A Balanced Media

We do it despite the stereotypes and negative influence of those who continue to craft a biased picture of the Middle East—those who often celebrate the antagonists while putting the protagonists in the villain's role. ALO and a few select media in the US attempt to showcase the best of both worlds. But maintaining a balanced position is not an easy task.

Western ideals are not being blended with the thousands of years of culture in the Middle East. We are doing our best to further our mission of showcasing a side of the Middle East―and its citizens in diaspora―that most of the West never sees.

Celebrating our diversity and remaining true to our commitment to draw a real image of the culture remains the focus in every issue. However I must admit I feel somewhat trapped in my own world at times. Like many others, sometimes I am reluctant to stay silenced from the political scene, given how misconstrued and mangled the truth can become.

There is a significant constituency in this world that still oozes favoritism toward one culture versus the other and one religion vs. the other because that pleases the people in power and fills deep pockets. It seems that justice no longer exists because the majority rules.

We all want a voice. Middle Easterners in general lack the true voice with the massive campaign of negativity that always surrounds it. And we hope that with every article, we help you experience this journey; for this is the reason that ALO magazine exists. We tell it the way we see it.

Free of bias and challenging those who think of others as insignificant. The truth is that the Middle East can never be ignored. It must never be misunderstood. It should never be treated as the only culture of terror because terror can always come from any religion, government and faction―and it does.

With that in mind, we embarked on an ambitious survey, where we hoped to take the pulse of the public. The results, in my humble opinion, are pretty amazing. While all of the data is still being compiled, I felt it was important to give you the overview and to share a couple of the most important findings.

We hope that by bringing our findings to light will foster more love and understanding. For only these qualities can patch wounds and heal centuries of conflict and manipulation. ALO will continue to be that little voice that whispers "What if?”

• What if you explore a little bit of the culture during a visit to learn about the people at first hand?
• What if you shut your eyes and stop seeing colors, or boundaries or language barriers?
• What if you just look and observe and stop listening to what others tell you?
• Wouldn’t that change the way you think?

Now in ALO we begin a journey of healing and open dialogue. We welcome you as our partner, reader, explorer, friend and family. We are reaching out, and we trust you are listening.

Sounding Off

A public survey sounds off on how the mainstream media treats the Middle East and what Middle Easterners need to overcome it.

We’ve recently concluded our first extended public survey since 2010. Putting a finger on the pulse of the customer is always a good idea in business, and our business is no exception. We drafted the questions with the help and input of numerous community leaders, who took advantage of the opportunity to ask some of their most burning questions.

The survey was conducted from June 1 to August 20, 2013, via Survey Monkey and disseminated e-mailings, and 1,442 people replied to most of the 21 questions. ALO will present the full survey online, but we couldn’t wait to summarize some of the most interesting results.

On Media Bias

Respondents, mostly Caucasian, nearly universally agreed there is typically a mainstream U.S. media bias when the Middle East is portrayed.

BIASED ... 74%

UNBIASED ... 19%

NEUTRAL ... 7%

Some Comments:

“…different media sources will give a different slant on news and events regarding the Middle East depending on their political affiliation, or what corporation runs that media institution. It’s difficult to trust the mainstream media to portray a complete, well-rounded, and unbiased image of the Middle East.”

“I find it difficult to believe that we are all terrorists.”

“It’s always negative for men; guys are terrorists and the girls are exotic beauties.”

Overcoming the Bias

Readers and the public alike were asked what they think Middle Easterners need to overcome to achieve a positive media slant. Here are the numbers for the top five responses (more than one response could be given):

STEREOTYPES/UNFAIR JUDGMENTS ... 43%

POLITICS ... 20%

AMERICAN BIGOTRY ... 17%

RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM ... 11%

Responses:

“We do not need to overcome anything. We need to accept the culture here. If we choose to live here, we need to adapt to the culture and not the other way around.”

“I don’t know if Middle Easterners need to overcome negativity or the media does. That’s part of the problem, given that we don’t know if there is another side to the story.”

Insights on U.S.-Middle Eastern Business Affairs

This is an article that appeared in the September/October 2012 issue of Premier Traveler magazine.

Growing up in war-torn Lebanon, Wafa Kanan’s life story covers an unlikely transformation from underdog to overachiever. It was no small feat when as a young woman  raised by a conservative family, she had launched both a travel agency and an import/export business while obtaining college degrees in law and political science—all by the age of 19. But when the continuing conflicts in Beirut cost her these businesses, she decided to start a new life for herself in Los Angeles.

