NationStates Jolt Archive

I make a brief reappearance to bring you this rather interesting and uncommon insight into the contemporary Arab cultural world... Joumana Haddad, a young lady from Lebanon, feels that the human body, in all its aspects, in underrepresented in the Arab world. Few would say the opposite. So she's launched a cultural magazine which will explore, in writing and in images, the human body, through various lenses - from the philosophical and the artistic to the sexual (and the philosophically, artistically sexual, no doubt). The magazine is in the Arabic language, designed for an Arab readership. It has photos of naked bodies. Not (primarily) for shock value, but to make the human body an open topic of discussion, observation, interest, admiration, or whatever way people want to react to it.

To her and the magazine staff / contributors, I say: Rock on! A most interesting, challenging, and no doubt courageous idea. Long may it prosper.

Here's the link to the magazine's website:
http://www.jasadmag.com/en/index.html

And here's an article about it in France 24:


The first edition of a risqué Arabic cultural quarterly that threatens to inflame sensibilities across the Arab world has hit news stands in Lebanon.

Jasad, or “body” in Arabic, is a glossy that tackles the issue of the human body – from every possible angle. It aims to be artistic, intellectual, scientific, literary, sociological… and sexual.

Published in Beirut, the color glossy includes features, columns and essays on a range of subjects including cinema, literature and the arts.

But its frank portrayal of the human body, with scant regard for longstanding taboos, has raised eyebrows across the Arab world. The magazine presents, for instance, artwork by artist Ninar Esber, daughter of the famous Arab poet Adonis. Esber’s cutting edge work deals with nude figures, some in provocative underwear, as well as risqué pieces featuring dildos and sex toys.

Jasad founder-editor Joumana Haddad, 28, believes it’s time to challenge the Arab world’s sensitivity about sexuality.

“We must break these taboos, stop the hypocrisy and schizophrenia that reign in Arab countries when it comes to issues concerning the body,” she says.

On sale in Lebanon, but seeking a wider audience

Jasad is expensive by Lebanese standards, costing 15,000 Lebanese pounds ($10). But the magazine’s launch has been a success, according to Haddad.

“My distributor in Lebanon was astonished. He told me the magazine is selling well - even in little villages,” she said, before adding, “Out of a run of 7,000 copies, 4,000 were sold in just 11 days.”

The magazine is currently on sale only in Lebanon.

But Haddad has her eyes set on a wider readership, even though much of the Arab world is deeply conservative and is likely to take offence with the magazine’s risqué contents.

She has already received letters warning her that “God will punish” her and that she is “corrupting younger generations.”

Even her family and friends were against her launching Jasad.

“They told me it was not the right time,” Haddad says. “It wasn’t an easy thing to do, and I expected criticism. But I’m not afraid of the threats. I’ve stuck to my guns and I believe my passion has won over any doubts I might have had.”

A rich tradition of Arabic erotic literature

And it is precisely this passion that led her to launch Jasad. “I want to write for people like me,” she says. “Everybody is fascinated by the human form. I want to offer readers the opportunity to go to a newsstand and buy a magazine like this – if that’s want they want.”

Haddad notes that sex wasn’t always a taboo subject for Arabs. “This is a subject that has only become taboo over the last 300 years. This was not the case when you look back beyond that time span. During the Middle Ages there was plenty of good Arabic literature concerning the body - with none of the modern taboos attached, works such as The Perfumed Garden and The Thousand and One Nights.

“And Jasad intends to revive this literary tradition, to highlight the body, to meditate on the Arabic language and its relationship with the body.”

The first issue does not hold back any punches and will certainly make the prudish blush.

Topics include homosexuality, fetishism, masturbation, cannibalism and the very notion of pleasure itself.

There are features with pornographic and erotic film actors and even a cookery page containing aphrodisiac recipes.

But Haddad insists she is not out to peddle porn.

The young Lebanese editor admits she has faced pressure to tone down the magazine’s contents. But, she insists, she has not buckled under the pressure.

“I have even turned down funding from one Arab investor because of demands to tone down the content,” she says.

Jasad has cleared the official censors – it has been given the green light by the Lebanese Ministry of Communication as well as the country’s union of journalists.

However, it’s worth noting that Jasad, when sold in shops, comes in a plastic wrapper clearly marked “adults only.”


http://www.france24.com/en/20090218-jasad-arabic-paean-body-all-its-states-erotic-quarterly

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/8451/tbdjoumanahaddadmkn2.jpg
Joumana Haddad

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/2766/tbdcouverturejassadgg4.jpg

Thats awesome.

