Photo by Nasser Ayoub, via jordantimes.com

Queen Rania steps up on YouTube to break down stereotypes

Queen Rania of Jordan has launched an official YouTube page, with an exclusive message on the importance of cross-cultural dialogue in breaking down stereotypes, reports Michael Ireland, chief correspondent, ASSIST News Service.

According to the Petra News Agency, using one of the most cyber-savvy platforms for dialogue, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah on Monday launched her presence on YouTube with an urgent message to the world’s young people, asking them to join in a global dialogue to recognize our commonalities.

“In a world where it’s so easy to connect to one another, we still remain very much disconnected. There’s a whole world of wonder out there that we cannot appreciate with stereotypes,” said the Queen.

The Queen urged viewers to respond with their opinions of the Middle East and to acknowledge stereotypes they’ve heard of Arabs and Muslims. The Queen said she would work towards breaking down these preconceptions over the next few months.

“I want people to know the real Arab world – to see it unedited, unscripted and unfiltered – to see the personal side of my region – to know the places and faces and rituals and culture that shape the part of the world I call home,” she said.

The conversation will continue until International Youth Day, on August 12. Until then, Queen Rania hopes that YouTube users all over the world will actively work together to identify misconceptions and seek out the true images of the Middle East.

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[04/03/2008]

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