Brieana Williams Elementary Arabic I found the story of what is happening during the Palestinian occupation, baffling. In America one does not really hear of the news happening around the world if it has little to do with what is happening in current American culture. I also thought the way they were treated in some of the refugee camps was terrible and had no idea to its happening previously. It is disturbing how they could treat human beings like such. However, the music was actually amazing and I found it great how supportive of one another they are.
I found this documentary very interesting on several levels. Firstly, I had very, very rudimentary knowledge of the issues between Israelis and Palestinians, so seeing the depth of injustice and discrimination against the Palestinians and the active suppression of their culture was very jarring. Seeing the anger this kind of oppression breeds turned into something positive, however, was very uplifting to see. It is very interesting how the culture embraces, and often times, encourages, the young men and, sometimes women, to become hip-hop artists. The communities look to these groups not as young riff-raff but as role-models and the preservers and teachers of culture. I found it very interesting the magnitude and high-esteem with which these artists are held, and in contrast to the way American culture views hip-hop as it is nowadays mainly a source of entertainment, and not the vehicle of knowledge and awareness that it was in its initial years, this was very refreshing. Watching the inception of the groups like DAM and PR and rise in popularity of these artists was like discovering the music for the first time. Their successes are made even more significant in light of the arbitrary prison sentences and the several hours waiting at the checkpoints and the dangers of every day life, and the way these groups persevere and convey their message despite the physical and political limitations is something to be admired.
I thought this movie was quite interesting. I really liked and was able to connect with the rappers in this movie with our love for music. Rap is not my favorite type of music, I only really like Eminem, but I do understand fully their love for music. I cannot even imagine living in the conditions that they are. I will be honest though, I do not know where I stand on the Gaza strip and west bank being separated from the rest of Israel. Being Jewish I guess I should side with the Israelis, but to be one hundred percent honest, I do not feel like I know enough about this topic to have an opinion on it. Whose land is it? I don’t know. It is history that goes back a long way, it is hatred that goes back a long way. I will say though that I do think the hatred both sides have for one another is horrible. On a lighter note, I thought it was really cool that the girl rappers were getting their chance too. Of course it must be extra hard for them because that “is not what girls are supposed to do” but I think it is cool that they are still finding a way to pursue the passion that they love. Also I thought it was really funny how when the car broke down on the highway that they used the hookah to poor oil I believe into the car. I never would have thought of that, but thinking about it, a hookah could be used for this.
Natasha LaBalle ARAB 1001 I really, really enjoyed this movie. Over in the United States, we don’t often hear about the Palestinian side of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The movie was a necessary insight into the difficulties and atrocities endured by the Palestinian people residing in what is now Israel. I have a newfound sympathy for the Palestinian people in Israel/Palestine. I cannot imagine what it’s like to be reduced to the position of a refugee in your own country. The way the checkpoints and other aspects of the military occupation prevent people from moving around freely is just ridiculous. It’s also very sad to see the prejudice and discrimination directed at Palestinians or other Arabs who live in the region. However, with all the negativity that was present in the movie, it was also very uplifting and positive. It was very inspiring that the young, Palestinian hip hop and rap artists are using their anger, outrage, and hurt to create music that inspires others, motivates political action, and conveys their side of a story that is usually only presented from the Israeli side, especially in American media. I was especially impressed that there were young women becoming involved in this musical movement and hopefully their visibility in the musical community can inspire other girls and young women to pursue their own goals and dreams. Similarly, I was very happy that the parents interviewed in this movie were supportive of their sons and daughters and proud of the work that they are doing through their art. All in all, it was a very good film and it caused me to reexamine a lot of what I had previously been taught or read in the news about what is going on in Israel-Palestine.
Emily Richardson 1001 I LOVED the movie! It was great to see their entire journey. From the very beginning they started out with their inspirations from American rap. They began learning English to better understand the lyrics and were really inspired by the racial struggle in America. It loved that they grew to realize that they could rap in Arabic and keep up with politics to spread the want for Palestinian rights. The best part of the movie was that their music represented the Palestinian struggle against the Israeli occupation. It was definitely a different perspective, it was a great movie.
