The characters Norma and Macky, who grew up in the 1940s and 1950s, experienced a significant shift in their perception of the world around them. In their youth, the Middle East was represented by innocent, idyllic images, symbolized by Christmas cards depicting serene scenes. This stark contrast highlights how far removed their earlier experiences were from the harsh realities portrayed in modern media.

As they navigated the changing landscape of their lives, the overwhelming presence of negativity in news and television not only altered their understanding of distant places but also shattered the sense of security they once felt. The transformation from a peaceful, almost whimsical image of life to one dominated by conflict and turmoil represents a loss of innocence, leaving characters like Norma and Macky bewildered by the world they now inhabit.