So, why Media and the Arts for Peace?
Let me first share a short story with you. Arriving on January 18, 2012, I never imagined that I would be living in the United States. I was the senior producer at a leading for-profit radio and host of Good Morning Syria – the highest-rated radio show in my home country of Syria. That was before a revolution, an armed conflict, chemical weapons, proxy war and Islamist radicals dominating the narrative about Syria, and an all-out genocide.
As part of my live, 3-hour daily show, I promoted social change and civic well-being by connecting with listeners through radio call-ins, educational, informative, and entertaining radio segments; as well as awareness campaigns focused on topics such as socio-economic issues, social taboos, the arts, psycho-social development, leadership, self-improvement, and the list goes on. I engaged with my audience personably and with a sense of humor, so I hope. I interviewed politicians, diplomats, celebrities, and individuals from all walks of life.
Of course, I knew how to tread the red lines of my country’s politics pretty well. The result was that the show broke new ground in Syria’s media landscape. It was the number one morning show for seven consecutive years, reaching millions of listeners. And so, working with radio deepened my understanding of the power of media, when employed creatively and strategically, that is to mobilize people and impact human psyches and social behaviors.
This understanding was further expanded when I witnessed the Arab Uprisings unfold. At this time, journalists, media presenters – myself included – poets, filmmakers, artists, and peaceful activists posed as a dangerous threat to authoritarian regimes and warring factions. Therefore, those in media and the arts became targets, leading them to go into exile, or otherwise, they would experience imprisonment, torture, and even death.
And so my passion for such powerful, creative tools developed. I am privileged to be here and share with you my personal and professional experience in the positive use of media and the arts for change.
My name is Honey Al-Sayed and I'll be your course instructor.
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