For starters I didn't know all of that was going on over there. I knew that Israel becoming it's own country caused problems but I didn't know that it was that bad. I thought it was interesting in the difference between the rapers here and the rapers there. Here they sing about drug, sex, and money. But there they sing about how they are terrorist in there own country for being Palestinian. The rapers here talk about what a hard time they had growing up in the hood, but what DAM members were going through was much worst. Another difference is how they live off the stage. Here they rap stars have huge mansions and bodyguards and can get away with saying whatever they want. Over there they still live in the same house. They don't have any bodyguards, and even got questioned by cops just because they were speaking Arabic.
This movie was really interesting, and I believe it is to everyone. Once upon a time Rap music in America had a purpose and a meaning behind. Some still does, but it is very hard to find. To my surprise, Rap music in America inspire these Palestinian rappers to spark a change and to get themselves heard. Their struggle and how it was captured in the film made me want to start rapping! I never knew just how badly they're treated until I watched this film. A MUST SEE.
This film was extremely well put together and inspiring. I greatly enjoyed watching this film. I had heard of the conflict between Israel and Palestine but this film was an eye-opener to the conflicts. The part where the two rappers were thrown in jail for throwing rocks at Israeli police officers made me tearful of how they were being treated. I couldn't believe their horrible treatment for being Palestinian and being in opposition of the oppressing government. I loved they're resilience in their lyrics of promoting their cause. I will definitely recommend this film to others.
The film Slingshot Hip Hop surprised me on multiple levels. First where I live Israel can do no harm my family seem to be obsessed with helping them. However after seeing this movie I can't help but wonder why we are helping terrorists. Why are we helping an oppressive government control people who want just what everyone wants something better for their children. At the very least let them leave the country it seems more like they don't want anyone knowing of their dirty deeds but it should be more well known. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to Justice everywhere." MLK said that once upon a time in a land full of will to change I hope Palestine has its chance to be recognized as people in their own land. Not foreigners on foreign soil.
I never really took the time to understand what the actual relationship was between Israel and Palestine. It's more than a small bit disheartening to think about how this relationship is portrayed through American media. Since we are currently allies with Israel, the pro-Israel news is usually the only news we ever hear. The film reminded me that to really understand someone or something I cannot trust what other people tell me, but I must find this out for myself through my own research or discoveries. I was somewhat skeptical of the film at first when I realized it was about rap/hip-hop. I would not really classify myself as a big hip-hop fanatic so I thought it would be a bit dramatized and over the top. However, the film focused mainly on the hardships and struggles of the Palestinian people which definitely seemed to be the bigger issue.
Seeing how the Palestinians live like that every day, I can see why a lot of them want to just give up hope, drop out of school, or become drug dealers because there is nothing else for them to do. They don’t have the necessary distractions like we have on America to keep us occupied with our time instead of wasting it. One thing I also can see is how they use music as an outlet for their oppression. The young generation is learning that music spreads love instead of hate and using that tool they can release any tension they feel inside themselves. I am sure that there is a lot of anger built inside the Palestinian people but it is nice to see that there is not just a stereotypical person that we see on the news receiving bad press now we see a side of people that I believe others should see. I wish all of America could see this video, I am sure that a lot of hearts of the people will change and sympathize with the Palestinians.
Seeing how the Palestinians live like that every day, I can see why a lot of them want to just give up hope, drop out of school, or become drug dealers because there is nothing else for them to do. They don’t have the necessary distractions like we have on America to keep us occupied with our time instead of wasting it. One thing I also can see is how they use music as an outlet for their oppression. The young generation is learning that music spreads love instead of hate and using that tool they can release any tension they feel inside themselves. I am sure that there is a lot of anger built inside the Palestinian people but it is nice to see that there is not just a stereotypical person that we see on the news receiving bad press now we see a side of people that I believe others should see. I wish all of America could see this video, I am sure that a lot of hearts of the people will change and sympathize with the Palestinians.