Maybe jerkin it more often will help achieve peace.

Can't picture that ending well. Some prude will bomb the place.

Am I a bad man if I just clicked on the link for pictures?

Am I a bad man if I just clicked on the link for pictures?

No, just a man..

Wait, I thought doze ebil mozlems hated Freedom and erotica.

According to this article (http://www.jasadmag.com/en/pdf/THE%20GUARDIAN-%20131208.pdf), while it's currently only on sale in Lebanon, people in other countries can subscribe to it and get it delivered to them. "Hundreds" of people have subscribed in Saudi Arabia, and one (obviously wealthy) Saudi man has "pledged to buy 50,000 copies and distribute them free 'to open people's minds'".

According to this article (http://www.jasadmag.com/en/pdf/THE%20GUARDIAN-%20131208.pdf), while it's currently only on sale in Lebanon, people in other countries can subscribe to it and get it delivered to them. "Hundreds" of people have subscribed in Saudi Arabia, and one (obviously wealthy) Saudi man has "pledged to buy 50,000 copies and distribute them free 'to open people's minds'".
Funny if there's a Middle East-wide cultural renaissance due to this magazine.

According to this article (http://www.jasadmag.com/en/pdf/THE%20GUARDIAN-%20131208.pdf), while it's currently only on sale in Lebanon, people in other countries can subscribe to it and get it delivered to them. "Hundreds" of people have subscribed in Saudi Arabia, and one (obviously wealthy) Saudi man has "pledged to buy 50,000 copies and distribute them free 'to open people's minds'".

open minded people meaning 13 year olds.

"SHow your face!!!"

Anyone else read Lebanese as 'Lesbian'?

B-but porn is evil and oppresses the womenz!

B-but porn is evil and oppresses the womenz!

Erotica. Not porn. There's a big difference. A very big difference.

Take a look at their website.

Please. The difference between erotica and porn is in the eye of the beholder. And the marketer.

Erotica. Not porn. There's a big difference. A very big difference.

Take a look at their website.

I did, and I took a look at the selected artwork. Is there any place where one could buy a penis gun?

Please. The difference between erotica and porn is in the eye of the beholder. And the marketer.

I disagree quite strongly. But you're free to apply your own definitions to words, I suppose.

I did, and I took a look at the selected artwork. Is there any place where one could buy a penis gun?

Only in your imagination, I think. :p

That's awesome and I hope it succeeds and thrives.

As an aside, this reminds me of when I had to read 1001 Nights (well, excerpts) for a class. I, and many others that I knew, had always thought it was a collection of children's tales. I was, um, quickly disillusioned, holy crap. =p

at last the chance for some decent Arabic porn

Nice, I rather read erotica than watch porn. Words tend to be, when written write and with enough poetic description, way better than just staring at a man banging a woman. I was thinking not too long ago to write some erotica based on the effects music has on a woman and what this makes her do for and with her man. I bet Arabic erotica will be amazing, that culture has so much sensuality to it, although it may not seem like it. Their music rhythms are pure passion.

Am I a bad man if I just clicked on the link for pictures?
No, and the Arabic version has considerably better ones :)

My advice to her:

1) unless you're shooting content, wear full body armor and a solid steel neck piece.

2) never travel the same route twice.

3) hire Christian bodyguards.

4) make sure your life insurance is paid up.

Penis pistols and cannibalism. That would raise at least a few eyebrows in the US.

EDIT: Not that I'm saying, "Stupid US prudes! They wouldn't publish it!," because there are plenty of movies that cover both. It's just an odd combination, that's all.

Sweet as. More power to her.

*disrobes*

I did, and I took a look at the selected artwork. Is there any place where one could buy a penis gun?

I'll take the Penis Mightier for $400, Trebek. Gussy it up however you will, Trebek, what matters is "Does it work?"

Nice, I rather read erotica than watch porn. Words tend to be, when written write and with enough poetic description, way better than just staring at a man banging a woman. I was thinking not too long ago to write some erotica based on the effects music has on a woman and what this makes her do for and with her man. I bet Arabic erotica will be amazing, that culture has so much sensuality to it, although it may not seem like it. Their music rhythms are pure passion.

This is because you're not a guy.

For guys, its just about boobs, ass, and legs. And as a guy, I admit that.

This is because you're not a guy.

For guys, its just about boobs, ass, and legs. And as a guy, I admit that.

