‘If your wife asks you to change diapers, change your wife’: Lebanon’s hit show parodying the patriarchy
Summary
A feminist Arabic comedy series called Smatouha Minni uses humor to critique rising sexist ideas in the Middle East. The show parodies male influencers who promote strict gender roles and mistreatment of women, aiming to open conversations about women’s rights that are often considered taboo.Key Facts
- Smatouha Minni is a feminist TV series filmed in Beirut, Lebanon.
- The show’s creator, Amanda Abou Abdallah, says patriarchal attitudes are becoming stronger in the region.
- It mocks "red pill" ideology, which claims men are victims of women's dominance and encourages male power over women.
- Some male influencers in the region have large followings and promote harmful advice, like avoiding domestic chores or marrying multiple wives.
- The series started in 2020 due to a lack of feminist content in Arabic that relates to local cultural realities.
- Topics like women's health, harassment, and marriage pressures are usually hidden or avoided in Arab media.
- Western feminist ideas don't always fit Arab societies because of their focus on family and community instead of individualism.
- The project is supported by Khateera media house and the NGO Womanity, which works to reduce gender inequality through media.
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