I really enjoyed the film. It was great to see how something that is inspiring for one culture can also inspire and give the same hope to another culture. I was especially inspired by the women. They face the same struggles and hardships as the men but added on top of that are the limitations their own culture puts on them. For them to continue to do this is something women from around the world can be inspired by. Danaris Madera ARAB 1001
Chase Kerrins Arabic 1001 This was a look at Palestine that I had not seen. I had originally seen the film Promises discussing about the younger generation in Palestine and Israel. I enjoyed the film because it still involved the youth of Palestine just in a different light. The message that is in their music truly gives you an idea of the struggle that is going on over there without having witnessed it. Promises was a film that showed how Israeli children and Palestinian children are capable of becoming friends and getting past each others cultural identities as well as showing how hard it is for them to get past these identities. The struggles that occur for the Palestinians is heart-breaking and after seeing the film it is evident that their are more barriers that must be crossed in order for the countries to coexist and not have that hatred for on another. The artists in the movie took a better approach to the issues than just going and fighting with rocks and stones. They created something that will last longer and live on even past their time.
This documentary talk about how to bring hip hop alive back in Palestine. But the problems are that the Israeli are blocking their carrier way because the Israelis are conquering the Palestine country. DAM is the music groups that are trapped in Gaza and are controlled by Israelis. So DAM makes good music and in their lyrics they talk about religious and ethnic discrimination. DAM is very inspiring musicians they even had a girl in the group who sang very well and made shows and performances but the society doesn't accept her being a female artist. The best part of the movie was the song the DAM created was about that “who is the terrorist” this song was about saying why and how we are terrorists on our own country, they felt like strangers to each other on the country.
Awesome movie! I thought it was great how it covered to totally different aspects. This is probably what interested me the most. Music was one, then they also addressed and focused on troubles and hardship in Palestine and on the Palestinian people. I was shocked at the settings and refugee camps. I knew it was bad but did not expect what I saw at all. It's hard to imagine what's in the movie because we don't see it here. On the other hand, the music was great! I loved how DAM used their lyrics and in general I thought the music was very enjoyable! I will definitely be looking them!
Austin Branham Arab 1001 Slingshot hip hop was a great and inspiring documentary that really shows what life is really like in the Palestinian territories. In the west we normally get our impression of the people in Palestine through a filter of what our leaders want us to hear. But this documentary shows that the people there are just like us here in America they love the same music we do go about their days hanging out with friends and family. The conditions these people live under are a tragedy anybody no matter what their race or religion would be up in arms if they lived there. But the way they preserver and cope with their stress through hip hop was inspiring and uplifting. It was also great to see young women become major players in Palestinian hip hop and to have great support from their families.
I found slingshot hip hop to be very interesting movie. I really enjoyed that i got to see what goes in another country. It should me that the Palestinians are no different from me and the rest of my friends. I also liked how this movie showed the hardships and i took there struggle to heart because we have all wanted to just give up at some point . And lastly i like how they found music as a way for them to express whats going on in there life.
I enjoyed this movie so much. It was really great getting to see how these young men where able to use hip hop to try and make a difference in the community. I really had very little knowledge about the conflict between Israel and Palestine and this movie showed some of the real horrors of this conflict. We also get a chance to look at how Palestinians feel and how they are trying to cope which is very interesting since we as westerners usually don't get to hear this side. One thing that caught my attention was the one rapper who used is raps at a child center and helped the kids to discover who they are and that they deserve a better life. That they should grow up to be outspoken and stand against being looked down on. This movie does a great job on showcasing on what exactly music can do to help change lives and maybe even the world.
Brieana Williams
ReplyDeleteElementary Arabic
I found the story of what is happening during the Palestinian occupation, baffling. In America one does not really hear of the news happening around the world if it has little to do with what is happening in current American culture. I also thought the way they were treated in some of the refugee camps was terrible and had no idea to its happening previously. It is disturbing how they could treat human beings like such. However, the music was actually amazing and I found it great how supportive of one another they are.
