SPEAKER EVALUATION: BRENDA FLANAGAN BONDS WITH KUWAITIS VIA

UNCLAS KUWAIT 001917 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/PPD (CWHITTLESEY),IIP/NEA/SCA (SLECHTENBERG-KASTEN) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SCUL KPAO KIRC OIIP XF KU SUBJECT: SPEAKER EVALUATION: BRENDA FLANAGAN BONDS WITH KUWAITIS VIA AMERICAN LITERATURE Summary -------------- ¶1. GPRA FY06Q3: Dr. Brenda Flanagan, Davidson College literature professor and award-winning author, conducted an outstanding speaker program May 12-17, 2006, in Kuwait. An American of Trinidadian origin, Dr. Flanagan captivated Kuwaiti audiences with readings of timeless poetry by noted American writers and excerpts from her latest collection of short stories. She enchanted more than 500 Kuwaiti high school and university students as well as their instructors with riveting dramatic interpretations of American literature and personal reminiscences that clarified the African-American experience in the 1960's and 70's. The speaker also promoted study in the U.S. to student audiences and exchanged literary views with over 40 Kuwaiti writers, academics, and intellectuals. She readily bonded with male and female Kuwaitis, through her inspiring readings and expert advice for improving their creative writing. End Summary. American Values and Education -------------- ¶2. The primary goal of Dr. Flanagan's visit was to provide insight into American society and values by offering a variety of Kuwaiti audiences a rare exposure to American history, literary themes, and cultural diversity. This program also aimed to promote study in the U.S., a major Embassy MPP goal. Writers under Pressure -------------- ¶3. PAO hosted a tea for Dr. Flanagan and 10 leading Kuwaiti writers and intellectuals on May 14. While female writers shared frustrations of operating in a male-dominated field, most argued that censorship remained the chief problem in the Arab world. One prominent author complained that her books were banned in Kuwait, adding that she had been tried in court and suffered threats for publishing stories and poetry branded as too provocative by conservatives. Others criticized the publishing industry that lets connections and personal wealth determine which writers are published, and raised the problem of plagiarism, whether intentional or founded on ignorance of IPR. Cultural Exchange -------------- ¶4. Former Kuwaiti Ambassador to Senegal Muhammed Al-Qadiri and his wife Thuraya Al-Baqsami, a well-known Kuwaiti artist and author, hosted Dr. Flanagan and 12 guests at a May 14 evening gathering. Al-Baqsami provided the speaker copies of her books in English and Spanish to read to her Davidson College students and expose them to contemporary Middle Eastern literature. Uncharacteristic Access -------------- ¶5. Dr. Flanagan delivered presentations before 530 Kuwaiti students, teachers, professors, and writers, including: - 10 influential writers, - 128 Kuwaiti and international students and teachers at the Universal American School, - 50 female English language and literature students at the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET),who are future English teachers, - 30 writers at the Kuwait Writers Society, - 12 writers and artists at a diwaniya, - 65 English Access Micro-scholarship Program students, - 75 English literature students and professors, including former Minister of Information, Dr. Saad Bin Teflah Al-Ajmi, as part of the Kuwait University American Corner lecture series, - 62 English language, English literature, and drama students during the first American Corner lecture at Gulf University for Science and Technology, and - 110 Kuwaiti and international students at the American School of Kuwait. Moving beyond the Veil -------------- ¶6. At PAAET, Dr. Flanagan held a creative writing workshop with hijab- (headscarf) and nikab- (face veil) clad university students, future English teachers in Kuwait's public schools. Through in-depth analysis of their readings of original poems and children's stories, she encouraged the eager young writers to use personal experience as the basis of their work to increase appeal to readers and promote their culture with non-Kuwaitis. She complimented the fully covered Muslim women who displayed their individuality with delicately outlined eyes, flawlessly manicured nails, and extravagant handbags and shoes. Inspiring