By The supremacy of Western media isn’t just a theory, it’s a historical fact. It has always shaped ideas, actions, and even societies. And for the Palestinians, it is much more accentuated because of their sociopolitical situation. Occupied, scattered and with a partially fragmented sense of nationalism, Palestinian civilization has turned out to be a resistant blend of heritage, struggle and contemporary designs. Yet, the global impact of Western media brings both benefits and problems, and, to some extent, changes cultural practices, self-identification, and the international perception of the Palestinian cause.
Another consequence is the fact that the Western media is quite successful in molding global perspectives about certain areas, in this situation, a part of Palestine. As a consequence, most Western observers only consider a semiotic demarcation of two groups engaged in the human conflict, a coverage grid that doesn’t recognize the multi-layered structure of the reality that was formed by colonialism, violent occupation and population displacement. This one-sided view diminishes the international community’s comprehension and appreciation of the richness of Palestinian people and their culture, history and hopes, and their existence is simply summarized as an issue of people’s trouble, or as a statistic.
Concurrently, the emergence of social media platforms and other Western-Orientated spaces enables the Palestinians to present their own stories. With the help of Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube, Palestinian activists, artists, and writers who bypassed these gatekeepers were able to confront such stereotypes and promote real cultural representation. Characters such as Mohammed El-Kurd and institutions such as Eye on Palestine are among those who have been presented as valid sources in the West for the purpose of changing the discourse and for the representation of the Palestinian culture and struggle.
A quite blunt instance of Western hegemony over Palestinian culture especially in the case of the consumption of Western movies and music as well as lifestyle is the global appreciation of these things. The likes of American films, music, and television shows are now common without exceptions and Palestine is not an exception. Just like their peers elsewhere in the world, young Palestinians indulge in the western culture disgustingly in the proportion of of all other cultures in many influences.
In fashion for example, Palestinian national dress is worn alongside styles inspired by Western stars. American culture has also changed perspectives; portraits of America may be found on Palestinian flags, thickening a paradigm of an assimilation culture. Western cultures bring about values of individual liberty, and materialism. And this sometimes conflicts with the other perspective that is more communal and more geared towards the fight. For example, the glorification of self
Social media, a byproduct of Western media culture, has become both a blessing and a burden for Palestinians. On one hand, platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram provide tools for Palestinians to share their art, music, and stories with a global audience. This visibility has led to increased awareness of Palestinian culture, including its vibrant traditions like dabke dancing, embroidery, and cuisine.
On the other hand, these platforms are also a source of cultural dilution. Algorithms prioritize Western content, often overshadowing local voices. For example, Palestinian youth might find themselves more familiar with the latest trends on TikTok than with their own folk music. Additionally, censorship of Palestinian content on platforms like Facebook and Instagram—often due to pressure from pro-Israel lobbyists—highlights the limitations of relying on Western-owned media for cultural expression.
Language is a core component of cultural identity, and Western media’s dominance has significantly impacted the Arabic language in Palestinian society. English has become increasingly prevalent, particularly among younger Palestinians, who often mix English phrases into their everyday conversations. While multilingualism is undoubtedly an asset, the prioritization of English can sometimes come at the expense of Arabic, including its rich literary and poetic traditions.
Furthermore, the consumption of Western media often introduces concepts and terminologies that are alien to Palestinian culture, subtly shifting societal norms. Discussions about gender, sexuality, and mental health, largely driven by Western discourse, are becoming more prominent in Palestinian society. While these conversations can be empowering, they also sometimes create tensions between traditional and modern values.
Despite these challenges, Palestinian culture remains remarkably resilient. One of the most striking examples of this resilience is the way Palestinians have adapted Western media tools to serve their own ends. Palestinian filmmakers, for instance, have used Western cinematic techniques to tell deeply local stories. Films like Omar by Hany Abu-Assad and Paradise Now explore the complexities of life under occupation, blending global cinematic language with distinctly Palestinian narratives.
Similarly, Palestinian musicians are incorporating Western genres like hip-hop and electronic music into their repertoire, using these styles to address themes of resistance and identity. Artists like DAM, a Palestinian hip-hop group, use rap—a genre born out of the African-American struggle for justice—to speak about oppression, displacement, and hope. This fusion of Western and Palestinian elements showcases the adaptability of Palestinian culture, transforming external influences into tools of empowerment.
However, the pervasive influence of Western media also carries the risk of cultural erosion. As Western ideals of individualism, consumerism, and modernity seep into Palestinian society, traditional practices and communal values can sometimes be overshadowed. For instance, traditional Palestinian crafts like embroidery and ceramics face declining interest among younger generations more attracted to Western fashion and technology. Moreover, the homogenization of global culture—driven by Western media—threatens to erode the distinctiveness of Palestinian identity. The allure of Hollywood, Netflix, and Western social media influencers often overshadows local storytelling and cultural preservation efforts.
Navigating the influence of Western media on Palestinian culture requires a delicate balance. On one hand, embracing elements of global culture can lead to innovation and growth, allowing Palestinians to participate in a connected, globalized world. On the other hand, preserving the uniqueness of Palestinian culture requires intentional efforts to prioritize local traditions, language, and values.
Educational institutions and cultural organizations in Palestine play a crucial role in this process. By integrating media literacy into education, they can help young Palestinians critically engage with Western media, appreciating its benefits while resisting its more corrosive effects. Additionally, supporting local art, literature, and storytelling initiatives can ensure that Palestinian culture continues to thrive in the face of external influences.
For Palestinians, the opportunity is in using the tools provided by Western media to air their voices, but also having their own forms of organization and resistance to what mostly seems like a colonial enterprise; preserving culture while vehemently opposing its homogenization.
Western media may have diluted some aspects of Palestinian culture; their story is still one of fortitude. While the political and social landscape exert tremendous burdens on Palestinians, they make their identity felt transforming exogenous forces into tools for preservation and resistance. In this strange context they are always bringing evidence to the rest of the world that no matter how huge the foreign pressure, the culture and identity of a people can overcome all adversities, survive, evolve and flourish.
