AUNG

. . . that this episode was “banned”

The issue of banning this movie in some Arab nations and Russia touches on complex debates around freedom of expression, cultural values, and human rights, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ representation.

On one hand, this movie’s depiction of LGBTQ+ themes, especially in the context of a gay refugee’s story, aligns with broader global movements toward greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals and rights. In many parts of the world, such content is seen as an important step toward inclusivity and social progress, shedding light on the challenges faced by marginalized communities. From this perspective, banning such content can seem like a setback, limiting personal freedoms and reinforcing discriminatory views.

On the other hand, many of the countries that have banned the film, including certain Arabic nations and Russia, have deeply rooted cultural and religious beliefs that view homosexuality as incompatible with their social norms. These countries often enact laws to preserve what they consider traditional values, including those related to family and gender roles. For them, censorship of LGBTQ+ content can be seen as a way to protect these values, even if it means limiting access to certain types of media.

Ultimately, whether the ban is “acceptable” depends on one’s perspective. Supporters of LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of expression might argue that such censorship is harmful and discriminatory, while those in countries with such bans might view it as a necessary measure to preserve their cultural and moral frameworks. It reflects a fundamental tension between the ideals of universal human rights and the respect for national sovereignty and cultural differences.

For me, the key issue is ensuring that all individuals, regardless of location or identity, are treated with dignity and respect, and that diverse perspectives and stories are shared.

“Breakaway”

Kelly Clarkson’s Breakaway is a song about personal growth, self-discovery, and the desire to break free from limitations. The lyrics express the longing to leave behind a sheltered or restrictive environment in order to pursue dreams and find freedom. It’s about embracing change and moving forward in life, even when faced with uncertainty.

This song really motivates me. It’s exactly the song I need right now because I’ve been through a lot, and sometimes I ask myself, ‘What am I doing this for?’ This song reminds me that I need to break free from fear and live my life happily, on my own terms.

‘Make a wish.Take a chance. Make a change and break away.’

‘Take a risk. Take a chance. Make a change and break away.’

‘But I won’t forget all the ones that I love.’

EVGENIIA

Although Rafiq had difficult relationships with his family, I think he was lucky, mainly because he met Zain. Zain is a free spirit and optimistic; he isn’t afraid to dream. So, he had a great influence on Rafiq and inspired him to strive to the best. I felt happy and relieved for them when they met in the US.

Despite the fact that Rafiq’s family is a traditional Arabic Muslim one (with stereotypes and beliefs about homosexuals), it’s very hard to understand for me to reject their child, moreover, to hurt him. Therefore, watching the end of the episode caused happiness because Rafiq found a safe place to live and hoped that his father still loves him and accepts him.

. . . that this episode was “banned”

I didn’t know that this video was banned in 10 Arabic rations and Russia. So, I googled this information and found out that the entire series was removed from Russian streaming platform, not just only this episode. Nowadays, due to current laws in Russia such bans consider regular thing and don’t cause surprise, this is new reality there.

In my opinion, laws that are created against certain groups of people are horrible and unfair. Everyone has the right to express themselves and tell their stories, regardless of their sexual orientation, especially in art and media.

ALINA

. . . that this episode was “banned”

I did not know that this video was banned in some countries, but it does not surprise me at all.

First, I would like to quote British sociologist Christie Davies. His article was published in the American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 87, No. 5 (Mar. 1982).

Dr. Davies said in the conclusion: “If religious, military, or political leaders decide out of ideological commitment, organizational necessity, or a sense of external threat to strengthen the boundaries of their group, people, or institution they tend in consequence to impose harsh penalties on forms of sexual behavior that breach social or symbolic boundaries.”

You can simplify this expression by saying: If a leader of a group feels that he loses his power, he is very likely to declare criminals those who do not share his beliefs.

Since I am not a true Middle East specialist, I can only suggest, that the roots of this ban comes from the religion, and representatives are afraid of losing their influence.

As for my native country – it is obvious and clear, that such restrictions are very much in line with the overall tendency to prohibit and criminalize everything that goes against the wishes of one person who took the country over.

Here is an example. In the beginning of 2024 a girl was put in jail for 5 days for wearing rainbow earrings. (For those who do not remember, the rainbows consist of SEVEN colors). At the same time a 6-colored rainbow is now officially declared as the extremist symbol. But who cares? The girl was sentenced to 5 days in prison for wearing 7-colored earrings like she had worn an extremist symbol.

. . . that this episode was “banned”

And finally, I just want everyone to think about one fact: Having visited many different countries in my life, I can say from my own experience that those states which are proven to be free and democratic do not ban videos or people on the basis of intolerance, while the other countries do.

LILIANA

“Breakaway”

I researched Breakaway and listened to it over and over, and I definitely think this song is a universal symbol of hope. It’s about breaking free from fears, taking risks and seeking change to achieve your goals.

