Overview of Jerusalem Stories Video - Movie Review Example

Introduction The changes that have occurred throughout history can be traced back for thousands of years. When looking at the historical components of Jerusalem, one can define over 4000 years of history that has altered the area. The most specific components of this come from religious conflicts in the area as well as settlements which have occurred among Jews, Christians and Muslims. The Peter Jennings report, Jerusalem Stories, identifies the rich history of Jerusalem as well as how it formed for thousands of years between the different religions which claimed the area to be a holy land. Understanding the significance of the history of Jerusalem also creates a deeper understanding of the rooted conflicts and beliefs in religion that are a part of Israel today. Religious Beliefs from Jerusalem Stories The main concept which Jennings approaches when looking at Jerusalem is to identify the 4000 years of history that have been identified through the area. The approach which is taken comes in three segments, each which have an exclusive interview with a Christian, Jewish and Muslim family living in Jerusalem. As Jennings’ traces their history, there is a deeper sense of what has occurred during this time frame through the interviews. More important, there is the ability to create a deeper sense of how religion has affected the region, families and those that hold to specific beliefs in Jerusalem. The facts that Jennings’ provides are brief because of the context and main concept of the news story. The division of stories into 15 minute segments as well as the brief ideologies that are stated before these show a different understanding of the history. However, this is limited to the interviews as well as the main ideologies linked to one aspect of the religion. While the viewer is able to have a brief overview, the inability to tap into 4000 years of history with all the factual information leaves several gaps for those that are interested in the portrayal of Jerusalem. This also limits the historical components that are a part of the series, specifically by identifying one part of Jerusalem through exclusive interviews and brief concepts associated with the building of different religions in the holy land. While there is only a brief overview of what has occurred, there is a balance with the different religions. The report includes different backgrounds and practices that are within Jerusalem. For instance, when speaking with the Muslim family, there is history that is traced back for eight centuries. The generations which are traced back link directly to historical significance of Muslims who remain in Jerusalem because it is a holy land. However, this perspective is also limited to the pride and personal stories that are associated with the religion. This same concept for the Jewish interview applies as the family has excavated a Jewish house. Even though the home and the traditions link directly to the lifestyle and history of Jerusalem and Jews, there are several facets of information that are not included in the report. When speaking to the priest about Christianity, there is the same viewpoint, which includes a detailed and historical account; however, this is only from the Catholic priest viewpoint and may or may not include the significant turning points that others may note. Middle Eastern Politics and Religion The concepts that apply through the interview relate directly to the Middle Eastern politics that are a part of the historical components as well as the expectations among leaders. When looking at the different interviews, it could be seen that religion directly affected lifestyle and tradition. More important, the individual beliefs and the acceptance of societal values were associated with the different religions. For instance, the Muslim family pointed out the values related to Abrahamic belief and how this formed the household and the impact made in current times. This was directly associated with rulers in Israel and how they developed land marks for mosques, households and economics during each time frame. Each of the time periods then became reflective of the political realms that were directly linked to Jerusalem living and religion. The religion and beliefs directly reflected the rulers in Jerusalem and Israel as well as how society and culture was influenced through this. The Palestinian Israeli Conflict Even though Jerusalem Stories covers a broad range of religious and political affiliations, there is not a complete understanding of the Palestinian Israeli conflict and the way that this was influenced throughout time. This is one of the oldest conflicts that is in the region and has been created through in – depth relations to religion, politics and other affiliations between both nations. While ABC has created an understanding of how the conflict relates to tensions over the Holy Land, there is not a deeper understanding and sense of details that relates to attitudes, culture and different attributes that are a part of this. More important, the way that the report is covered is based specifically on personal tributes to each religion while showing that each has a space in Jerusalem, as opposed to showing a sense of conflict that is in the area. The interviews being conducted separately, the focus on history and the concept of internal policies and conflicts becomes the main component, as opposed to the influence of the current conflict and how this links to the past religious beliefs and the Holy Land. Even though there is not a sense of how the Holy Land is focused on different attributes with the Palestinian Israeli conflict, the Jerusalem Stories is able to create a definition and generalized meaning that relates to this. The focus of the stories is to provide information based specifically on the ideology that different religions trace their roots to Jerusalem as the Holy Land. The stories that tie into Abrahamic stories and myths create a basis for belief and are emphasized in each of the stories. Showing the link between each of the religions and how deep the associations are in terms of it being a Holy Land broadens the perspective of those that don’t understand the conflict that is currently taking place. This also shows how the conflict is more important than a current problem that is tied into politics or affiliations with boarders. The religious beliefs, association with the Holy Land, lifestyle and the belief in cultural representations that are a part of this are emphasized by examining the individual