Syrian household soap and film favorite heroes, who tackle social problems on the big screen, are letting the people down in the real world. They are rallying around the Assad regime instead of standing up for their people and fans in revolution.
With enough disappointment for the Syrian people at this time, given their President’s broken promise to them for reform, and his treacherous attack on them in the streets, this is another slap in the face for Syria. It is said that Assad asked the Syrian actors and actresses to reflect Syrian society in their shows, and he assured them of his continued work and support for the reform program of change he had already embarked on.
Syria like Egypt is home to a flourishing film and TV drama industry – the Hollywood of Arabia is now equally spread between Syria and Egypt, the two centres of Arabic teaching also. These actors and actresses are revered and enjoyed in the far corners of the Arab world, but are most treasured at home in Syria.
Now a revolution of hope for the people of Syria has turned into a revolution of disappointment, as the the sha-ab or ‘people’ looked to their celebrities, the leading light of Syrian pride, for inspiration and courage, only to to met with betrayal. Familiar household faces are now the faces of strangers, as the elite actors and actresses of the Arab film core in Syria have turned their backs on the people struggle in favor of the Regime.
In the last week, a list of Syrian Shame as it’s being tagged has emerged. This list names and shames the Syrian actors and actresses who appeared on Facebook pages in their anti-revolution platforms, supporting the Regime that has let the people down. Critics of this Syrian people snub, ask the question- Have these national idols no shame? These successful figures who hold pride of place in the bosom of the Syrian family room have not yet realized that their fame and fortune came from the people- who- when it comes to celebrity- make you and can ultimately break you.
One of the most universally acclaimed Syrian dramas that has become synonymous with the Syrian drama industry, Bab El-Hara, set in a traditional old-Damascus scape and depicting the heart of the Syrian character, portrays these same actors reflecting real gritty Syrian social issues and afflictions, from revolution and heroic deeds of Syrian people to daily domestic concerns. However it seems that when it comes to real-time crisis on home soil, these actors are shown up as just that—paid professionals.
Once more, Al Bawaba shines a spotlight on the fickle nature of celebrity and where their support lies at a timewhen their fans need real-life heroes and not just fictional ones.