The song “Breakaway” was written by Avril Lavigne, along with Bridget Benenate and Matthew Gerrard. It was originally intended for Lavigne’s debut album (Let Go), but since it didn’t fit her project’s style, it was offered to Kelly Clarkson.

The lyrics deeply resonated with Clarkson as they reflected her own experience of leaving a small-town life (in Texas) and stepping into the world to pursue her dream of becoming a singer. The song became the title track of her second album, Breakaway (2004), which marked a shift toward a more mature and personal sound in her music.

In my opinion, it was Zain’s favorite song because it resonated with his life. He felt empowered to overcome obstacles and wanted to leave behind a life in Syria, one filled with prejudice and rejection, which no longer defines him. And in my life as an immigrant, this song resonates too, because I needed to find the courage to leave my comfort zone.

Now, I dream of having a bigger life and growing in this place without feeling limited.

we find Shadi… we find him right here….

He is talking about a song, a sad one, about a boy named Shadi who is lost. He was found but then lost again. He (the real Shadi) felt lost and lost everything (family, identity, relationships, hope) in Syria.

But he found himself in Idaho, where he rediscovered who he was and, finally, was able to become his own man.

CHRISTINA

reactions to the episode

I had no reaction on character Rafiq. LGBTQ+ people often surround us and I consider it normal.

The film is cute but at certain moments it was horrible. I understand what Rafiq felt in that moment when Rafiq’s father and brother discovered that Rafiq is gay and started to hunt him.

Similar things are happening in Russia and, by the way, in Kazakhstan where I was born. I don’t understand why it’s happening like that! After all LGBT people do not pose any danger.

In Russia the government declared the LGBT community an extremist organization in 2023. On the Russian government channels, you can see some kind of wild propaganda. For example transgender people are equated to pedophiles, or LGBT people are sick, and they need to be placed in a psychiatric clinic for conversion therapy.

Now in Russia if you are openly gay or a transgender person, you can be jailed or killed by a random person and the government won’t help you, because the government promotes the hate towards LGBT people. This is exactly why we escaped from Russia.

Back to the story, I like bright personalities like Zain. Those people bring the gladness and fun into a grey monotonous life. After all, for example very often fashion designers and stylists are LGBT people.

reactions to the episode

I didn’t know that the video was blocked in Russia and in Arabic countries. It’s not surprising to me, because the Russian government fines any video platform for video when same gender people simply hold each other hands, I’m not even mentioning when same gender people kissing. This may sound absurd, but there is a case when the rainbow in the music video was decolored, because the streaming service was afraid of being accused of LGBT propaganda.

I don’t see anything dangerous in that video. Seeing that kind of video doesn’t make people become LGBT.

NINA

Shadi finds himself.

In the place where he was born, he couldn’t be himself. He had to hide his orientation, his feelings, emotions, thoughts. He couldn’t live with the man he loved.

When he could immigrate, his friends and Shadi find the “real Shadi” right here now!!

ILLYASSA

the father-son relationship

When I was very young, I had a good relationship with my Dad. We were like buddies and when I grew up in my teenage years, it started to be a lit bit complicated because I started to like going outside seeing my friends and I tried a lot of new things. So in that period we were more distant and always arguing.

After that age, I realized after all, he is my Father and he just wanted the best for me. That is why he was hard with me. So I stopped my bad behavior and I became more mature. Then we became close again.

I think Rafiq wanted to know how his father felt after their separation. He wanted to know if his father missed him or not and also wanted to tell his father he is still alive and he still considered him as his father.

AISSATOU

the father-son relationship

I’ve always held onto this memory of my father, where we got along so well. He was always available for us, giving us gifts and cakes, and with his camera, he created lasting memories. There were family outings, and the morning routine where he would drop my siblings and me off at school without ever missing a single pick-up – always on time.

We were close during my teenage years, too – there were always shared smiles and good times together. On top of that, he gave us advice, reminding us to be cautious and not fall under the influence of others, always encouraging us to stay on the right path. His favorite phrase was, “Have fun, but know how to do it.”

It was in adulthood that things started to change because he still saw us as his little babies – his “super dad” moments, spending time with us and happily seeing us follow his words to the letter. He seemed to forget that it was time to let us spread our wings. But I think he’s adjusted now, even if his protective fatherly side still resurfaces from time to time. We just agree with him to remind him of those childhood moments and move forward.

For Rafiq’s message to his father, I think the meaning was simply that, as family, knowing there will always be a bond between them, he just wanted to let him know that he is alive and well, despite all the harm he has endured.

“Breakaway”

In my opinion, the idea of music is to change your destiny. Even if you have bad influences in your life or you’re not happy, don’t let it bring you down. Give yourself the chance to succeed, break free from bad habits, and always stay focused on the light.