stories. However, one is not able to understand this through direct and pointed material in the documentary but instead reaches the conclusion by analyzing the possibilities that may be related to the current conflicts. The other media that has covered the Palestinian and Israeli conflict also doesn’t provide an understanding over the root problems with the tensions between the two nations. When generalized news is given, it is based specifically on the current trends and upheavals which may occur. The information is given with up to date concepts that are associated with the overall agreements or tensions that arise. Instead of showing the depth of the problem as well as how this is associated with culture, lifestyle and belief, there is only an understanding that the tensions are directly related to the Israeli conflict. More important, the conflict has lasted for a longer time and has created lasting tensions, continuous injury and death and political alterations with money. This is often covered up from the general media and news and doesn’t offer Americans accurate information for their needs (AIPAC, 2009). Biases of Jerusalem Story The lack of biases of the Jerusalem Story is seen in the main outline as well as the way that the information is presented. Since it is a documentary and is based on providing basic information, there is an association with information that is related to the overall concepts within Jerusalem. The news story further segments this with basic interviews, all which cover diverse material and which relate to both the history and the culture of different families. By taking the perspective of interviews, as opposed to giving specific types of information or a viewpoint, there is the ability to maintain a neutral position. If this were not done correctly, then issues with the religion and the way in which individuals looked at the conflicts in Jerusalem with respect to religion would alter. More important, there would be questions over whether the documentary was newsworthy or opinionated. Even though the overall presentation of material isn’t biased, it can be noted that there are some instances where the bias comes into play, specifically with the questions that are asked as well as with the individuals interviewed. The Muslim and Jewish interviews conducted don’t come from a formal synagogue or mosque and are from those who have only lived in Jerusalem for a long period of time. More important, the historical events are related to personal perspectives. However, when looking at the priest interview, a noted difference is there. The questions asked are based on the Way of the Cross as well as the deep religious values that are incorporated into Jerusalem. There is a religious perspective, as opposed to a newsworthy or historical perspective that is in the questions and the way the interview is conducted. The outlook in this interview changes specifically to create a bias toward Christianity and the way that it is developed. The video that presents the specific bias through the story of the priest and the outlook on Christianity is associated with the audience that Jennings is applying the stories to. The Western society mostly contains Christian believers who are able to relate to the concept of the sacred cross of Christianity, as well as the association with the Holy Land through the idea of the church. By Jennings using this as a basis, there is the ability to create a different outlook to the audience about the concept of religion. The individual viewer that has a link to Christianity is then able to associate the conflicts over the Holy Land with their own personal beliefs that the Holy Land is partially a part of their beliefs. This creates a personal application to the tensions that are in the area as well as the direct associations that are a part of the outlook given. By creating this bias and approach, Jennings is able to draw the audience in with personal thoughts that may connect directly to the history and beliefs of Israel. Recommending the Video This video would be recommended to those who are interested in the current politics and past of Jerusalem. The benefit of this video is with the ability to give an overview of the tensions that are in Israel as well as what it means to have a Holy Land that has similar roots in three different religions. More important, there is the ability to identify a personal connection with the stories that are told and the way that Jerusalem has formed for the past 4000 years. An individual in the Western culture can look at this perspective and see deeply rooted beliefs and traditions as well as different lifestyles that have been created throughout time. More important, there is the ability to associate with the cultural aspects and stories that allow one’s perspective to change and to be more aware of outside cultures and ideas. Even though this video can be seen as a way to introduce the Jerusalem conflicts and stories, it can’t be used as an individual reference. Limiting the video to one perspective and only having three interviews doesn’t give a complete viewpoint over what the conflict is about currently as well as how this particular area has shaped. More important, there isn’t the ability to create deeper levels of understanding that are a part of the faith and belief of each religion. Even though the concept of the Holy Land and the ties to the stories of Abraham are noted, there isn’t full detail or understanding of how one incorporates religion into their lives. The religious beliefs then remain a bias of how one thinks in relation to the concept of their personal experience with limited viewpoints over the current conditions, conflicts, political beliefs and religious practices in different lands. Conclusion Relating to different cultures, lands and religions is one that allows perspective to be enhanced and to change. When looking at Jerusalem Stories there is a specific understanding of the Jew, Christian and Muslim beliefs and perspectives toward the Holy Land. This video is able to provide an overview of the concepts which exist in Jerusalem as well as how these link to different levels of understanding about religion. When watching this video, one is able to understand more about a different land, history and the beliefs of individuals when looking at religious and traditional concepts. References ABC. 1997. “ABC News Special: Peter Jennings Reporting: Jerusalem Stories.” ABC News. AIPAC. 2009. “The Israeli – Palestinian Conflict: Statistics.” If Americans Knew. Retrieved from: http://www.ifamericansknew.org/. Read More