# The Power and Responsibility of Media in Shaping Society | Mohammad Sideeq Shams | TEDxShar e Naw Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWgsCauQhJk Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/OWgsCauQhJk Generated: 2026-02-18T17:06:39.025+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview Mohammad Sideeq Shams argues that media, especially television series, possesses immense power to shape society, referencing his own experience of being forced to work in a dual capacity—as a journalist and a media person in Afghanistan—which instilled in him the importance of responsible media practice, noting that while many admire figures like Dmir, they fail to recognize the true effort and sacrifice behind their success. **Key Points:** - Shams asserts that media, particularly television series, holds significant power to mold societal perceptions and values. - He recounts his personal experience working in Afghanistan under dual roles: as a journalist and a media professional, highlighting the challenges faced. - He mentions that certain prominent figures, like an individual named Dmir (likely referring to a known figure), are admired, but the public often overlooks the intense hard work underpinning their success. - Shams emphasizes the difficulty of navigating media landscapes, citing his own forced migration from Afghanistan to Turkey and the subsequent challenges faced while working in media there. - He points out that many people fail to recognize the responsibility that comes with media influence, leading to superficial admiration without understanding the depth of the work. - Shams concludes by stressing the need for individuals to recognize the sacrifices and complexities involved in creating impactful media content, urging for a deeper appreciation beyond surface-level recognition. ![Screenshot at 00:02: A female speaker stands on a stage with large red TEDx letters in the background, setting the scene for a TEDx event where Shams will later discuss media influence.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/OWgsCauQhJk/00-00-02.jpg) **Context:** Mohammad Sideeq Shams delivers a TEDx talk focusing on the profound influence of media on society, drawing heavily on his personal history as a journalist and media worker who experienced political upheaval, including being forced to leave Afghanistan and later working in exile in Turkey. He contrasts the public's superficial admiration of media personalities with the difficult realities and sacrifices required to produce influential content, urging the audience to recognize the responsibility inherent in media creation. ## Detailed Analysis Mohammad Sideeq Shams begins by invoking the name of God and establishing the theme of media's power to shape society, particularly through television series. He recounts his personal narrative, stating that he worked for 19 years in media, which included difficult periods where he was forced to work in dual roles—as a journalist and media professional—under the control of the central government in Afghanistan. He specifically mentions that many people admire figures like 'Dmir' (presumably a prominent media personality) and that such admiration often ignores the immense effort and sacrifice behind their success. Shams draws a parallel between the media landscape in Afghanistan and that of other countries, noting that while some media outlets in Afghanistan were under government control, he also worked for BBC Persian and was involved in programs that were not broadcast in Iran. He shares a personal anecdote about his daughter, who, despite being young, was aware of the media's influence and would sometimes seek attention by going outside when she knew her father was working. Shams contrasts the positive impact of some media with the negative reality of censorship and forced political alignment, mentioning that he and his colleagues felt compelled to work covertly or leave the country to avoid compromising their integrity. He concludes by expressing gratitude to the audience and hoping that his experiences resonate with them, emphasizing that true appreciation for media requires understanding the sacrifices made by those who create it. ### Opening and Theme Introduction - Shams begins with an invocation and introduces the core theme: the power of media, specifically TV series, in shaping society. - He highlights his 19 years in media, including difficult times in Afghanistan under governmental control. ### Personal Experience and Conflict - Shams details his experience working under dual roles (journalist/media professional) and being forced to leave Afghanistan for Turkey. - He notes the challenges of censorship and the need for responsible media practice, even when working for state-controlled entities. ### Critique of Public Perception - He discusses the public's admiration for famous media figures, suggesting people often overlook the sacrifices made by creators. - He contrasts the impact of local Afghan media with international outlets like BBC Persian. ### Anecdotes and Personal Impact - Shams shares a story about his young daughter seeking attention when he was working, illustrating the pervasive nature of media influence on daily life. - He concludes by expressing hope that the audience gains a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices involved in creating meaningful media content. ![Screenshot at 00:01: A woman in the audience wearing a red scarf listens intently to the speaker.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/OWgsCauQhJk/00-00-01.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:04: The TEDx stage backdrop prominently displays the red TEDx logo, signifying the conference setting.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/OWgsCauQhJk/00-00-04.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:05: A speaker on stage next to a small display case, presenting to the audience at TEDxShar e Naw.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/OWgsCauQhJk/00-00-05.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:13: The speaker, Mohammad Sideeq Shams, is introduced with his name displayed on screen against a backdrop featuring vertical numbers \(1000, 0500, 0080\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/OWgsCauQhJk/00-00-13.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:37: Shams gestures emphatically while holding his notes, illustrating a point about the impact of initial versus final impressions.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/OWgsCauQhJk/00-00-37.jpg)