It has become commonplace when reading about Gaza to come across descriptions of it as an "Islamist enclave" or "Hamas-controlled territory" and so on. In case someone exists who does not know what Hamas is all about, commentators make sure their readers understand that it is the "fundamentalist" group bent on the "destruction of Israel" and nothing else.Such categorizations are then followed by sweeping generalizations about each of these stereotypes. Whereas the Hamas supporters consist of "terrorists" and "bloodthirsty barbarians," the dissents are seen as peace-loving minorities who seek neighborly relations with Israel, the occupying entity.
A recent example of such portrayals can be found in a feature story published in The Independent on April 13. In "Tales from Gaza: What Is Life Really Like in 'the World's Largest Outdoor Prison'?" the author alleges to provide "a small snapshot into life in Gaza." Before he proceeds, however, he assures us that what follows are "testimonies" by people "who can rarely get their voices heard."
We invite our users to read the complete article published July 25 2013
It has become commonplace when reading about Gaza to come across descriptions of it as an "Islamist enclave" or "Hamas-controlled territory" and so on. In case someone exists who does not know what Hamas is all about, commentators make sure their readers understand that it is the "fundamentalist" group bent on the "destruction of Israel" and nothing else.Such categorizations are then followed by sweeping generalizations about each of these stereotypes. Whereas the Hamas supporters consist of "terrorists" and "bloodthirsty barbarians," the dissents are seen as peace-loving minorities who seek neighborly relations with Israel, the occupying entity.
A recent example of such portrayals can be found in a feature story published in The Independent on April 13. In "Tales from Gaza: What Is Life Really Like in 'the World's Largest Outdoor Prison'?" the author alleges to provide "a small snapshot into life in Gaza." Before he proceeds, however, he assures us that what follows are "testimonies" by people "who can rarely get their voices heard."
We invite our users to read the complete article published July 25 2013
