Perception dictates so much of what occurs within Middle East. The region’s populace is differentiated by a unique inheritance of culture, religion and customs, each cherishing an intimate connection to history and place. In this environment amongst the saturation of such diversities, people assume a passion for their origins and these distinguishable traits are what bonds people to an identity.

Identity, ideas and issues in the Middle East are all subjected to perception. People, in association with their origins, formulate perceptions based around imagery. In light of this, imagery is critical in the discourse of the Middle East, often articulating the course conflict, and influencing decisions. Perception has the ability to infringe on an image. Over time, imagery evolves, as peoples perceptions are evolve, the malleability of perception can stigmatize an image, unjustly portraying an identity or idea. Imagery propagates the course of relationships, whether they be local, national, regional or even international.

Images then have the residue of perceptions on them and can be deceiving, often creating illusions in how people interpret imagery. The illusion of perception in the Middle East is manifested in people’s innate ability to identify the disparities in culture, religion and customs amongst neighbors. Inversely neglecting the history and place shared and intertwined.

Imagery has so much to answer for in the region. Often further vindicating and heightening tension, almost fueling conflict by allowing people to be vilified by image. Conversely, by stripping the region of preconceptions and prejudice, desensitize people to adverse culture and religion, we can humanize conflict promoting a sensitivity to people and sensitivity to place.

Perception in the Middle East can be everything, misapprehending all parties in the region.
Lets make it mean nothing.