The Havok Journal, an on-line publication featured an
article entitled: “Jihadis, Poetry and the Ongoing Bromance of ISIL: Are We
Sending The Right Message?” (see: http://www.havokjournal.com/national-security/jihadis-poetry-and-the-ongoing-bromance-of-isil-are-we-sending-the-right-message/?utm_source=Havok+Journal&utm_campaign=233c4aaba2-Havok_Journal_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_566058f87c-233c4aaba2-213402489
which is also the photo source.)
The main thesis of the article was that dominating the
information high ground against Daesh will require taking the offensive with
the poetry and music that is a part of the Arab culture. In support of this position,
the article states that Osama Bin Laden was recognized for his eloquence of the
classics and postulates that poetry is the way that Daesh communicates.
The author notes: “Rather than littering
Raqqa, as we recently have, with pamphlets full of cartoons and meat grinders
to try to push disenfranchised Muslim youth or already hardened ISIL fighters
away from the cause, we should engage them in dialogue they understand and
inculcate.[7] Suggesting that Uncle Sam should
sit down and pen ISIL a poem to open up dialogue seems like a ridiculous
stretch, but if we put this responsibility in the hands of those capable of
crafting the right message, perhaps we can take this understanding of culture
and use it to our advantage.”
Is this really “a ridiculous stretch”?
I frankly don’t think so. The essence of communication is that the messages are
in tune with the receiver’s system. Deciding what media to deliver the message
is a different decision than what the messages ought to be. Leaflets may or may
not be the right medium in that particular AO, however, we must not lose sight
of the fact that the messages are more important.
Understanding the culture is a
prerequisite to crafting and delivering effective messages. Having said this,
truly understanding a culture is not a trivial matter or a quick undertaking.
One needs to enlist not only the reservoir of published material, a degree of
immersion, preferably with a group of knowledgeable and cooperative ‘natives’
of that culture is another key ingredient.
Given that we will be engaged for quite
a long time, this investment seems not only prudent – but, necessary.
As always, reader comments encouraged.
No comments:
Post a Comment