In the last few months, several videos or documentaries shown in North America about the Lebanese have misrepresented them and their culture.

For instance, Oprah’s recent video on Nancy Ajram referred to Lebanon as being ‘deeply conservative’ and contrasted this conservatism with Nancy’s Ajram’s dance moves and an image of a mosque. This video did not include any images of Lebanon’s churches or synagogues or highlight the fact that there are about seventeen different religious sects in Lebanon. This video did not illustrate the fact that most Lebanese women dress very freely or that one of the world’s most famous designers, Elie Saab, is Lebanese and designs some of the dresses that American celebrities, such as Halle Berry or Angelina Jolie, wear at Oscar ceremonies. This video does not mention that Nancy Ajram is only one of many Lebanese artists and that her work is welcomed by the Lebanese public. This video does not represent Lebanon in a holistic way nor does it represent the Lebanese in a way that truly reflects their reality, identity and culture.

Yes, the Lebanese have had their share of conflicts, setbacks and problems but their country is also the place in which the world’s first alphabet was created. Oprah’s video fails to show Lebanon’s vibrant nightlife, colorful festivals, energetic beach parties, rich wine-tasting cellars or evocative history. Her video also fails to include the fact that Lebanon hosted 6th Francophone games this year.

Bakalava Blues, a supposed documentary on the Lebanese, shown on RDI and produced by Piemiento Productions, also misrepresented Lebanese. It misrepresented both the Lebanese living in Lebanon and the Lebanese Canadians who have immigrated to Canada, become Canadian and made Canada their home. This has caused many Lebanese to wonder whether or not there is a political agenda behind these misrepresentations and cultural presuppositions.

Listening to Ramzi’s ‘Love is Blind’, having just listened to Ramez’s ‘Is it too much for Asking’, clicking away at the different festival sites for this summer. I feel like a wave of positive energy is finally dancing about in my beloved birth country –Lebanon.

It feels wonderful that international artists such Michael Bolton and Bob Sinclair are coming along with ones with Lebanese roots such as Paul Anka and Gabriel Yared this summer. It was great to hear of Mika’s visit last year. Regional strife and internal tensions will never overshadow Lebanon’s creativity for too long.

As a citizen of the world, I always remain impressed with the Lebanese’s way of embracing life no matter what turmoil they emerge from. I am impressed to see so much artistic talent emerging among the new generations. Even in Montreal, my other home, I am proud to hear about the success of Lebanese-Canadian artists Karl Wolf and Massari. I am definitely putting up my hands to all these inspirational rhythms.

It feels great to hear about so many Lebanese from abroad taking planes to go participate in the elections. It feels great to see the March 14th team continue to hold on to the Lebanese’s dream of a peaceful home that can have a chance to radiate its energy, creativity, hospitality and talent.

It feels great to see different groups on interactive sites such as Facebook being active and calling upon constructive civil action to bring about positive changes or calling upon them to protect much loved heritages including the group Save the egg who want to protect the Martyr Square’s old cinema, the group Abolish 534 who are struggling to promote gay rights and the group Rescue Lebanon’s Cedar Trees who are determined to protect Lebanon’s national cedars.

It feels great to hear about my friend Melina’s wedding to her long-time love though they are of different religions. It feels great to see so many Lebanese citizens worldwide and their friends reserving tickets to go see their families this summer. While I’m celebrating the end of winter and the eruption of summer here in my beloved Montreal by throwing a little party, I’m proud to be able to do so by having a bottle of wine from Ksara or Kefraya that are both available here at the SAQ. I am happy to be able to buy hommos and Lebanese bread from any supermarket and to get small cucumbers coined ‘concombres Libanais’ from the much loved Adonis supermarket.

May this wave of inspirational energy be allowed to last for a long time and may all who embrace it feel its energizing power.

Nathalie Malhamé
Montreal, Canada