*Disabuses of notion*

Sorry, chap, as a full blooded male I also much prefer erotica. More to the point, according to my computer's search history, my little sister also prefers the boobs, ass, and legs and doesn't seem to have any favouritism for the stories. Maybe our chromosomes were switched at birth, who knows.

Nice, I rather read erotica than watch porn. Words tend to be, when written write and with enough poetic description, way better than just staring at a man banging a woman. I was thinking not too long ago to write some erotica based on the effects music has on a woman and what this makes her do for and with her man. I bet Arabic erotica will be amazing, that culture has so much sensuality to it, although it may not seem like it. Their music rhythms are pure passion.
If poets made porn. Unfortunately, what little "erotica" I've read was just porn, but more pretentious and dull. Or it was silly, with a mix of nonsense and purple prose that could make anyone giggle.
This is because you're not a guy.

For guys, its just about boobs, ass, and legs. And as a guy, I admit that.
In visual format maybe, but simply reading about C cups, or whatever, does nothing for me. That's why deSade is so fucking boring.
"And his penis was 10.2 inches long, and it was 1 inch wide, and it bent upward at an angle. He was called Butt Ruiner." Etc, etc

3) hire Christian bodyguards.

Because Christians are totally cool with porn and erotica, right?

"And his penis was 10.2 inches long, and it was 1 inch wide, and it bent upward at an angle. He was called Butt Ruiner." Etc, etc

And that's when I exploded from laughter.

While I don't want to discourage this, I'm not entirely sure Lebanon is the safest place for this operation (mostly because of Hezbollah). Perhaps Egypt, or even Israel?

If poets made porn. Unfortunately, what little "erotica" I've read was just porn, but more pretentious and dull. Or it was silly, with a mix of nonsense and purple prose that could make anyone giggle.

In visual format maybe, but simply reading about C cups, or whatever, does nothing for me. That's why deSade is so fucking boring.
"And his penis was 10.2 inches long, and it was 1 inch wide, and it bent upward at an angle. He was called Butt Ruiner." Etc, etc

You clearly havn't been reading the right stuff. One must be distinguishing about what one reads.

Also, de Sade was lolsy.

And that's when I exploded from laughter.
You think I'm joking.
Well, a little bit, checking an online text of the 120 Days of Sodom reveals that he was called "Bum-Cleaver," which isn't quite as amusing as "Butt Ruiner."

Anyone else read Lebanese as 'Lesbian'?

yes.

To her and the magazine staff / contributors, I say: Rock on! A most interesting, challenging, and no doubt courageous idea. Long may it prosper.


In fairness, I wouldnt have the balls to do it.

I'd say they're doomed.

This is because you're not a guy.

For guys, its just about boobs, ass, and legs. And as a guy, I admit that.

Perhaps. It's just that I have always put more stock in words than in images.

Perhaps. It's just that I have always put more stock in words than in images.

Women are funny like that. I'm often amazed at the passionate silence the words "I'm wearing y-fronts right now" bring.

Women are funny like that. I'm often amazed at the passionate silence the words "I'm wearing y-fronts right now" bring.

Oh, come now, let us make an excercise in words. Something tasteful. Want to? :tongue:

Perhaps. It's just that I have always put more stock in words than in images.

Really? I was just thinking that the sum of all poetries would still fail to render how adorable you are, that I wouldn't have wasted my twenties trying to be a writer if I had known there was a cat-eared lass whose winking smile alone was enough to prove the futility of language, merely clumsy utterances splashed across a page that fall second to reverent silence at the allure of even a single coy eye from Nanatsu...

Really? I was just thinking that the sum of all poetries would still fail to render how adorable you are, that I wouldn't have wasted my twenties trying to be a writer if I had known there was a cat-eared lass whose winking smile alone was enough to prove the futility of language, merely clumsy utterances splashed across a page that fall second to reverent silence at the allure of even a single coy eye from Nanatsu...

And these words of yours just prove my point, Toomey-sama.

And these words of yours just prove my point, Toomey-sama.

A 7 year old digital camera with broken auto focus in the hands of an elderly tourist would produce something of more enduring and meaningful merit than anything I've ever written, as long as it was pointed at you.

If your wedding is canceled I want my George Foreman Grill back.

If your wedding is canceled I want my George Foreman Grill back.

Dear Jesus man....if you're throwing the big G about, truly passion has ruled your more enlightened senses.

Besides, you can't buy your way into the boudoir with kitchen utilities...and I've the court orders to prove it.

Dear Jesus man....if you're throwing the big G about, truly passion has ruled your more enlightened senses.

