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The Chris Hedges Report

Perfect Victims and the Politics of Appeal (w/ Mohammed el-Kurd) | The Chris Hedges Report

Mar 12, 2025
Mohammed el-Kurd, a Palestinian writer and poet known for his incisive work with The Nation, sheds light on the complex narratives surrounding Palestinian identity. He discusses how Palestinians are often required to curate their stories for Western audiences, sacrificing crucial truths in the process. The conversation dives into the psychological toll on children caught in conflict, the harms of dehumanization, and critiques the notion of the 'perfect victim' imposed by media. El-Kurd's insights reveal the urgent need for a reevaluation of victimhood and resistance in the context of ongoing oppression.
50:25

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Mohammed el-Kurd emphasizes that Palestinians are pressured to present their narratives in simplified terms to appeal to Western audiences, sacrificing the complexity of their experiences.
  • El-Kurd argues that rejecting Zionism as a political ideology is essential for achieving justice and true liberation for Palestinians, highlighting the need for solidarity in anti-Zionism.

Deep dives

Childhood in Sheikh Jarrah

Growing up in Sheikh Jarrah, Mohamed El-Kurd experienced the direct impacts of Israeli colonization as his neighborhood was increasingly encroached upon by settlers. His childhood recollections reveal that his home was half-occupied by settlers, leading to a prolonged atmosphere of harassment and violence. This environment not only subjected him and his community to daily aggression from settlers and military forces but also significantly influenced his perceptions of identity and belonging. El-Kurd emphasizes that this personal narrative reflects the wider Palestinian experience, highlighting themes of displacement, systemic oppression, and the struggle for dignity.

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