Twelve centuries after his death, the Persian poet Jalal al-Din Rumi has become the best-selling poet in the United States and gathered a massive popularity globally, following the English...Show moreTwelve centuries after his death, the Persian poet Jalal al-Din Rumi has become the best-selling poet in the United States and gathered a massive popularity globally, following the English translations of his works. Today, numerous brands owe their name to Rumi. Although this trend started in the United States, in the Netherlands, too, the iconic figure of Rumi has been commodified. The aim of this thesis is to elaborate on how Rumi's contested identity is being claimed so as to befit brand identities in the Netherands. An in-depth Analysis of two cases within the Netherlands where Rumi's name served as an identity marker for marketing purposes will aid answering the question.Show less
“So what happens if I eat what I want, and dress as I want? Too much for you?” Leyla, a woman who lives her life with no constraints, uttered this quote in Palestinian director Maysaloun Hamoud’s...Show more“So what happens if I eat what I want, and dress as I want? Too much for you?” Leyla, a woman who lives her life with no constraints, uttered this quote in Palestinian director Maysaloun Hamoud’s film In Between (2016). In Between portrays Arab women in control of their lives who make their own decisions, even if these are frowned upon by their society. This image differs from those in Hollywood films, wherein Arab women have been depicted in groups covered in black robes following their husbands, for example. As these depictions are repeated, audiences may believe the images presented to them, and formulate stereotypes of Arabs. This topic demonstrates that portrayals of Arab women exist in cinema that challenge the stereotype of disempowered Arab women. Furthermore, this topic highlights Arab women’s diversity and the obstacles they face when breaking away from the image expected of them from their societies. Therefore, this thesis will focus on In Between’s portrayal of Arab women to demonstrate that In Between questions the stereotype of disempowered Arab women, and represents Arab women. In order to do so, this thesis will analyze the cultural identities and femininity of Leyla, Salma, and Nour, In Between’s three main characters.Show less
