Journal of Mass Communication & Journalism

Amit Lavie-Dinur

Publications

• Research Article
  The Transformation of the Popular Israeli: The Increasing Dominance of Israelis Originally from North Africa and the Middle East
  Author(s): Yuval Karniel and Amit Lavie-DinurYuval Karniel and Amit Lavie-Dinur
  
  In this paper, we offer an important preliminary discussion of the recent changes in the Israeli popular culture. We analyze the transformation in representations of the typical and desirable Israeli in Israeli television over time. Focusing on reality and drama shows, our findings demonstrate how the positive presence of Mizrahi characteristics (Israelis who originated from Arab countries in Northern Africa and the Mediterranean) in Israeli television have shown a significant increase, and dominate the various reality shows broadcasts. Based on our analysis, we argue how the image of the Mizrahi Israelis, previously depicted in popular culture as weak, unsavory, and an object of ridicule, has morphed over time into a popular, appealing character that evokes audience identification. The cultural traits of the popular Israeli character have become increasingly aligned with what is iden.. Read More»
  DOI: 10.4172/2165-7912.1000305

  Abstract PDF