Western Degradation Of Middle Eastern Cultures

This is yet another one of my posts that strays away from the general theme of this blog, but I simply could not resist.

I was watching the third Indiana Jones movie just now, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and I could not believe the degrading of Middle Eastern culture that was going on in that movie. I have to admit, I am not a bit surprised, since Western politics seems to forever want to make the world believe that Middle Eastern people still live in the middle of the desert, ride camels, and walk around the street with swords hung around their waists.

If you did not watch Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the movie follows the title star as he searches for the Holy Grail during the late 1930's, early 1940's. In the movie, there is a scene that takes place in Alexandria, Egypt.

All I can say is "Wow!". The way Alexandria and the Egyptian people in general are portrayed is not only incorrect, it is actually also quite insulting. Apparently, Hollywood decided that Egyptians should be portrayed as nomads and beggars and has completely failed to take into account any history.

Late 1930's Egypt was one of the most richest countries in the world. It was a world class destination for people all over Europe. The history and culture they brought to the country can still be seen today in modern Egypt. Cairo, Egypt's capital, was called "Paris of the Middle East" by many foreigners and visitors. If there any interested readers, feel free to read up on your history. There are plenty of sources online.

So here is my question. Why does the West insist on portraying Middle Eastern countries and their citizens as trash? Is it really that much trouble to portray the countries for what they are or were? In Indiana Jones, the production crew did a great job for the scenes that take place in the States and Europe. Would it have been that hard to do the same of the scenes that take place in Egypt?

Unfortunately, this prejudice continues on to this day. Recent movies like The Kingdom do an excellent job of incorrectly portraying Saudi Arabia. How can viewers be so gullible? Saudi Arabia is one of the richest countries in the world. Do you really believe people over there live in shacks like the movie would like you to believe?

All I can say is, ... nothing because no matter what I say, nothing will change.