'America's Got Talent,' U.S. Open and Emmys fete Arab women. FInally.
'America's Got Talent,' U.S. Open and Emmys fete Arab women. FInally.
On Wednesday night, the all-female Lebanese dance group Mayyas was crowned the winner of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” On Monday, Cherien Dabis walked the red carpet in Los Angeles as the first Palestinian woman director to be nominated for an Emmy Award, for Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building.” On Saturday, Ons Jabbeur became the first Arab woman to reach the U.S. Open final.
Although Arab women are not seeking validation from the West, seeing them finally recognized on a global scale is an inspiring and crucially needed corrective to the stereotypes that have plagued them. For too long, narratives have fixated either on their appearance and body shape or their purported role as submissive women to overbearing husbands (unless they’re portrayed as terrorists).
Cherien Dabis arrives for the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, on Sept. 12.Richard Shotwell / Invision/APThe judges on “America’s Got Talent” celebrated the beauty of the Mayyas’ standout routine with all the words appropriate to a seamlessly choreographed dance routine using feathered props, handheld lights and complicated synchronization to wow the audience.
“Astonishing” declared Simon Cowell. Sofia Vergara was even more effusive: “There is nothing that I can say because you guys are the best thing that has ever come across this stage on ‘AGT.’”
But it was judge Howie Mandel’s comment that captured the group's triumph best: “It’s great for women, female empowerment, your culture.” He’s right. Witnessing Arab women flourish on the small screen, showcasing their talents and breaking through the presumption that they are oppressed is widely significant.
Rating: 5