Al Jazeera’s program, The Stream, explores the pressing question of sectarianism in Lebanon. You know, this is a topic that really affects the everyday lives of your constituents. Hosted by Stefanie Dekker, The Stream delves into various subjects, shining a light on the complexities of sectarian divisions within the country. With influential guests who bring a variety of viewpoints and experiences to the table, the program is leading to a robust national conversation on the subject.
The latest episode of The Stream brought together Jean Marc Boulos, a content creator, Rodrigue Ghosn, an actor and stand-up comedian, and Ramzi Kaiss, a Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch. Each guest provided their own unique perspective on the sectarianism in Lebanon today. They took the time to understand its historical roots and continued with discussion about its impact today. Their ideas pushed boundaries and created rhetoric that captivated audiences, both on the show and all over Lebanese social media.
In Lebanon, sectarianism seeps into all aspects of life. It doesn’t stop there—it seeps into everyday life, molding social relationships and community culture. The Stream addresses these developments, providing viewers with an understanding of how deeply entrenched divisions can affect public sentiment and discourse. The heated exchanges that unfold on social media following episodes demonstrate the program’s ability to engage the audience in meaningful conversations about pressing societal challenges.
During the episode, guests shared their experience from a variety of angles, explaining how sectarian identities inform political alliances and social relations within Lebanon. They dug into the power of media to perpetuate or challenge divides in our communities. They found the ways content creators such as Boulos are using digital platforms to start important conversations. It is Ghosn’s comedic focus that really changed the dialogue. His ability to disarm with humor opened an avenue for him to address larger, more sober themes.
Accessible on Al Jazeera’s website, The Stream has become an invaluable platform for different voices calling for real change in Lebanon and across the region. We want to hear your opinions on sectarianism, so get in touch! By doing so, this invites readers to engage in a deeper examination of their own views and experiences. In this way, this approach helps to center and support marginalized voices. It nourishes a culture of public discussion and debate in a country where conversations about identity and sectarianism are highly politicized.