MARIANO

reactions to the episode

There is a phrase in the song ‘Breakaway’ by Kelly Clarkson that is key for me: “Wanted to belong here. . .” All of us are trying to belong, be accepted, seen, heard, valued. These are all what makes up our character, our identity, our existence: BELONG. Because if we don’t belong anywhere, we are not anywhere. We become invisible.

There can be many reasons and circumstances for feeling like we don’t belong. Generally, they are ideological, religious, cultural, period reasons or cultural paradigms. For example, we can talk about extremist religions or extremist ideologies (current or in the past) where women or men are/were persecuted or killed.

Emigrating to find a place to belong, being banished for being whatever you are is an insult to the human ability to embrace others.

But, for the same reasons of identity and belonging, we are judges and with a shrewd gaze we condemn those who do not belong to our identity. We need our identity because having it means taking hold of the truth, being right. Because we believe that without truth, our truth, we are left naked and meaningless…. or so we believe.

So, now at this point, identity and belonging, all together is itself what possibly divides us.

. . . that this episode was “banned”

I didn’t know the video was banned in those countries. They are defending their truth. A truth that intends to deny other truths.

NATALIIA K.

reactions to the episode

I wasn’t surprised but I was upset. I’m very compassionate to Rafiq. How long will this continue? Unfortunately, in countries like Syria and Russia this will be a long time. But salvation for many people is in countries of the civilized world, which can provide help.

. . . that this episode was “banned”

I am not surprised that this video was banned in Russia.

Unfortunately, my country is a homophobic country. I think many laws like this are related to today’s government in Russia. I’ll believe and hope all of this ends.

It was 6 years ago, when my granddaughter was 13. We were watching a movie together. There was an episode, in which the main character, having fallen in love with a man, found out he was gay. I looked at my granddaughter’s reaction and thought that she didn’t understand, since she was still young. But she understood and said: “How sorry I am for gays. They have no rights. They must hide their nature and pretend, but it’s not their fault. They are born this way.”

I thought that her parents explained all this to her, but she replied that she had read everything herself. I was pleasantly surprised by this.

The future generation is more civilized. My country will become part of the civilized world in this matter too.

NATALIIA T.

the father-son relationship

I have always had a good relationship with my dad. When I was very young, he played and joked with me. When I was a teenager, we often argued in a friendly and emotional way on various topics, but he never forced me to accept his point of view. As an adult, my dad and I have heart-to-heart talks, I consult with him on many issues. As practice has shown, in some issues on which we disagreed in my youth, dad was right, but at that moment it was impossible to convince me otherwise. And I learned from my mistakes.

Perhaps Rafiq wrote the letter to his father because he believes that in his country and according to their religion, his father could not have acted differently.

“Breakaway”

For me, the song “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson has this meaning – If you are not understood, not heard and not accepted, do not stop. Fly to your dream, take a risk, take a chance, make a change. Maybe you are in the wrong place and with the wrong people. Do not be afraid of change. You only have one life.

This is Zain’s favorite song because it resonates with him.

BIENVENUE

The story of “The Son” is about a Shadi, played in the video by Rafiq, who has to escape from his father’s oppression and his country because he is gay. The main themes in the story are sexual orientation and tradition. Ten Arabic countries and Russia banned this video. I was not educated about Russia, but it was unsurprising that the 10 Arabic countries banned the video.

During the last soccer World Cup, which took place in Qatar, I learned that the LGBTQ community does not have rights in this country and in some Arabic countries. Honestly, I did not know the different reasons but I assumed that it was either because of their “tradition” or their “religion.”

As I said I was not educated regarding the LGBTQ community rights in Russia. Only after the class did I talk to one of my fellow students from Russia who explained that in 5 states in Russia, you can be killed by not expressing that you are not straight.

Regarding the question, if it is appropriate to ban this video in these countries, I do not know the reason. However, I will say everyone should have the right to this freedom.

Plus, I have learned that since 2024 or 2023 women are allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, meaning that sometimes things take time to be accepted by people.

“Breakaway”

The main idea of the song “Breakaway” from “Kelly Clarkson” is to follow your dream. At the song’s beginning, she says she grew up in a small town dreaming of being happy one day. I think it’s Zain’s favorite song because the song kind of narrates Zain’s story. Zain was dreaming of coming to America, a place where he would be able to express himself and be happy with no judgment.

Since last Thursday, I have listened to the song over and over. I did not know the song before. It tells me to believe in my dreams. It might be hard, but I will do it one day here or somewhere else.

TATYANA K.

I’m not surprised that this film is banned in Russia and some Arab countries. The reasons are political, religious, and cultural. I can speak about only my country.

Russia is a dictatorship that enforces strict ideology and norms, harshly punishing any disagreement. Religion and culture support the government’s policies, pushing conservative views on gender and family. Today in Russia, the idea of tolerance seems like a distant dream. Discrimination against minorities is growing, and isolation is increasing every day.