Since relocating in 1990, her list of accomplishments has continued to grow exponentially. In addition to successfully establishing ALO magazine (a nationally distributed lifestyle publication devoted to Middle Eastern Americans), she has worked closely with the governments of Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan, the Sultanate of Oman and other countries in the Middle East to coordinate $5 million of public relations for the region. During these campaigns, Kanan stressed the importance of both philanthropic and media representation, noting, “When both work together concurrently, it makes a huge difference for the country.”

As president of the brand marketing firm Unique Image, she was careful to build its business model around this very concept. Working under the umbrella of both Unique Image and the ALO Cultural Foundation, she has worked with hundreds of nonprofit organizations, most recently ensuring the delivery of 1,000 hearing aids to underserved families in Lebanon under the “So Lebanon Can Hear” mission. When asked what the most difficult part of such a massive, international undertaking was, Kanan replied: “Devoting the time, efforts and financial resources to make this project a reality in a difficult economic climate, while keeping a profitable business model and leading a non-profit organization based on volunteers.”

One point of pride is Unique Image’s fruitful partnership with the Chambers of Commerce in Dubai and Oman. Her trailblazing strategizing was instrumental in their rapid development on the world stage. But difficulties can arise in the region and it’s sometimes necessary to be nimble in their wake. When dealing with the government of Egypt, for example, Kanan had a three-pronged model in mind that would enhance Cairo’s sustainability. It addressed job creation, media exposure and the continuation of humanitarian efforts she had begun with orphans in the country, thus improving their education. “However, in a meeting with the minister of social services, I knew immediately that the country was headed towards a major revolution,” she laments. “Our pro-bono efforts remain in limbo because of the government’s myopia towards philanthropy.” Still, she has high hopes for the nation and has kept a dialogue going so that one day they might return.

According to Kanan, the difference between a successful campaign and a flopped deal can all come down to who you know—the importance of networking cannot be understated. But rather than focusing on superficial connections via LinkedIn, she recommends trying to associate with others on a personal level when at all possible. Find like-minded people in your field, she says, and the movers and shakers will come to you. It’s because of this practice that she now counts the former vice mayor of Beirut as her close and personal friend. Both share an ambitious vision of a future Lebanon that’s not just free of conflict, but thriving. In 2006, the two played an important role in establishing sister city status between the cities of Los Angeles and Beirut. With food, fun and entertainment as the three tenets of Middle Eastern hospitality (something that is taken very seriously in the region), you’ll find it’s not all too difficult to make worthwhile connections when you’re a foreign visitor as long as you’re willing to put yourself out there.

On Travel

Between her various worldwide projects, Kanan finds herself flying an average of twice a month (airline miles are reserved for charity work, which she says makes it easy for a business traveler to give back). Regardless of the industry, she notes that we live in a global economy and recommends travel as a means to gain perspective that will bring something new to your work. Although she admits that the experience isn’t as glamorous as it once was— “Welcome reception for weary travelers and the sense of  hospitality are sorely missed at many domestic airports in particular, but also at many international airports”—she commends the cities that are still able to deliver an exceptional experience. Who, in her opinion, is at the top of the game? She gives Qatar high marks for its superior airport facilities in Doha and the eponymous airline for its “elite experience and unparalleled quality of service.”

Insider Business Advice

As an undisputed expert on Middle East-American business affairs, Wafa Kanan shares some of her valuable insight with Premier Traveler to help readers avoid any snafus along the way to a profitable business deal in the Middle East.

• First and foremost, she cautions people against the erroneous belief that the region has one uniform culture. “Each country is proud of their nationality and they have high-esteemed ideas regarding who they are and where they come from. So, I believe learning about the culture should be one of the most important steps to doing business there. Otherwise your time and efforts can be misdirected and a waste.”
• “Take a gift or some token of appreciation when visiting a home or a business.”
• “For some cultures, a woman should not pay at a restaurant, even in a business setting; a man might get offended.”
• “Hospitality is important, so accept it and make sure you return the gesture with a thank-you note.”
• “Do not shake hands with covered women or attempt to touch or hug them. Make sure you keep your hands on your chest with gratitude when you greet a person. A woman should also not shake the hand of a man with religious customs unless he extends his hand first. In an open society where citizens enjoy religious freedom, the shaking of hands is perfectly acceptable, but observation of a culture is critical.”
• “Do not plan a meeting outside the office if you mean to do serious business.”
• “It is noticeable that most countries in the Middle East stress the importance of status, power, position and brand. They like to work with those who are on top of their game. Everyone loves a winner, right?”
• “Work the corporate ladder but seek to meet the decision makers. Always compliment your counterparts and be yourself. Trust is a major part of the deal and if there is a sense of mistrust or dishonor, it’s a deal breaker.”
• And what is the one common denominator she’s observed that ties all countries in the region together? It’s not at all dissimilar to what we’ll find at home. “Everyone wants to know what’s in it for them. It’s all about the end results.”

