Sheikh Jackson (2017), directed by Amr Salama, can be a confusing film at first glance. It tells the story of Sheikh Khaled, an Egyptian Sheikh whose entire life is slowly upended by the death of Michael Jackson. Khaled’s internal conflicts between his religious obligations and passion for Western pop culture from his youth reflect a deeper struggle of contemporary Arab society as a whole. Cultural hybridity in the context of Middle-Eastern identity is central to the film’s understanding and will be explored throughout this blog.

It is apparent that the pull of globalization and western influences has clashed with expectations of social and religious traditions for the newer Arab generations. Khaled’s internal crisis exemplifies the conflict clearly throughout the film. This duality can be termed “cultural hybridity”, a derivative concept that highlights the blending of two or more influences on an identity. In the context of Sheikh Jackson, it is the blend of global and local influences (Kraidy, 2002). It is particularly prevalent in the Middle East, leading to both internal identity conflicts and negotiations.

In short, widespread globalization enables a “hybridized” sense of self, as young Arabs integrate elements of Western media and fashion into their identities while still feeling bound to family, community, and faith (Kraidy, 2006). These sentiments have grown larger at the advent of social media and post Arab springs, directing global attention towards the Middle East (Smidi & Shahin, 2017).

What importance does cultural hybridity and the themes present in Sheikh Jackson have in contemporary society? Has society progressed since the film’s release? The answers: high importance since the issue has grown since. The themes of identity conflict in Sheikh Jackson are deeply relevant in Arab society, particularly in the context of societal expectations. It is often that an individual has their own goals and aspirations, yet expectations of their behavior limit them to conform to a herd-like mindset (Miladi et al., 2022).  Khaled’s crisis illustrates this exact societal pressure to conform to his predetermined monolithic identity. His struggle for identity is intensified by the diverse cultural symbols and values brought by globalization. While he feels tied to his faith and community, he also longs for the self-expression and freedom symbolized by Michael Jackson. Salama’s portrayal of Khaled’s dilemma highlights how cultural hybridity can lead to “identity dissonance,” a term that captures the experience of not fully belonging to either the traditional or modern aspects of one’s identity (Miladi et al., 2022).

As an Arab youth myself, I understand the almost abstract themes of Sheikh Jackson, with some resonating deeply, especially the portrayal of the increasingly complex identity formation issues. Khaled’s journey is all too relatable for not only Arab youth, but youth in other countries influenced by Western ideals. The film’s messages on self-acceptance and love are impactful, especially in restrictive cultures where societal norms limit self-expression. Khaled’s struggle illustrates the difficulties and need of forging a multifaceted identity.

To summarize, Sheikh Jackson offers an abstract and powerful portrayal about the challenges of cultural hybridity and growing influence of Western ideals, facilitated by social media. Through Khaled’s personal life and journey, the film sheds light on the ongoing tensions faced by different generations of Arabs relative to global influences. The exploration of faith, identity, and freedom reopens a much needed discussion on the evolving nature of identity in a world that is so intertwined. 

References

Kraidy, M. (2002). Hybridity in cultural globalization. Communication Theory, 12(3), 316-339. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2885.2002.tb00272.x

Kraidy, M. (2006). Hybridity, or the Cultural Logic of Globalization. https://doi.org/10.26530/oapen_626979 

Miladi, N., Messaoud, M. B., Alkhateeb, G., Ashour, A., Al-Mohannadi, H., Fetais, A., Alorfe, A., & Alabidi, F. (2022). Digital Youth in Qatar: Negotiating culture and national identity through Social Media Networks. Journal of Arab & Muslim Media Research, 15(2), 151–177. https://doi.org/10.1386/jammr_00045_1 

Smidi, A., & Shahin, S. (2017). Social Media and social mobilization in the Middle East: A survey of research on the Arab Spring. India Quarterly: A Journal of International Affairs, 73(2), 196–209. https://doi.org/10.1177/0974928417700798