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00:00:00 – 00:57:11
Professor Edward W. Said delves into various topics in the video, from his personal experiences with illness and reflections on life to his views on Palestinian rights and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Said emphasizes living in the moment, challenges prevailing discourse on Israel, criticizes American support for Israel, and advocates for mutual recognition and equality. Additionally, he touches on his approach to teaching literature over politics, the significance of education in critical consciousness, and the importance of peace processes and human rights movements in the Arab world. The video concludes with a discussion on the ongoing conflict in South Lebanon and a teaser for the next segment with author Bey Severini.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, Professor Edward W. Said speaks about his book “Reflections on Exile,” highlighting how the title reflects the condition of being away from one’s place of birth. He discusses his attachment to New York, especially its anonymity and energy. Said praises Columbia University for its challenging students, supportive faculty, and excellent facilities. He shares a past experience of receiving death threats due to his activism for Palestinian rights but clarifies that he has never integrated politics into his teaching of literature.
00:05:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses his approach to teaching literature over politics, recounting instances of student interruptions during protests. He mentions preference for reading newer books and enjoying escape through reading due to health challenges. The speaker details his leukemia diagnosis and the emotional journey he underwent, stressing the value of life and personal fulfillment in light of his illness. He reflects on changes in relationships post-diagnosis, including reactions from close friends and acquaintances.
00:10:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses his battle with illness, particularly leukemia, and the experimental treatments he is undergoing. He mentions a tumor in his stomach that shrunk but is now returning. The speaker emphasizes the importance of living in the moment rather than thinking about long-term survival. Additionally, he talks about an upcoming book that consists of a collection of interviews spanning over 25 years, showing a photograph taken for the book cover. The speaker recalls a memorable interview discussing the Palestinian problem and the history of Palestine.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses an interview with an Israeli who asked questions about the events of 1948 and Palestinian suffering. The interview was held in New York in early August 2000 and published by a leading Israeli journal, sparking discussion in Israel. The speaker criticizes the prevailing discourse in American journalism as being closed and dominated by a Zionist point of view, while highlighting the importance of considering the Palestinian narrative in discussions about Israel. The New York Times’ historical stance on Zionism is also mentioned, concluding that the paper is not anti-Israel, despite occasional criticisms of Israel’s policies.
00:20:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the New York Times’ editorial stance on Israel and Palestine. He explains the concept of Zionism as believing in a Jewish homeland in Palestine. The speaker delves into the historical significance of Palestine, its associations with various civilizations, and the controversial aspects of his own birth in Jerusalem. Moreover, the speaker addresses a critic’s attempt to delegitimize his Palestinian roots despite his family ties and upbringing in the region.
00:25:00
In this part of the video, the speaker talks about being in Egypt and Lebanon, being misquoted by someone who tried to discredit them, visiting their family’s house in Jerusalem, and the circumstances leading to the creation of Israel in 1947. They discuss the disorganized Palestinian population, British involvement, Jewish immigration, the tragic aspect of the refugee situation, the presence of Palestinians as “natives”, and the military defeat of Palestinians in 1948. The speaker highlights the planned displacement of native inhabitants by Zionist leaders and the wave of Palestinian refugees that followed.
00:30:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses their family being refugees from Palestine, with most Palestinians being scattered worldwide. The speaker, from a Christian background but part of an underlying Muslim group, highlights the struggle of Palestinians for recognition and self-determination, contrasting this with the perception of Israel as a democracy. They point out discriminatory policies in Israel regarding land ownership and lack of declared borders, challenging the notion that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. The speaker criticizes American support for Israel, attributing it to ignorance of the Palestinian perspective and the complexities of the region, including the autocratic regimes supported by the U.S.
00:35:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses how the United States supports certain Arab governments despite their human rights abuses due to strategic interests and access to oil in the region. They emphasize the important role of both Israeli and non-Israeli Jews in criticizing Israel’s policies and upholding human rights standards. The speaker addresses the historical events surrounding the creation of Israel, pointing out research that challenges the narrative of a war of liberation and discusses the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes. They express a belief in the potential for a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a culture of coexistence rather than military force, emphasizing the need for mutual recognition and equality. The speaker questions the large amounts of American taxpayer dollars being sent as aid to Israel, Egypt, and Jordan, particularly the substantial military aid being provided to these countries, arguing against such spending.
00:40:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the allocation of American tax dollars for military purposes, particularly criticizing the funding that goes to Israel due to their military actions against civilians in Lebanon and their occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. The importance of supporting peace processes, enfranchisement of women, and human rights movements in the Arab world is highlighted. The speaker also touches on their relationship with Arafat and expresses distrust in religious movements. Additionally, they emphasize the significance of education in developing critical consciousness and resistance against biased media portrayals, advocating for a deeper understanding beyond simplistic narratives.
00:45:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the significance of writer Walter Lippmann, contrasting his establishment views with the speaker’s more distant relationship to power. Lippmann’s career trajectory from radical socialism to a trusted pundit for major publications is highlighted, emphasizing his shift towards uncontroversial and conforming commentary. The speaker expresses admiration for alternative journalists like Christopher Hitchens and Alexander Cockburn and notes that today’s journalists seem less inquisitive and more focused on career advancement compared to the past.
00:50:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses teaching classes intermittently due to health issues and the importance of facing them head-on. It is emphasized to find a doctor you trust for long-term care. The speaker shares about their family and wife, highlighting her calming presence. They mention their Lebanese background and how it is perceived in a predominantly Jewish community at Columbia University. The speaker praises the American university system, contrasting it with other parts of the world. Lastly, they briefly touch on a misconception regarding a story about throwing a rock in Lebanon.
00:55:00
In this part of the video, the speaker describes an incident where people threw stones across the border, which led to a photo being taken out of context and sensationalized in the press. The discussion shifts to the ongoing conflict in South Lebanon, occupation, torture, and destruction by Israelis. The speaker expresses a grim outlook on the current situation but mentions a potential solution lies in Israelis realizing they cannot defeat Palestinians and the emergence of likeminded people on both sides working towards coexistence. The video concludes with a reference to the speaker’s book, “Reflections on Exile,” and a teaser for the next segment featuring author Bey Severini.