In Media Worlds, chapter 5-8, Lughod discusses the role melodrama has in constituting a part of modernity. He describes how in Egypt television shows include melodrama which is intended to foster individualization for civilians thus connecting individual and social development. I understand how through reflection and emotion we can better create ourselves as subjects in relation to society but I don't know if this rationalization goes so far. Focus on the individual self can lead to neglect of social surroundings and the needs of the greater society.
I question whether studying internal thoughts can play itself out in the context of larger social roles but this is not important here as the article focuses on the type of individuation that might be happening. All characters in these serials tend to be more emotional (though more so women than men). The serials place emphais on the characters faces to "invoke interior worlds" Perhaps this regulates the culture values in the audience more than if individual ideas were expressed verbally by characters.
The author suggests that melodrama played a part in individuals constructions of subjectivity. Melodrama causes individiduals to see themselves centered within their life. The elements of individuals' discussions and stories crystallize in the same fashion the the narratives on t.v. develop.
The development of a rich interior or pysche for Egyptians is one that is politically charged. For this reason it is important to remeber that the rich interior lives displayed in other countries such as the U.S. do not have social/political/religious aspects.
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