The American Definition of the Family!!!

            In almost all societies, family per se is widely seen as the nucleus of society. In my Middle Eastern society, for example, the bulk of young men look forward to getting married and having wholesome families. However, most Americans are of another opinion. The structure of their families has changed dramatically in a short span of time. It is hardly to find two parents and their two or more children are living together under the ceiling of one house. Their overriding concern is their personal pleasure even if it is at the expense of their respective families. Their nuclear families, which are the dominant feature of the familial structure, are scattered despite the fact that humans are emotionally attached to their families. This can be attributed to many factors, foremost among which is the independence-centered policy American strongly believe in and that is why they raise their kids accordingly. This became crystal clear to me of the shorts interviews I made with some Americans. Worse yet, the high divorce rate, the percentage of Americans living alone and the fact that most Americans do not believe in sacrificing their happiness for the sake of their offspring or in some cases prefer not to have children at all---all  these contribute to this state of affairs. What is really amazing is that they willingly have only two children. I think they are different from some other nations who long for having multiple numbers of children. However, the high cost of living and the fact that women’s work can justify and strongly further that point to some extent. Additionally, the way how those Americans parents were brought up in a familial life that gives priority to individual happiness, can lend itself to this conclusion. At another level, the role of the family emerges in times of adversity and need. They are the first and foremost people who lend you helpful hands. What greater blessing one is granted than a family that cares for them, a family that can be the rock on which one can lean when facing ordeals or hardships? Woe to this fake sense of self-reliance that can tear the family apart just for pride and bragging. So if there is something that can positively impact you or contribute to your success, simply it is the family, a word that literally bears a union label.

Minority Groups in Egypt

         The rights of minority groups are always linked to the human rights. Most, if not all countries have minority groups throughout their histories and Egypt is not an exception in this regard. The ancestors of the Egyptian people belonged to many races and ethnic groups, including Africans, Arabs, Berbers, Greeks, Persians, Romans, and Turks. However, the population today is relatively homogeneous. They all melt forming the current harmonized populace. Egypt’s largest minority group is the Bedouins who live a nomadic life in the western and the eastern deserts. Even Europeans, especially The British, who occupied Egypt in the past, are now Egyptian citizens and Arabic is their mother tongue. Nubians who live in Upper Egypt near the borderline with Sudan are a recognized Egyptian minority group that enriched the history of Egypt. They play a significant part due to their work in tourism. As for religious minorities, 6% of Egypt’s population is Coptic Christians. For the most part, they coexist peacefully with Muslims, who represent the majority. Some chant that Egyptian Christians are oppressed or prosecuted in Egypt, but reality tells a completely different story. They receive fair treatment in everything. There is no preference for a Muslim over a Christian in employment; they are all alike. Definitely, favoritism and nepotism affect them both because favoritism and corruption know no religion. The latest revolution clearly showed how united Egyptians are. They protested against the ex-regime together. When Muslims prayed, Christians protected them. Both serve in the army and are part and parcel on the fabric textile of the Egyptian society. Even the question of minorities is unheard of or hardly discussed in the media. All minority groups have assimilated in the Egyptian society. Minority groups are all equal and enjoy their full rights as citizens. Although their complexion is black, they have never been called black or any other derogatory stigma.  As per Islam, all people are equal irrespective of their race, origin or color. Even Non-Muslims are guaranteed the protection of their persons, properties, places of worship and honor.  The issue of minority groups in Egypt is not a big issue the can disturb the stability of the society or the country at large.

Guns.... To Have or Not to Have?!

