Comments on: Motorcycle Diaries: the Middle Eastern version

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000

Definitely, but definitely, agreeing with Noorster. My concentration has been shot to hell…

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000

I didn't like it…
They were beyond patronizing.
Then there's the way they brought up the Palestinian vs. Jordanian issue even when noticing the discomfort caused by the subject.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000

I agree with you on all points, and I'm glad you posted your comment. The patronizing attitudes are, I think, born of a cultural disconnect between Arabs and Israeli Jews, but that's an explanation – not an excuse.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000

i liked the story.. didnt think of it as patronising.. and remember hearing similar reports when the first harley davidson convoy from israel toured the mountain roads..

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000

I would love to see the Mideast from the back of my BMW or my BSA! Viva testosteron! Get things done! Ah the road less traveled!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000

a bus would be fine for me

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000

Okay… I like Tzvi, I especially hearing his Arabic, and I like looking at his hair.
HOWEVER.. that was ridiculous.. I felt ashamed on behalf of my people.. not just the condescension (a real Bedouin! look, feel his chest) but also.. the condescension (honey, when Jordanians HOST Israelis on motorcycles.. you know that's real! Yeah!) not to mention the Abdullah fixation, which was also weird.
But the most ridiculous was the motorcycles in the desert. THE DESERT IS NOT MADE FOR MOTORCYCLES.
That illustrated everything infuriating about Israeli culture. Especially their ridiculous motorcycle suits. And their mock graveur: a man down! (Strongly) “It'll be okay”.
I'm being overly critical, and I'm glad you pointed attention to this, but I'm disappointed! I think Txvi is usually a little more sophisticated. Or, less self-involved? Maybe not exactly, but it really rubbed me the wrong way here.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000

Hey Lisa -
I pretty much agree with everything you wrote about Zvi's little report (including the hair ), but not about the shame part. Their outta control (and so boring) Israelismo machismo and patronizing attitudes are their own problem. They don't reflect my attitudes, and obviously they don't reflect yours either.
I thought the camels were cute, though – no?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000

Desert not for Motorcycles??? Can you say “Paris-Dakar”? I knew you could….

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000

yeah, you're right– I'm not really ashamed, I just was expecting something good. Usually I do like Tzvi's little features, and I was let doown.
Sayed Kashua references this flix, by the way, in this weekend's column. You were ahead of the game!