Shifting Perceptions of the Middle East
US-Iran Case Study
April 2, 2003
6pm – 9pm
The Asia Society
725 Park Avenue
New York, NY USA

“Shifting Perceptions of the Middle East: A US-Iran Case Study; What Can Culture Do?” was ICD’s second conference in New York and the first of the Shifting Perceptions of the Middle East series. Co-sponsored by The Asia Society, the panel discussion was hosted at their New York City head quarters and was open to the public. The Panel was made up of Dr. Hamid Dabashi -- chairman of the department of Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures at Columbia University -- and an expert on Iranian film, Dr. Nasser Hadian, Chair of the law and political science department at Tehran University, and famed Iranian artist Shirin Neshat.

The discussion began with Dr. Dabashi speaking of culture and diplomacy and the relation they have together. Having covered the theory behind cultural diplomacy, Dr. Hadian then spoke on the issue of diplomatic relations between Iran and the US, and his experiences with both imported American culture and exported Iranian culture. Finally, Ms. Neshat discussed her experiences as an exiled artist and a cultural diplomat. The conference was finished with a Q&A session open to the audience. One common theme ran through out all of the speakers. Since the breakdown of formal state sponsored relations between Iran and the US, culture has not just become more important in Iranian-American relations, it has become vital.

Shifting Perceptions of the Middle East
Case Study US-Iran Relations

What can Culture do?

Wednesday, April 2, 6-9 pm
Asia Society and Museum

As a new war is waged in the Middle East, Iraq and Iran have been increasingly demonized in American public discourse. Perhaps more so than its historic Iraqi foe, Iran has long had a peculiar sway on American imagination. From the vainglorious reign of the Shahs to the somber days of the Islamic revolution, Iran has continued to fascinate and unsettle the United States. Glib branding, however, has too often cast a dark veil on an authentic apprehension of the complex forces at play within the country.

Away from political and journalistic spin, the institute for culture diplomacy wishes to present another – more intimate – face of Iran. On the threshold of unpredictable maelstrom, what misinformed images do we have of one another? And how can cultural mediums provide us with more nuanced and humane mutual perceptions?

Film and Politics

In the first New York edition of the icd Forum for Young Leaders (FYL) series, we will focus on film and politics in Iran. Hamid Dabashi -- chairman of the department of Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures at Columbia University -- is an expert on Iranian film. He will present contemporary Iranian cinema and the role films play in shifting perceptions of Iranian society both within and beyond the Middle East. Famed Iranian artist Shirin Neshat will screen one of her acclaimed short films and discuss the political substance she imparts to her work. Nasser Hadian, professor of law and political science at Tehran University, will sketch a portrait of Iran “on the ground” – its contemporary political dynamics, its youth, and its own versatile perceptions of the West and the United States.

icd promotes non-partisan political rapprochement through in-depth cultural exchange. The
Forum for Young Leaders Program builds on a network of young professionals, motivated students and cultural actors worldwide. This FYL event will be co-sponsored by the Asia Society and Museum. We hope to see you at this next icd conference.

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2003, 6–9 pm, including a small reception
Place: Asia Society and Museum, 725 Park Ave. at 70th Street, New York, NY
Language: English

Please register by e-mail: nyforum4youngleaders@culturaldiplomacy.org
This event is free to the public.

Back to top