Jackie Simmons
ReplyDeleteArabic 1001
I found this documentary very interesting on several levels. Firstly, I had very, very rudimentary knowledge of the issues between Israelis and Palestinians, so seeing the depth of injustice and discrimination against the Palestinians and the active suppression of their culture was very jarring. Seeing the anger this kind of oppression breeds turned into something positive, however, was very uplifting to see. It is very interesting how the culture embraces, and often times, encourages, the young men and, sometimes women, to become hip-hop artists. The communities look to these groups not as young riff-raff but as role-models and the preservers and teachers of culture. I found it very interesting the magnitude and high-esteem with which these artists are held, and in contrast to the way American culture views hip-hop as it is nowadays mainly a source of entertainment, and not the vehicle of knowledge and awareness that it was in its initial years, this was very refreshing. Watching the inception of the groups like DAM and PR and rise in popularity of these artists was like discovering the music for the first time. Their successes are made even more significant in light of the arbitrary prison sentences and the several hours waiting at the checkpoints and the dangers of every day life, and the way these groups persevere and convey their message despite the physical and political limitations is something to be admired.
Darby Galler
ReplyDeleteArabic 1002
I thought this movie was quite interesting. I really liked and was able to connect with the rappers in this movie with our love for music. Rap is not my favorite type of music, I only really like Eminem, but I do understand fully their love for music.
I cannot even imagine living in the conditions that they are. I will be honest though, I do not know where I stand on the Gaza strip and west bank being separated from the rest of Israel. Being Jewish I guess I should side with the Israelis, but to be one hundred percent honest, I do not feel like I know enough about this topic to have an opinion on it. Whose land is it? I don’t know. It is history that goes back a long way, it is hatred that goes back a long way. I will say though that I do think the hatred both sides have for one another is horrible.
On a lighter note, I thought it was really cool that the girl rappers were getting their chance too. Of course it must be extra hard for them because that “is not what girls are supposed to do” but I think it is cool that they are still finding a way to pursue the passion that they love. Also I thought it was really funny how when the car broke down on the highway that they used the hookah to poor oil I believe into the car. I never would have thought of that, but thinking about it, a hookah could be used for this.
Natasha LaBalle ARAB 1001
ReplyDeleteI really, really enjoyed this movie. Over in the United States, we don’t often hear about the Palestinian side of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The movie was a necessary insight into the difficulties and atrocities endured by the Palestinian people residing in what is now Israel. I have a newfound sympathy for the Palestinian people in Israel/Palestine. I cannot imagine what it’s like to be reduced to the position of a refugee in your own country. The way the checkpoints and other aspects of the military occupation prevent people from moving around freely is just ridiculous. It’s also very sad to see the prejudice and discrimination directed at Palestinians or other Arabs who live in the region. However, with all the negativity that was present in the movie, it was also very uplifting and positive. It was very inspiring that the young, Palestinian hip hop and rap artists are using their anger, outrage, and hurt to create music that inspires others, motivates political action, and conveys their side of a story that is usually only presented from the Israeli side, especially in American media. I was especially impressed that there were young women becoming involved in this musical movement and hopefully their visibility in the musical community can inspire other girls and young women to pursue their own goals and dreams. Similarly, I was very happy that the parents interviewed in this movie were supportive of their sons and daughters and proud of the work that they are doing through their art. All in all, it was a very good film and it caused me to reexamine a lot of what I had previously been taught or read in the news about what is going on in Israel-Palestine.
Emily Richardson 1001
ReplyDeleteI LOVED the movie! It was great to see their entire journey. From the very beginning they started out with their inspirations from American rap. They began learning English to better understand the lyrics and were really inspired by the racial struggle in America. It loved that they grew to realize that they could rap in Arabic and keep up with politics to spread the want for Palestinian rights. The best part of the movie was that their music represented the Palestinian struggle against the Israeli occupation. It was definitely a different perspective, it was a great movie.
