In a recent Syrian TV comedy, the popular actor, Yasser Azma, angrily asked a criminal investigator why no action was taken against corrupt officials and politicians even when all their criminal activities were known to the police. The context was that the investigator said in a menacing tone to the comedian, “I know everything you do. I know who you talk to and what you say. I know what your wife says to the neighbor’s wife. I even have such details as how many sugar cubes your wife puts in your tea!”
Since the program was a blunt attack on the country’s bureaucracy, I asked the Syrian Information Minister Adnan Imran if the show was limited to satellite channels broadcast outside the country or if it was also available on domestic Syrian TV. Did ordinary Syrians have a chance to see the show? The minister affirmed that the show was indeed shown in full on domestic Syrian TV just as it was broadcast to people in other parts of the Arab world.
When asked about his reactions to Azma’s biting criticisms, a Syrian politician said the show was immensely popular and was more realistic than the statements of the country’s intellectuals who are ignored by most ordinary people. In fact, the show focused sharply on some of the country’s basic problems as the comedian’s criticisms touched the judiciary, the police and even the ministers. Furthermore, the criticism crossed the country’s borders into other Arabs countries as well.
I respect the country’s reformist and intellectual leaders who strive hard to take their messages to the people. People view with suspicion intellectuals who issue advice and recommendations from their high positions — whether that advice is given to the government or to society in general. Their sincerity is not convincing. On the other hand, comedy shows such as “Al-Miraya” on Syrian TV and “Tash Ma Tash”, a Saudi serial comedy, have become very popular because of the outspoken manner in which political and social issues are treated.
The programs present people’s true feelings and as a result, viewers have never questioned the programs’ honesty or sincerity. Some people simply dismiss the TV shows as mere jokes which cannot possibly offer or suggest solutions to major problems. Yet at the same time, the shows give a real insight into people’s real feelings and comedians mouth the public’s felt — but unexpressed — opinions.
The shows can also aid the decision-making authorities in identifying people’s real problems and difficulties. The administrative system of a country can be strengthened by initiating reforms based on these criticisms. Ignoring the criticisms will only weaken people’s faith in the administration.
Corruption, nepotism and, worst of all, a callous and unresponsive bureaucracy are not mere TV jokes but actual problems which people face in their daily lives. The TV shows may annoy the officials though the public is relieved to a great extent when it sees its real problems presented so realistically. While criticism of government departments — once considered above criticism — and their shortcomings make people more confident, the officials in those departments often find themselves in embarrassing positions from which only they can free themselves.
