We normally describe Europe as a fortress while it looks more like a calendar where anything goes in and out. The old good values are despised and order is a synonym of stagnation. We are proud of this and stubbornly export this to the rest of the world. Are we sure we are right? Perhaps a visit to the Middle East might help to reconsider your views.
I was utterly excited when I received the invitation of the British Council to take part in a seminar organized in Amman (Jordan) to establish a think tank for young civil society activists in Arab countries. This had an immediate impact on my ego which started dreaming about a Lawrence of Arabia coming to liberate civil society in the region, raise the voice of youth and reform the region. The peace behind the corner! Young soldiers jubilating that Nasser is back. Another achievement to include in my CV.
I didn’t know anything about the Arab countries but I was ready for the mission. BC paid for the expenses.
However, the trip took a different direction and did turn into a good lesson for my western arrogance. The young Arabs proved to me that they don’t need anything to learn from us – BC invited a group of youths from the Middle East and Northern Africa, experts from the region and from theWest – but actually they should be teaching our youths in Europe.
I was struck by the behavior and preparation of the Arabs. I observed them but they didn’t have anything to do with the noisy activists I met in Porto Alegre at the World Social Forum (Brazil). They were always in a sweat, ate grossley and spoke anti-capitalist nonsense. Nor did they look like the shabby students of LSE. I had my place turned into a student camp when my flatmate – a peace loving blogger – made a masters last year. They spent all day in the library dating each other across genders to get drunk day and night whilst getting on with their experimentations.
On the contrary, the young Arabs displayed modesty and respect, dressed properly, keep silent and spoke rarely just to make informative comments or politely ask constructive questions to their seniors. The females, in particular, struck me the most for their continence in every manner. They didn’t show branded or glittering clothes as we are used to in Western Universities. They wore dark colors covering every bit except for the face and hands. Shy and gentle, they never interrupted the discussions. Yes, they didn’t say much but didn’t cause any disruption as well.
I didn’t have the opportunity to shake their hands nor to look in their eyes. They inspired me to have complete respect. Once, I had the opportunity to sit next to one of them at dinner. Thanks to her I restrained from consuming alcohol or make any colorful reference to gods and their mothers. Indeed, they usually sit at another table to avoid exposure to indecent comments that westerners usually make at meal times. The European women made an exception. They didn’t follow the example but joined us without stopping smoking, drinking and expressing their opinions loudly.
I don’t need to mention that they didn’t welcome my suggestion to consider a more appropriate dress code by way of following the example set by their Arab sisters.
The dignified behavior of the young Arabs was coupled with a brilliant mind and fresh determination. Both males and females have got the best education and were very passionate about their professional career. The think tank was for them an opportunity to progress and raise to the high tasks which their nations look at them to accomplish. All of them wanted to succeed in business or politics. They don’t waste their time with silly demonstrations or indulging in poetic fantasies.
Looking at them I must confess that I feel comfortable for the future of the region. These guys will take care of their nations keeping everything as it is without any noise or inconvenience. Just peace and order across kingdoms and corporations. They are the best friends of Europe. Together we will regulate immigration, energy and trade for our mutual benefits.
Coming back to Europe, I made a resolution. I must persuade the British Council that not the Arab countries but Europe needs a think tank for youth. We will invite the young Arab activists to teach their fellows how to behave, dress and work hard for the god and nation!
