Question

19. This excerpt describes an encounter with the Bedouin tribe in the Middle East.

Some years ago, in the Negev Desert, Bedouin tents were equipped with small antennas. The
were attached to battery-operated televisions, many of which were tuned to the American
prime-time soap opera Dallas. It was unclear at first just what nomadic
desert dwellers could have made over the backroom battles of J.R. or the plantation
sweetness of Miss Ellie,
even if the open plains of Texas could at times seem as arid as the surrounding desert.
-Edward Rothstein, "Connections; Why American Pop Culture Spreads," New York Times, Jura
2, 200
Which claim is BEST supported by this excerpt?

Answer 1

The excerpt describes an encounter with the Bedouin tribe in the Negev Desert. The Bedouin tents had small antennas attached to battery-operated televisions, many of which were tuned to the American soap opera Dallas. The author initially found it unclear why the nomadic desert dwellers would be interested in the show, considering their lifestyle and surroundings.

Based on this excerpt, a claim that can be supported is that the Bedouin tribe in the Negev Desert had access to and watched American television shows like Dallas. This is evident from the description of the tents equipped with small antennas and battery-operated televisions tuned to Dallas. The author's surprise at the Bedouin tribe's interest in the show further supports this claim.

It is important to note that the excerpt does not provide information on the extent of the tribe's interest or viewership of American television shows, apart from Dallas. Additionally, the excerpt does not provide information on the specific reasons why the Bedouin tribe was interested in American soap operas.