of female homicides have become all too common, largely overlooked in news reports due to their alarming frequency. Moreover, when women fall victim to violence, they are often met with accusations of wrongdoing, or worse yet, with idle expressions such as "get a grip."
Until today, many communities across Lebanon still adhere to the same societal norms as the series’ fictional characters, Seif and Souhad Helem. Yet, there are still some who justify errors and crimes in this disturbingly illogical manner, which undermines all aspects of rationality, openness, acceptance and human rights.
The series is in no way disconnected from reality. In fact, a segment of the Lebanese society operates beyond legal boundaries. It’s worth mentioning that a few years ago, some MPs objected to abolishing the honor crimes law and reducing its penalties. This stems from the belief that for women, sexual activity is a matter of honor, while for men it is a source of pride. The series A’ Amal tackles the topic of the patriarchal system boldly and accurately to highlight issues that aren’t backed by any legal regulation due to the lack of parliamentary oversight and disregard for women’s rights.
The fundamental problem lies in the parliamentary elections: instead of inquiring about the candidates’ views on crucial laws, we become consumed with political agendas and superfluous rivalries. These laws should be at the heart of national interest as they affect citizens and their daily lives. Today, people’s daily concerns are still tied to religious authorities, when in fact, we should be living under a unified law that should transcend all others.
Nadine Jaber, the story writer, chose to bravely and fearlessly confront the sectarian system, undeterred by its potential consequences. Her objective was to depict a reality within a transient dramatic context, which would go beyond screens and regions. She ought to be proud of what she accomplished, as there is a before and an after A’Amal social reality. Any legislation passed henceforth owes much to the series and its characters. Indeed, the series has created a complete shift in social awareness regarding women living in the shadows. As such, they should be allowed to rise against the injustices they've long withstood!
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