Creativity -------------- ¶7. At Kuwait University, Dr. Flanagan spoke with English Department professors and students also destined to be English teachers about "The Relevancy of Poetry to Real Life -- the African-American Experience." Former Minister of Information and linguistics professor, Dr. Saad Bin Teflah Al-Ajmi, attended the talk accompanied by his entire class of English literature and linguistics students. Following the presentation, female students swarmed the speaker, clamoring, "Dr. Brenda, you are our role model." Impact: Reaching Hearts -------------- ¶8. Dr. Flanagan demonstrably connected with all of her audiences, but particularly with students and young writers. Promising to work as their mentor, she exchanged email addresses with many students, who have kept in touch seeking further critiques of their writing. A number of program participants requested photographs with Dr. Flanagan and sought her autograph at the conclusion of her presentations. Participants told EmbOffs that Dr. Flanagan touched their lives, invigorated their writing, and pushed their boundaries in a positive, encouraging manner. Her messages appealed to teachers and students alike. A few of the conservative female students put aside their inhibitions and fear of judgment, and established bonds with the speaker. Some participants commented that Dr. Flanagan's approach was exceptionally effective because, "she reached the hearts, rather than just the minds." Acknowledging Phenomenal Women -------------- ¶9. During Dr. Flanagan's readings, which included works by Robert Frost, Sonya Sanchez, Dudley Randall, Imamu Amiri Baraka, and Larry Neal, audiences joined her in reciting moving lines from Maya Angelou's "Phenomenal Woman." She stressed the importance and contributions of quality literature as opposed to the popular trend of some young American rap artists who glorify drugs and obscene language in poetry and music, while denigrating women. On May 16, she applauded the historical one-year anniversary of Kuwaiti women's attainment of full suffrage, eliciting resounding applause from the Kuwait University audience. In her presentations and discussions, the speaker instantly warmed up to her audiences, effectively using her experiences as a penniless immigrant from Trinidad at the tender age of 19 to captivate young listeners. She proudly spoke about how with the benefit of the American educational system matched with her intense dedication and hard work she was able to realize her dreams of becoming a published writer, which stimulated and motivated her audiences. She captured their imaginations with personal anecdotes of interactions with a variety of acclaimed authors and notable figures in American society. Extensive Media Coverage -------------- ¶10. Dr. Flanagan's program in Kuwait achieved broad, substantive media coverage. She appeared on Kuwait TV's popular talk show, "Good Morning Kuwait," participated in a press roundtable discussion that appeared in all major Arabic and English newspapers, and held a one-on-one interview with Al-Rai Al-Aam newspaper. The press coverage summary follows: 05/17/06 --Al-Qabas, p. 24, 1/2 page, 1 photo, circ. 65,000, Arabic --Al-Rai Al-Aam, p. 36, 1/2 page, 2 photos, circ. 70,000, Arabic --Al-Watan, p. 4, 1/8 page, 1 photo, circ. 65,000, Arabic --Al-Anbaa, p. 12, 1/8 page, 1 photo, circ. 40,000, Arabic --Kuwait Times, p. 8, 1/8 page, 1 photo, circ. 35,000, English --Al-Seyassah, p. 4, 1/16 page, circ. 45,000, Arabic 05/20/06 --Al-Rai Al-Aam, p. 17, 1/4 page, 2 photos, circ. 70,000, Arabic --Al-Qabas, p. 42, 1/8 page, 1 photo, circ. 65,000, Arabic Outstanding Speaker -- Excellent Results -------------- ¶11. Embassy thanks IIP for arranging Dr. Flanagan's visit to Kuwait. As a U.S. Speaker, she was trouble-free and fun to work with, facilely engaged key Mission contacts, astutely drew connections between American history and experiences of the local audiences, and demonstrated enviable finesse with the press. We highly recommend this adept cultural ambassador to posts developing American studies and American Corner programs, or conducting outreach to youth and writers. Cost Sharing -------------- ¶11. IIP used Post's I-Bucks allocation to fund Dr. Flanagan's visit. Embassy Public Affairs representational funds supplemented the program and Kuwaiti partners hosted evening gatherings and events. LEBARON