Betrayal at this blog?
Here is a thought that has been puzzling me throughout this blog’s lifetime and people’s constant ranting emails. If a person asks questions about his/her culture, traditions, religion, people, life, anything, whatever, does that mean that the person is betraying their families and roots? They should be ashamed of themselves, and they need guidance? No one should rant or complain about life because it is wrong to do so? Who came up with that shit? If that is the case, we would still be living in the dark ages!
I think sometimes it is wrong to have a brain and think about something that is beyond what is known to us.
I am going to mention this again, the problem with the world is: misunderstandings, miscommunication, and ignorance. God help us all!
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Who said that?! Asking questions is not only good but very essential. For example, why should I do something like people do? There must be a reason for that. Curiosity & “Remise en question” is very important.
Sadly, I think that many Arab families don’t appreciate the fact that kids are being too curious (A simple question: How to make a baby?) and then they try to control them. So, I’m not surprised that many people don’t use their mind but follow what they learnt by heart from their society: fear from strongs, social hypocrisy, machism in some cases…
Maybe I’m too sinister.
@Emomo
I have been hounded with weird emails and comments this morning. I don’t know what is wrong with the world.
Arabs and baby making? DON’T EVEN MENTION that to them. The parents will have a heart attack. They expect you to figure it out after your wedding night. lol
@Mona
The elderly or older people seem to be under the impression “culture is under their authority”. How do people freak out at a press conference? By one journalist who can’t stop asking questions. The investigative journalist. No one should question the “culture” because everything in is it ‘right’, its a complete way of life and since it has been around longer than us “it must be right” all the time. Hence, they believe their culture is a nest for protect from the world’s dangers… when its just a tradition and this is not always the case. They also believe culture is a transmitted set of guidelines for which we need to live by. Those who refuse to live by them are wrong because no one dares mentions culture. But what if the culture has too much contradictions? What to do then? Today’s young generation (thanks to the global village) can see culture threw the television crystal ball. I suppose they all believe their culture is superior and are afraid it will be erased and replaced with an artificial culture of no significance to their people.
Discussion is a step towards enlightenment.
There are only two things infinite; the universe and human stupidity, and im not sure about the universe
-Albert Einstein
“I think sometimes it is wrong to have a brain and think about something that is beyond what is known to us.”
You feel guilty speculating about unknown things? And what kind of weird emails? You already have obsessed fans?
its human nature 2 ask qustions
how would u know what is right if u never ask qustions ?
@maarten
obsessed? Well, I had this blog for over 3.5 years. So yah.. obsessed.
i think the betrayal is dependent upon the opinions or facts that the families use to support their views. for example my family thought i was weird for converting, but they didn’t take it as a betrayal, just as a sign that times are changing for their son.
the Socratic method is constant questioning to get to the root and find an answer. I have taught ESL in the past and the right questions have always brought upon understanding for the student, and at times understanding for me.
i think the stigma of fear that surrounds questioning is doubt about who you are and such. If you have no questions concerning all of the things you mentioned, Mona, then it ‘means’ you are comfortable being who you are. But these people who have questions are seen as uncomfortable, and even stupid. A little doubt is healthy i think because it pushes oneself towards finding the answer that will remove the doubt.
I think betrayal of one’s own consiousness is worse than the betrayal of family, tribe or nation. I know not everyone would agree, but that is how I see it.
@maarten
I actually agree with you. I know. Strange.
The world is constantly changing and some people don’t want to change anything. They see some of their old ways vanishing with a new generation and that scares them. So they feel like the newer generations are betraying them and they may feel that they are losing their place in the world. Some of the old traditions and values are still good, but as the times change people need to adapt new ideas and beliefs. They have to learn to change with the times even if they don’t like it.
@Mona
*looks around suspicously* Im not sure what to do now.
Perhaps a bit off-topic, but here you can see if the world is going forward or backward. The problems you mention with the world seem to be improving.
http://www.newscientist.com/data/images/archive/2725/27250901.jpg
I know what you are talking about.
Try to ignore them. I think they actually have doubts on the goodness of the state of mind of Arabs and Arab culture themselves, yet suppress these thoughts. And the more fervently attack people who dare voice such things.
Just keep in mind having been given a brain and critical mind is a huge gift. Not using it would be a horrible waste.
Besides: They re just jealous