US embassy cable - 05AMMAN5128

UNCLAS AMMAN 005128 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR ECA/PE/C/CU-SROUSE, NEA/PPD DBENZE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KPAO, OEXC, SCUL, JO 
SUBJECT: AMERICAN MUSIC ABROAD REQUEST FOR AMMAN 
 
REF: STATE 102369 
 
1) Amman requests inclusion in the American Music Abroad 
Program to take place January  March 2006. Our preference 
is for a four-day program with a hip-hop group in March 
2006. We prefer that programs be scheduled during the 
Sunday through Thursday workweek. PA Amman would cover the 
expenses detailed in paragraph 3 of reftel. PA Amman has 
coordinated with PA Tel Aviv and PA Jerusalem on this 
response cable. 
 
2) This program would support Post's Mission Performance 
Plan (MPP) goal of building Jordanian understanding and 
appreciation of U.S. culture, and the Bureau of Educational 
and Cultural Affairs' goal of presenting the diversity of 
American culture to overseas audiences. While elite 
Jordanians enjoy a high level of exposure to American 
culture, many parts of Jordanian society are only exposed 
to caricatures of the United States as seen on satellite 
television. As a result, misunderstanding of American 
culture, society and values is widespread. To counteract 
these perceptions, post has sought to present a diverse set 
of cultural programs to the Jordanian population as part of 
its overall public diplomacy strategy. An American Music 
Abroad program in Jordan would enable post to both continue 
its cultural engagement and to reach target groups such as 
high school and university students, and the creative 
community. We have found that cultural representatives 
often make the best interlocutors in explaining US society 
and values to these audiences, as well as to the non-elite 
segments of society. 
 
3) The priority audience sought for the group's 
performances will be students and other youth. In 
particular, this program would also allow post to conduct 
events for youth at the two new American Corners at the 
University of Jordan in Amman and Hashemiya University in 
Zarqa.  We are also interested in programming to targeted 
audiences that have had little exposure to American 
culture, such as other high school and university students 
outside of Amman. 
 
4) Performances by a hip-hop group would enhance Post's 
efforts to expose Jordanians to American art forms and 
underscore American values of diversity and inclusiveness. 
In a recent visit by New York's Battery Dance Company, a 
hip-hop workshop led by troupe members was wildly popular. 
This style of music is particularly suited to engage the 
youth audience at this time. There is great interest here 
in American hip-hop music, but opportunities for live 
concerts are scarce, airplay is limited, and CDs and tapes 
are relatively expensive for the general public. 
 
5) Post will coordinate the timing of its program with Tel 
Aviv and Jerusalem, providing an opportunity for an 
effective multi-stop regional tour. If a hip-hop group is 
not available, we will welcome a Latin jazz group, but 
would prefer one that concentrates on popular styles such 
as salsa, as we are seeking to engage a very broad 
audience. 
 
6) Points Of Contacts for this program are: 
 
David Mees (after August 16, 2005) 
Cultural Affairs Officer 
U.S. Embassy Amman 
Tel. Office962-6-590-6620 
Mobile962-79-553-2568 
Fax962-6-592-0121 
Email     TBD 
 
Zena Nasereddin 
Cultural Affairs Assistant 
U.S. Embassy Amman 
Tel. Office962-6-590-6287 
Tel. Home962-6-581-6111 
Mobile962-79-558-0802 
Fax962-6-592-0121 
EmailNasereddinZR@state.gov 
 
 
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