        In Egypt, guns are permitted as long as they are licensed. Egyptians, and I am not an exception, do not have any tendency whatsoever to have guns. Even the matter of having guns is not often discussed in the mass media. The bulk of the people, most of whom are illiterate, think that the police are able to protect them and deter criminals, if any. For the most part, people feel safe in their homes and workplaces. The horrible, science fiction-centered crimes we see on the western T.V. stations or newspapers are hardly been recorded. Small theft crimes are the most popular cases. However, this is not the case in Upper Egypt where vendetta killing finds a fertile land to proliferate. Clashes often erupt between some tribes; no matter they are Muslims or Christians. Surprisingly enough, these clashes that may happen between Muslims and Christians are not referred to as sectarian tension, rather they pass unheeded. For its part, the esteemed government always acts as a spectator because some of its corrupt officials traffic in weapons. Actually, they are the main source for weapons in Upper Egypt. We have to bear in mind that these clashes have nothing to do at all with religion or culture. They are fueled by the government officials to sell their weapons and draw the peoples’ attention away from being involved in politics.

         To cut a long story short, I do not like to have a gun even if guns are permitted without a licence. In case of clashes, if guns are used, they will exacerbate rather than solve the dispute and make them even worse. Claiming the life of at least one person, if not more, is likely to be the natural outcome of using a gun in a dispute. Again, I am not fond of hunting or target shooting sport. I have neither reasonable justifications nor flimsy excuses to have a gun. I know that the case in the USA is utterly different; people consider it an integral part of their culture or even identity. They are fond of hunting and shooting. Probably they have guns for the sole purpose of feeling safe by defending themselves thereby when necessary.

The Ropes Course was a bit of a Leap in the Dark but I rocked ahead !!!

     There is no iota of doubt that there are numerous lessons to be learnt from the ropes course, foremost among which is self- confidence. I should be confident that whenever I face a problem or encounter a stumbling block in my way, I should work it out persuading my own self that I can do it and come what may. I must know of nothing called desperation, succumb or surrender; nothing is called impossible. I learnt that I must be more adventurous and push myself into doing things I used to evade. The ropes course envisages that Americans used to install self-confidence, pride, optimism and positive thinking in their offspring since their early infancy. As a result they grow up adopting do-it-alone policy. Each one embarks on shaping his lifestyle. In other words, they, out of belief that their own respective society has no room for laggards, inculcate independence-oriented traits in their children. For them, life is no more than an adventure and so is the ropes course. Their mottos are blossom wherever you are planted; be up to every occasion and do not give up. So no wonder that their culture always calls upon them to enjoy whatever life has to offer.

Culture...such a man-made phenomenon!

        Culture is the cumulative beliefs, customs and attitudes shared by the members of a certain society. It is a criterion and man-made complete way of life that has something to do with civilization, yet it is open to change and promotion. It this sense, culture in its broader meaning encompasses all such cultural things as food, clothing, language, religion, arts, holidays and festivals, societal matters, architecture and more. Though there is a common denominator shared by almost, if not all, cultures, each culture in itself is sui generis.

Looking on the bright side!

       When it comes to differences between the academic life in Egypt and in the USA, one can mention an endless list. We can say that differences are the rule whereas similarities are the exception. Actually, there are multiple contrasts, foremost among which are the differences in education. American students have the freedom to choose their majors, classes and even instructors. Universities here utilize a credit–hour system while providing the best facilities and professors, not to mention the use of the cutting-edge technology. Gone is the time when instructors depend only on blackboards and chalk. To be frank, Egypt is lagged behind when it comes to using advanced technology in education. Ironically, we have computer labs, but they either open during class times only or closed with no reasonable justification. Surprisingly enough, we do not even have intervals between lectures, nor are we required to attend classes. As for co-education, the less said, the better. This is a big failure for the whole world to see. However, this is not the end of the world; we can start a new leave and embark on reforming our decrepit educational system before it becomes too late. All what we need is wise and futuristic plans and we can follow the example of the advanced countries in this regard.

Culture...focus on similarites and setting differences aside.

Each culture has its own distinctive features. Cultures, however, differ from each other due to many factors. Contasts are great in number compared to comonalities which are few and far between. Hence, it is not something strange to find numerous differences between the American culture and the Middile Eastern one; and that of Egypt in particular.