LLB Certificate: First Convert
I was pleasently surprised when I received an email from Tyler Hanley, after receiving my "Looks Like Beirut" Certificate in response to my post:
Dear Jad,
I received my "Looks Like Beirut" Award in the mail today, and I’ll
admit, it was an eye-opener. Not only did it make me re-think the
Beirut stereotype so many of us Americans were essentially raised
with, but it also made me appreciate the Internet and how seas and
sand no longer block people in Lebanon from reading one of my movie
reviews, or from someone in Palo Alto from reading your thoughtful
blog. So, although I know the award was meant to be insulting (likely
akin to how you perceived my review of the movie "Terminator
Salvation"), I actually appreciated it.From this moment forward, I will no longer use Beirut as an example
of an area with heavy explosions. I will avoid that cliche as much as
I would a sadistic dentist. And thank you for introducing me to your
insightful blog. Please continue your effort to inspire creative
writing and put an end to the "looks like Beirut" cliche too many of
us writers use thoughtlessly.Best,
Tyler
Tyler Hanley
Online Editor
Palo Alto Weekly/Palo Alto Online
http://www.PaloAltoOnline.com
I really appreciate the email and comment from Tyler and I honestly did not mean it as an insult (actually I haven’t had a chance to see the movie either). I have been reading disaster comparisons to Beirut since 2000 and I’ve felt that its time to take matters into my own hands. All I wanted to do, amusingly, was to show that as our world get smaller the stereotypical comparisons that plagued the media in the past need to be rethought.
Once again, I would like to thank Tyler for the email and I wish you a "Beirut-free" success.
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Comments
Dear Jad,
Well done. Your idea about the LLB is wanted. It apparently worked!
It was a pleasant surprise when I came across your blog.
I subscribed to it around 2 weeks ago and have read your updates daily. What you’re doing to fight stereotypng in general and Beirut in particular is great for us all. Carry on the good work, we need you!
Best regards,
Dany Kfoury
Sagesse High School
Reply
Thank you for the great comment. For all of you who aren’t really familiar with my life, Dany Kfoury is hands down one of the best teachers you will ever meet; made my life at Sagesse much more memorable.
I think a trip back to Lebanon this January is in order and I’ll definitely make sure to pass by the school to meet up. Pass on my regards to all the teachers and staff that are still around.
Reply
I really like his reply, he’s honest and fair. The way you were able to change someone’s stereotype with such an action truly puts me in awe. Very very good work. I will be reading you all the time now.
Keep up the good work! And if I stumble on anything like that, I will make sure I will send you the link (if you’d like)
Reply
Hi Liliane,
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it!
I’m quite excited and I hope that I can get the same reaction from the other recipients – no response from them yet.
If you do come across any articles then please do not hesitate to email me on jad(at)jadaoun(dot)com.
Reply
This is indeed great news!
I love it!