~ Ally Miola

ADVISORY: Developing a sharper image of Middle Eastern Americans

***ADVISORY***

ALO Cultural Foundation presents
Expanding Perspectives
Developing a sharper image of Middle Eastern Americans

Co-hosted by
Hon. LeRoy D. Baca, Los Angeles County Sheriff
and
ALO Magazine, America’s Top Middle Eastern Lifestyle Magazine

Who:
LeRoy D. Baca, Los Angeles County Sheriff
Wafa Kanan, Publisher of ALO Magazine and Founder, ALO Cultural Foundation (www.alofoundation.org)

Invited Guests: Hon. Governor Jerry Brown of California, Octavia Nasr, CNN's Chief Middle East correspondent for 20 years; Rima Fakih, Miss USA 2010; Joseph Hayek, Publisher of the Arab-American Almanac.

What:
“EXPANDING PERSPECTIVES: Developing a sharper image of Middle Eastern Americans”, a unique symposium brings together corporations, media, government agencies, educational institutions, and social agencies to unify cultures and promote tolerance to become a world class citizens .

Where:
Sheriff's Department Headquarters
Media Conference Room
4700 West Ramona Boulevard
Monterey Park, CA 91754
RSVPs: ALO Cultural Foundation 818/727-7785

When:
Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 1:00 P.M.–3:00 P.M.

Why:
The ever growing population of Middle Easterners is often misunderstood. As a nation still holding onto negative stereotypes, this symposium seeks to illustrate our similarities, facilitate diversity issues through healthy and authentic cross cultural relationships. It will seek a change for misconceptions perpetuated by the media as we present opportunities to shape public policy decision-making in an emerging community while asking “How do we shorten cultural distance and promote diversity, inclusion and understanding?”

How:
A panel of experts from the diverse landscape of the United States will be assembled for cross-cultural collaboration. Along with Sheriff Baca, Kanan—one of the foremost experts in cross-cultural tolerance and education—opens a frank and diverse discussion between an intimate gathering of cultural, media, and business leaders, and educators that will ultimately lead to a greater understanding of Middle Easterners in America.

Carry the Torch

As we celebrate ALO's rapidly growing worldwide distribution, including at retail giants, national and international airlines, luxury hotels and more, it is important to share with you what ALO brings to its readers and the mission it serves. ALO is the first and only Middle Eastern lifestyle magazine; an illuminating, educational and entertaining read for our community. It is written to further awareness of the glamour and culture of the Middle East, North Africa and the Mediterranean and the Middle Eastern community in the United States.

In a climate where diversity is the focus of major corporate America, governments and visionaries, ALO is the vital steppingstone toward building cross-cultural awareness and bilateral relationship toward the emerging Middle Eastern Market. Walking in the footsteps of Ebony and Latina magazines, ALO reaches one of the most influential, educated and passionate communities in the U.S. ALO represents a new marketing avenue to tap in this under-served and affluent community.

We encourage you to join our other Ambassadors, Dr. Farouk El-Baz, Director at Boston University; California State Senator George Runner; musical superstars Yuri Mraqadi, Diana Haddad, Assi Hillani and international violinist Joseph Chamaa, as we continue providing strength and inspiration to the community to turn our fondest dreams into reality.

Become an ambassador today. Email me: wafa@uniqueimageinc.com

Miss USA to Grace the Cover of ALO magazine

No one turns heads like the reigning Miss USA Rima Fakih. In between coast-to-coast trips from Dearborn to New York City to Los Angeles, Fakih squeezed in some interview time with our editors in what promises to be an eye-popping, enlightening insight into her whirlwind promotional tour, her meteoric rise in popularity and her connection to her roots.

As the controversy for this beauty queen spins around her with the media bashing her as a small town girl from South Lebanon, Fakih stands with poise. The poise, her eye on the future and her vast intelligence are quickly shaping her reign as queen. These are the defining aspects that some media with a mind on propaganda fail to address.

The exclusive ALO interview shows the reality behind this beauty and what shapes the American Dream.

Magazines hit the newsstands and book stores in October.