For starters I didn't know all of that was going on over there. I knew that Israel becoming it's own country caused problems but I didn't know that it was that bad. I thought it was interesting in the difference between the rapers here and the rapers there. Here they sing about drug, sex, and money. But there they sing about how they are terrorist in there own country for being Palestinian. The rapers here talk about what a hard time they had growing up in the hood, but what DAM members were going through was much worst. Another difference is how they live off the stage. Here they rap stars have huge mansions and bodyguards and can get away with saying whatever they want. Over there they still live in the same house. They don't have any bodyguards, and even got questioned by cops just because they were speaking Arabic.
ReplyDeleteJoselyn Wilson
ReplyDeleteArab 1001
This movie was really interesting, and I believe it is to everyone. Once upon a time Rap music in America had a purpose and a meaning behind. Some still does, but it is very hard to find. To my surprise, Rap music in America inspire these Palestinian rappers to spark a change and to get themselves heard. Their struggle and how it was captured in the film made me want to start rapping! I never knew just how badly they're treated until I watched this film. A MUST SEE.
Kacie Thorne
ReplyDeleteARAB 1001
This film was extremely well put together and inspiring. I greatly enjoyed watching this film. I had heard of the conflict between Israel and Palestine but this film was an eye-opener to the conflicts. The part where the two rappers were thrown in jail for throwing rocks at Israeli police officers made me tearful of how they were being treated. I couldn't believe their horrible treatment for being Palestinian and being in opposition of the oppressing government. I loved they're resilience in their lyrics of promoting their cause. I will definitely recommend this film to others.
The film Slingshot Hip Hop surprised me on multiple levels. First where I live Israel can do no harm my family seem to be obsessed with helping them. However after seeing this movie I can't help but wonder why we are helping terrorists. Why are we helping an oppressive government control people who want just what everyone wants something better for their children. At the very least let them leave the country it seems more like they don't want anyone knowing of their dirty deeds but it should be more well known. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to Justice everywhere." MLK said that once upon a time in a land full of will to change I hope Palestine has its chance to be recognized as people in their own land. Not foreigners on foreign soil.
ReplyDeleteBrandon Alexander
Arab 1001
I never really took the time to understand what the actual relationship was between Israel and Palestine. It's more than a small bit disheartening to think about how this relationship is portrayed through American media. Since we are currently allies with Israel, the pro-Israel news is usually the only news we ever hear. The film reminded me that to really understand someone or something I cannot trust what other people tell me, but I must find this out for myself through my own research or discoveries.
ReplyDeleteI was somewhat skeptical of the film at first when I realized it was about rap/hip-hop. I would not really classify myself as a big hip-hop fanatic so I thought it would be a bit dramatized and over the top. However, the film focused mainly on the hardships and struggles of the Palestinian people which definitely seemed to be the bigger issue.
Tyler Reeves
Elementary Arabic 1001
Seeing how the Palestinians live like that every day, I can see why a lot of them want to just give up hope, drop out of school, or become drug dealers because there is nothing else for them to do. They don’t have the necessary distractions like we have on America to keep us occupied with our time instead of wasting it. One thing I also can see is how they use music as an outlet for their oppression. The young generation is learning that music spreads love instead of hate and using that tool they can release any tension they feel inside themselves. I am sure that there is a lot of anger built inside the Palestinian people but it is nice to see that there is not just a stereotypical person that we see on the news receiving bad press now we see a side of people that I believe others should see. I wish all of America could see this video, I am sure that a lot of hearts of the people will change and sympathize with the Palestinians.
ReplyDeleteJulius Smith
ReplyDeleteArabic 1001
Seeing how the Palestinians live like that every day, I can see why a lot of them want to just give up hope, drop out of school, or become drug dealers because there is nothing else for them to do. They don’t have the necessary distractions like we have on America to keep us occupied with our time instead of wasting it. One thing I also can see is how they use music as an outlet for their oppression. The young generation is learning that music spreads love instead of hate and using that tool they can release any tension they feel inside themselves. I am sure that there is a lot of anger built inside the Palestinian people but it is nice to see that there is not just a stereotypical person that we see on the news receiving bad press now we see a side of people that I believe others should see. I wish all of America could see this video, I am sure that a lot of hearts of the people will change and sympathize with the Palestinians.
