Culture and Religion - Essay Example

? Introduction The ability to accurately describe a specific film and the way that it works with representing culture and religion differs according to perspective and viewpoint of those looking into the film. When considering Turning Point Jerusalem, a film representing the three faiths of Jerusalem, there is an understanding of historical and cultural relevance to the overall account. While the particular film is able to move into a closer view of the specific components of Jerusalem, there are missing links in describing the depth of history that is in the region. The perspective of the narrator and those who are watching the film limit the information to be inclusive of specific events of interest and which are easier to follow with the film. While this particular film is able to provide an overview to the current conflicts and the complexities of the region, there is still the need to move further into the history of Jerusalem and the practice of religions that continue to dominate over the region. Historical Feedback of Film There are several balanced points with the history of the film, as well as limitations in recounting the realities of the three faiths in Jerusalem. Generally, the narrative of including the Jewish, Christian and Islamic religion into one film is one which defines an equal balance. The viewer is able to see how each of the dynamics between the religions works within the region and represents a component of life among those that are involved in Jerusalem. More important, the timing for each one, personal stories and the link to the basic history of the development of the religions is balanced. The viewer is able to get an overview of what occurred in the region as well as how this has affected others that are living in the region today. The concept of balancing the history is one which is also seen as effective in terms of relating the 4000 year history to today. The narrators are able to show how the long history can be traced back by all of the religions. This, in turn, becomes a reason behind the conflicts today. Most of the historical conflicts become ingrained with each of the generations, religious beliefs and the aspects that are associated with the region. These are combined with an understanding of how some of the central conflicts, because of their deeply rooted problems with obtaining the Holy Land, have led to continuous misunderstandings at a social, political and individual viewpoint. The video is able to interpret this specific understanding of history clearly and effectively. This specific balance then gives the viewer a general insight into the complexities of both history and the current day conflicts that are a part of the region. While there is a balance from this perspective in terms of the historical feedback, there are also several elements that limit what is told from all three perspectives. The first type of imbalance is from the timing of the video. This doesn’t provide in – depth insight into the historical findings, different interpretations and other livelihoods of what has occurred within all three religions. Instead, it skims the surface of what is occurring and creates a generalized dynamic about the specific region. When one moves into the deeper history of Jerusalem or looks at other aspects or perspectives, different pieces of information may be found that are either contradictory or which provide further insight outside of what the film offers. The imbalance between stories continues with the perspective which is taken in terms of the audience. The historical component is to look at how the 4000 year old history has affected Jerusalem and created roots of conflict in the city. This is followed by the perspectives which show the deeply rooted opinions and behaviors of those who are in the city. The movement into the roots and the examination of how the ideals are today leads to a gap in the history. There is an understanding of what has occurred in the beginning and how this has changed today. However, there are other layers of history which take place in a 4,000 year time frame which is glimpsed over. The highlights of history, instead of moving more in – depth over the facts and the historical insights then limits the knowledge and history of what has occurred in the region over time. Biased Outlooks to Certain Groups Another aspect of the video that creates some differences is the bias that is shown throughout the film. Technically, there isn’t a difference between all three of the groups. Each receives the same amount of time in discovering and interviewing the roots of the region as well as the understanding of how this has led to conflicts. The amount of time for the different explorations as well as the movement into delving into the ideals creates a different understanding and interpretation of the groups and shows a sense that there isn’t a bias. However, when examining the film closely, it can be seen that the representation are biased, specifically which works in favor with the Christian faith in Jerusalem. The filming is one which shows the Christian religion in the best aspects, specifically in terms of worship and faith. The details of the interviews as well as the representation of history show that this religion is one which has progressed in the area. While the Jewish and Islamic religions have the same time frame, the explanation and the way in which the narration is given doesn’t give as much light to the religion. The first reason for this may be based on the Western viewpoint, specifically which favors Christianity in society. This favoritism by the producers allows the ideal of Christianity to be explored in a different manner. The perspective is one which appreciates the Christian religion in the discovery of the history of religion in Jerusalem in a different way. In contrast, the Jewish and the Islamic religions seem more foreign and only move across the surface of the religious beliefs represented. The narrative, production of the images and the approach to the representation of Christianity are all ways in which this bias is shown. Another aspect which relates directly to this aspect is the concept of the viewer. The documentary is made for a Western audience, most likely which has a stronger understanding and application toward Christianity. It is expected that most of the viewers will be in the United States and will either be practicing Christianity or have a reverence toward the religion. In the same respect, most in Western society are interested to Judaism through historical concepts such as World War II. The current events with Islamic ideals also may change the spectator viewpoint toward one that is biased. Catering to these specific ideals and making sure that there is an understanding of the religions that are misunderstood by audiences becomes as important. Since Christianity is a part of the Western culture, the spectators can easily view and understand the meaning behind the history and the interviews. However, the misinterpretations of Judaism and Islam in Western society cause the narration and the overview of the spectators to change. Focusing on explaining the other religions and creating a general understanding with the spectator viewpoint of religion then leads to bias in the film. There are different levels of understanding and interpretations in society, all which have to be matched with the content that is given. Recommending the Video There are two perspectives that I take on recommending this video, depending on who the person is and what their interest is. The only time that I would recommend this video to another person is if they don’t have a concrete ideal of what is in Jerusalem. If there is a bias about the war, the Middle Eastern area or the different religions, then this serves as a strong basis for the needed perspective among those that want to know more about the area. In general, this perspective can help to close the gaps of those who aren’t familiar with the history of Jerusalem and the religions which are a part of the region. It can also close the gap with misunderstandings about the generalizations associated with religion in general. From this perspective, it creates a better viewpoint of those who are interested in history and the link to current world events. While I would recommend this video to those who aren’t familiar with the history of Jerusalem, I wouldn’t give this video to an individual who already knew about Israel, different types of religion and the way in which the history was built in the area. Unless there were misconceptions about the region, this wouldn’t serve a strong purpose in allowing individuals already familiar with the region and the conflicts of religion to get more in – depth knowledge. Instead, it would only widen the perspective in terms of the bias created in terms of Christianity, while catering to the Western viewpoint. Other videos and materials would need to be given to the individual if the video is recommended to give a better and more in – depth insight into the region. This can serve as a foundation for understanding Jerusalem and the conflicts of religion, but is limited without other materials. Conclusion The ability to understand the conflicts within a region are inclusive of gaining insight into the several perspectives about the area. When looking at The Turning Point with Peter Jennings, there is an understanding of the basic history in Jerusalem and how this relates to the overall history of the region. The interviews, as well as the overview of the area which is given, provides insight into what has occurred in this area as well as what has happened since this time to create a sense of conflict. This particular video works effectively for those who aren’t familiar with the deeply rooted issues of Jerusalem. However, the insight and overview doesn’t move into the richer history that is a part of the region. It also carries a sense of bias toward the Western understanding of culture and religion, making the viewpoint limited in terms of the complexities of a 4,000 year history that has developed through time. Works Cited Jennings, Peter. “The Turning Point.” ABC, 1996. Read More