“American Misconceptions of Syria”

by Feras Aboukhater | Xchanges 14.2, Spring 2020

Expectations and Stakes

If the second solution suggested above was applied, a very first step of changing Americans’ views towards Syria would be achieved. Americans would then have a source of news that gives a different perspective they have never heard or thought of before. The UN report would ignite Americans’ curiosity of knowing more about normal life in Syria and would eventually give them a rightful view of this country and its people. By doing this, Americans would be more willing to flip their misunderstandings upside down when this war ends, resulting in Syria restoring its position of being one of the safest countries in the world. Of course, it would not change the view of every American because not everyone would see this report, but it would act as a first step. Americans should care about this topic because they don’t know the hidden truth behind what is being presented to them about Syria on TV channels and don’t have the chance to challenge it. This paper gives them a new perspective that allows them to challenge this framing. Furthermore, these viewers won’t be happy if they know that they possess a faulty view towards Syria and Syrians, and that’s why they would be eager to change it. In the next section, I will be discussing how Syrians can react to this misunderstanding in a positive way.