Humor Against Hegemony: Al-Hurra, Jokes, and the Limits of American Soft Power
In: Middle East Journal of Culture and CommunicationSearch for other papers by William Lafi Youmans in
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Abstract
In 2004, the United States launched an Arabic language satellite television station, Al-Hurra ('the free one'). As a mass media outlet designed to enhance American geopolitical influence, it is considered one manifestation of a 'soft power' strategy. Soft power, however, is only effective to the extent that it can rely on 'willing interpreters and receivers'. This article considers humor in Al-Hurra's workplace and among its intended audience as a gauge of the availability of such interpreters and receivers. Humor, this article contends, reflects greater political discourses and attitudes, and therefore outlines the limits to American soft power in Arab regions.
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| All Time | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 436 | 116 | 13 |
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Humor Against Hegemony: Al-Hurra, Jokes, and the Limits of American Soft Power
In: Middle East Journal of Culture and CommunicationSearch for other papers by William Lafi Youmans in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
In 2004, the United States launched an Arabic language satellite television station, Al-Hurra ('the free one'). As a mass media outlet designed to enhance American geopolitical influence, it is considered one manifestation of a 'soft power' strategy. Soft power, however, is only effective to the extent that it can rely on 'willing interpreters and receivers'. This article considers humor in Al-Hurra's workplace and among its intended audience as a gauge of the availability of such interpreters and receivers. Humor, this article contends, reflects greater political discourses and attitudes, and therefore outlines the limits to American soft power in Arab regions.
| All Time | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 436 | 116 | 13 |
| Full Text Views | 169 | 5 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 49 | 5 | 0 |