Musalsal

Egyptian Musalsalat: A Social Construction of Reality

Egyptian serials are well placed at the heart of Egyptian society, examining all areas of the society. They tackle prevalent social and political issues – such as corruption and oppression – in a way that allows individuals and families to relate to the events or characters of the musalsal. In their crafting of being relatable, but also distant, drama serials serve as a medium to spread information among and to educate the masses. They allow for the construction of a multifaceted understanding of the current social reality. They invite the audience to evaluate current issues, from different viewpoints, as they can relate to certain aspects, while also being entertained, as the serials provide a certain distance between viewers and actors. That being said, television serials have a social responsibility, especially in a developing country, to teach its viewers on the different ways one can achieve happiness.