Fly With Haifa: Navigating Influencerhood Amidst Conflict and Identity
Renowned Palestinian blogger and content creator, Haifa Beseisso, shares her journey from childhood dreams to becoming a prominent influencer with over 800,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel, Fly With Haifa. In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, Haifa delves into the roots of her identity, her mission to challenge stereotypes, and the profound impact of the Israel-Palestine conflict on her social media platform.
Discovering Identity Through Influencerhood:
Haifa Beseisso's path to influencerhood began with a childhood dream of exploring the world and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Faced with rejections in her pursuit of becoming a television presenter, she took matters into her own hands, creating Fly With Haifa on YouTube. The channel evolved into a platform with a global audience, allowing Haifa to authentically express herself and own her voice.
Cultural Connection and Rejection Resilience
Growing up as a Palestinian in the UAE, Haifa faced the challenge of being physically distant from her homeland. However, this fueled her passion for connecting with people worldwide, proudly donning her Keffiyeh and exchanging cultural insights. She attributes her resilience to rejection to her Palestinian upbringing, where creativity in the face of adversity is a cultural norm.
Social Media as a Platform for Change:
Haifa emphasizes the power of social media in connecting with people affected by the Israel-Palestine conflict, especially those in Gaza. Her platform serves as a means to amplify voices and shed light on the harsh realities faced by individuals in the region. The interview highlights the challenges of navigating brand collaborations during times of crisis and the dilemma of speaking out against social injustices.
Navigating Backlash and Shadow-Banning:
Haifa discusses the survivor's guilt embedded in the Palestinian identity, questioning her privilege to travel freely when her people face restrictions. She shares messages of support from followers who find hope and inspiration through her content. Despite experiencing shadow-banning due to her vocal stance on Palestine, Haifa remains steadfast in her commitment to creating content that matters and breaking free from a place of fear.
Coping Mechanisms and Reflections on Gaza:
The interview delves into Haifa's coping mechanisms, highlighting the therapeutic nature of creating content and spreading awareness about the war. Haifa expresses her pride in fellow creators from the Middle East who use their platforms to speak about Palestine. The war serves as a wake-up call, prompting Haifa to reflect on the impact of influencers' dependence on brands and the virtual world.
Branching Out Beyond Social Media:
In response to the war's wake-up call, Haifa reveals her plans to branch out from social media. She aims to go offline, engaging in events, retreats, and collaborations that extend beyond the virtual realm. The conflict has prompted her to reconsider sustainability and explore alternative forms of income, recognizing the need for influencers to diversify their revenue streams.
Conclusion:
Haifa Beseisso's journey, from a dream-filled child to a prominent influencer addressing global issues, reflects the power of social media to connect people and amplify voices. As she navigates the challenges of influencerhood amidst conflict, Haifa remains committed to using her platform for meaningful conversations and breaking free from the constraints of societal expectations.
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By- Sahiba Suri
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