Besides, you can't buy your way into the boudoir with kitchen utilities...and I've the court orders to prove it.

The grill was a wedding gift. I gave up trying to trade appliances for sex after the unfortunate Ardchoille Electric Melon Baller Misunderstanding of 2007.

Oh, come now, let us make an excercise in words. Something tasteful. Want to? :tongue:

Suffice to say that at this stage of my existence, I'm too aware of the futility of working up an appetite when theres no prospect of sating it......

A 7 year old digital camera with broken auto focus in the hands of an elderly tourist would produce something of more enduring and meaningful merit than anything I've ever written, as long as it was pointed at you.

Despite that, I think words are far better than images. At least this is the case between erotica and porn.

If your wedding is canceled I want my George Foreman Grill back.

I gave it to Jhahannam.

While I don't want to discourage this, I'm not entirely sure Lebanon is the safest place for this operation (mostly because of Hezbollah). Perhaps Egypt, or even Israel?

Lebanon (well, Beirut) is pretty cosmopolitan. It makes perfect sense to launch a magazine like this from there.

Suffice to say that at this stage of my existence, I'm too aware of the futility of working up an appetite when theres no prospect of sating it......

No worries. But, if you can, try to read some good erotica, from a woman's perspective, if you, at all, can.

Because Christians are totally cool with porn and erotica, right?

Much more than Muslims are.

Because Christians are totally cool with porn and erotica, right?

:rolleyes:

Because Christian bodyguards are significantly less likely to be Moslem homicide bombers. Obviously.

:rolleyes:

Because Christian bodyguards are significantly less likely to be Moslem homicide bombers. Obviously.

Homicide bombers?

Homicide bombers?

as opposed to people who use bombs in demolition or mining work, obviously

Homicide bombers?

Apparently, it makes suicide bombers sound a lot more menacing and evil because they've been having so much good press lately..

:rolleyes:

Because Christian bodyguards are significantly less likely to be Moslem homicide bombers. Obviously.

One would imagine theyre no less likely to stab her between the eyes.


Especially for just being muslim.

Nice, I rather read erotica than watch porn. Words tend to be, when written write and with enough poetic description, way better than just staring at a man banging a woman. I was thinking not too long ago to write some erotica based on the effects music has on a woman and what this makes her do for and with her man. I bet Arabic erotica will be amazing, that culture has so much sensuality to it, although it may not seem like it. Their music rhythms are pure passion.

I've read erotica and watched porn, and I honestly don't find much difference.

I've read erotica and watched porn, and I honestly don't find much difference.

One has pictures.

One has pictures.

And angry faces..

I've read erotica and watched porn, and I honestly don't find much difference.

I do, frankly, find a difference between the 2.

Erotica is like arty porn thats usually just solo nudity, as opposed to depictions of sexual acts. However, some erotica crosses more into the boundaries of pretentious soft-core porn. Lastly, some 'erotica' is just a euphemistic word applied to porn.

It's a thick gray line.

:rolleyes:

Because Christian bodyguards are significantly less likely to be Moslem homicide bombers. Obviously.
I dunno, I think you'd try to vet the people safeguarding your lives to ensure they weren't secret suicide bombers etc.

The Christians in the Levant are just as crazy as the Muslims too, btw.

Huh...when I read the title to the thread, my first thought was "Abu, check out the bridge on HER nose!!"

Then I read the piece.

Nice.

Penis pistols and cannibalism.

I think that's the plot of the next Hostel movie...or the next Saw movie, they're pretty interchangeable. As regards the OP, I wonder if there is a 'death pool' being run on her, and what kind of odds she's getting. I don't know, I don't see this ending well.

*waves at Aridd*

Also: ewww, it has pictures of naked people! That's disgusting! This is utterly immoral and wrong and I hope something suitably nasty happens to the editors. If God had meant people to expose themselves He wouldn't have given us clothes!

One has pictures.

You can have erotic pictures that aren't pornographic.

You know, pictures that provoke a response by what they suggest, rather than by what they show explicitly.

You know, pictures that provoke a response by what they suggest, rather than by what they show explicitly.

That's true enough. A lot of times an implied sexiness is just as good as spread-legged Hustler shots. It's one of the reasons that backless evening gowns are so damn hot.

You can have erotic pictures that aren't pornographic.

You know, pictures that provoke a response by what they suggest, rather than by what they show explicitly.


There's plenty of pornography that does that. In fact, as the Almighty Wiki has it, "one man's pornography is another man's erotica".