I really enjoyed the film. It was great to see how something that is inspiring for one culture can also inspire and give the same hope to another culture. I was especially inspired by the women. They face the same struggles and hardships as the men but added on top of that are the limitations their own culture puts on them. For them to continue to do this is something women from around the world can be inspired by.
ReplyDeleteDanaris Madera ARAB 1001
Chase Kerrins
ReplyDeleteArabic 1001
This was a look at Palestine that I had not seen. I had originally seen the film Promises discussing about the younger generation in Palestine and Israel. I enjoyed the film because it still involved the youth of Palestine just in a different light. The message that is in their music truly gives you an idea of the struggle that is going on over there without having witnessed it. Promises was a film that showed how Israeli children and Palestinian children are capable of becoming friends and getting past each others cultural identities as well as showing how hard it is for them to get past these identities. The struggles that occur for the Palestinians is heart-breaking and after seeing the film it is evident that their are more barriers that must be crossed in order for the countries to coexist and not have that hatred for on another. The artists in the movie took a better approach to the issues than just going and fighting with rocks and stones. They created something that will last longer and live on even past their time.
Isa Saleem ARAB 1001
ReplyDeleteThis documentary talk about how to bring hip hop alive back in Palestine. But the problems are that the Israeli are blocking their carrier way because the Israelis are conquering the Palestine country. DAM is the music groups that are trapped in Gaza and are controlled by Israelis. So DAM makes good music and in their lyrics they talk about religious and ethnic discrimination. DAM is very inspiring musicians they even had a girl in the group who sang very well and made shows and performances but the society doesn't accept her being a female artist. The best part of the movie was the song the DAM created was about that “who is the terrorist” this song was about saying why and how we are terrorists on our own country, they felt like strangers to each other on the country.
Awesome movie! I thought it was great how it covered to totally different aspects. This is probably what interested me the most. Music was one, then they also addressed and focused on troubles and hardship in Palestine and on the Palestinian people. I was shocked at the settings and refugee camps. I knew it was bad but did not expect what I saw at all. It's hard to imagine what's in the movie because we don't see it here. On the other hand, the music was great! I loved how DAM used their lyrics and in general I thought the music was very enjoyable! I will definitely be looking them!
ReplyDeleteAustin Branham Arab 1001
ReplyDeleteSlingshot hip hop was a great and inspiring documentary that really shows what life is really like in the Palestinian territories. In the west we normally get our impression of the people in Palestine through a filter of what our leaders want us to hear. But this documentary shows that the people there are just like us here in America they love the same music we do go about their days hanging out with friends and family. The conditions these people live under are a tragedy anybody no matter what their race or religion would be up in arms if they lived there. But the way they preserver and cope with their stress through hip hop was inspiring and uplifting. It was also great to see young women become major players in Palestinian hip hop and to have great support from their families.
Kenya Jeffers
ReplyDeleteArabic 1001
I found slingshot hip hop to be very interesting movie. I really enjoyed that i got to see what goes in another country. It should me that the Palestinians are no different from me and the rest of my friends. I also liked how this movie showed the hardships and i took there struggle to heart because we have all wanted to just give up at some point . And lastly i like how they found music as a way for them to express whats going on in there life.
Tony Hudson
ReplyDeleteArab 1001
I enjoyed this movie so much. It was really great getting to see how these young men where able to use hip hop to try and make a difference in the community. I really had very little knowledge about the conflict between Israel and Palestine and this movie showed some of the real horrors of this conflict. We also get a chance to look at how Palestinians feel and how they are trying to cope which is very interesting since we as westerners usually don't get to hear this side. One thing that caught my attention was the one rapper who used is raps at a child center and helped the kids to discover who they are and that they deserve a better life. That they should grow up to be outspoken and stand against being looked down on. This movie does a great job on showcasing on what exactly music can do to help change lives and maybe even the world.