Episode 1 of Palestinian Show ‘Mo’: Not As Bad As You Might Expect
David Lange
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Earlier today I posted how some antisemites and Israel-haters hated the show ‘Mo,’ about a palestinian Arab living in Houston. Seeing their reactions, I thought I would give it a go to form my own impression.
So far, I have only seen the first episode, and there is definitely a bit of propaganda sprinkled in: like where the main character refers to “Palestine” (instead of Israel), lamenting he does not have citizenship, and where he claims “hummus” is palestinian (it seems to have originated in Egypt).
But if I am to be honest, this was completely expected. Of course, the first show about the “palestinian-American” experience is going to engage in such propaganda. The question is to what extent? And will it incite hatred against Israel and the Jewish people?
What was surprising – in a good way – was how the conflict has been dealt with so far. In one scene in a hookah lounge, someone who I assume is Mo’s uncle is arguing passionately about the conflict with his friend – a Zionist and Jew – while playing Shesh Besh (Backgammon). The argument is not presented in a way that makes the Jewish guy look like he is in the wrong, and I actually liked the overall message of the scene: that you can have diametrically opposing views to the point of heated arguments, but still be friends.
Perhaps this scene is one of the reasons the antisemites dislike the show. Because from what I have seen so far, Mo is not one of them.
Of course, my opinion might change as I watch further episodes. I’ll let you know either way.
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David Lange
