I know many people have the same old questions, and I keep getting asked those questions all the time. It is frustrating trying to explain some things about your life, but what am I to do? This is my life. The blog is me, and I am this blog.
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The Questions
1. Mona, why are you rebellious? I read so many posts on your blog, and I found nothing that makes you have that quality.
You see, long time ago, when I decided that I should launch this domain name as a blog, I was a bit hesitant you know. Having such a controversial adjective such as ‘rebellious,’ and attaching it to an even more controversial adjective such as ‘Arab,’ and ending it with something so innocent as the noun ‘girl’, really throws off people. You see, back then, like in the year 2005, I was a bit angry. I used this site as a way to avenge my dignity and honour as an Arab girl by telling off a certain Arab guy. He hated the site title the most. “How can an Arab girl be rebellious?” he would say.
That just proves the stereotypes that people have within my culture.
As time passed, and my audience grew, I became more and more depressed. Literally that is, and mentally of course. If you have been reading this blog for a long time, you would have noticed the evolution of my personality, and the ups and downs in my life. Right now, I am at an ultimate low, but things could always be worse.
Moreover, being an educated girl, and having some common sense and logic, made me think of a lot of things all the time. It led me to question many aspects and traditions in this culture of mine. I questioned why girls do this, why guys do that, why parents act this way, why Arabs in general live a double life, etc. Unfortunately, all those questions made me seem a bit crazy and spiteful of my entire culture and being an Arab. On the contrary though, I love being an Arab. However, many traditions and old customs are questionable. Life changed completely, but a lot of things didn’t. That’s why I talk about them, and because I do, many non-Arabs read this blog as well. They also noticed that not all Arabs are backwards people living in 3rd world countries that ride camels. I ridden a camel before when I was little, but dammit, don’t you westerners ride horses for fun too?
Anyways, so I try to be logical all the time, and I question everything about this culture. Many people read it, and now understand that us Arabs are normal people! We all have our problems. However, some of our problems, well most, are based on the old conservative mentality that is clouded by religious justification of every action. Why is everything a sin anyways? I never understood that! Even breathing the same air with another guy you are not married to is a sin!
So, that’s why I am rebellious. I question things that people in my culture don’t dare to, and I get those odd few 100′s of other Arabs that agree with me, and they are sick of it too.
2. Is your real name Mona?
Legally yes, publicly no. I grew up being called MunMun. So Mona is a sophisticated name that I like to use to give my blog a bit more credibility.
3. Why don’t you use your last name?
If I told you that my name is MunMun Zeiton Bateekha, will it make a difference?
4. Being open minded does not mean you are rebellious, Mona!
So I need to start tattooing my arms, shaving half my head, being ever so promiscuous, doing drugs, posting pictures of all of that craziness online, so this definition of Rebellious Arab Girl will earn its validity to you?
5. How did you manage to keep this blog alive for so long?
I think the hardest thing that I have ever done in my life is to keep this blog alive for so long. It has nothing to do with patience, or trying to come up with things to write about. I can write. I can write anything. If I have the ability to sit down with a friend to talk about life, then I can write 2 or 3 paragraphs a day about some random thought that comes to my mind. However, the scary part is, that I am talking to the entire world instead.
In the beginning, it was not easy to keep up with this blog. I used to post every 3 or 4 days. Sometimes I would forget about it. However, sometimes I would be suffering from some manic depression episode, and I end up writing something that is beyond controversial. Afterward, I would be getting several hate mails and nasty comments. That’s when my blog took off, and I became more interested in clarifying things, and questioning so so many things.
It seems that controversy is what keeps personal blogs alive.
6. How do we know that the stories you write are true?
I think I answered this question a million times in the past. I will answer it again, and I will probably answer it a month from now. I am LAZY! I don’t like to come up with stories to write just to make things interesting and grab people’s attention. I am beyond lazy and I hate doing any work. It’s like asking me to write a math proof. Does it look like I have time to think or want to? What do I gain out of it?
7. You write really well Mona. Did you study English and writing too as well as Computer Science in University?
Somewhat. I took several writing courses in University such as writing for publication, writing for advertising, writing with proper grammar and syntax (which I still suck at,) and a couple of English literature courses.
I like writing and reading.
8. Why aren’t you married till now? I think that’s your problem.
Actually, if I was married now, I would be having more problems. Really, it’s none of your business or anyone’s if I am not married till now. Will it make a difference to your life if Mona was married or not?
9. Will you close down the site if you do get married?
No.
10. Will you marry me Mona? I am rebellious too!
Prove it buddy!
11. Do you make a lot of money from this site and you are just lying about it?
Yes I am lying. I actually make 100′s of pennies a month from this blog!
Anymore questions people?
