A Compass for Globalization, Anyone?

I was pondering this morning on what attracts a vast number of Muslims to extreme conservative ideas and parties. The first respond that occurred to me was that this is an inevitable result of the sweeping currents of globalization. Many Muslims are drawn to extreme conservatism as a knee-jerk reaction in order to preserve their identities against a tsunami of “foreign” ideas and influences pouring in from all directions. But how true is that? Does globalization really push people towards conservatism, or will it eventually create a moderate like-minded population? Terrorism, as a result of extreme right-wing conservatism, might seem spread all over the planet. But on the other hand, is there a generation that is more tolerant of diversity on the rise? Since media is inherently inclined to covering terrorist attacks better than reporting on peaceful protests, liberalism could very well be winning over conservatism without us realizing it.

I still wonder, though, where are all these clashing currents taking us.

(Painting by Elias Zayyat)

Reading "Reading Lolita in Tehran" in Doha

I acquired my copy of the novel Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi in Doha, and read it here. This made it possible for an interesting comparison between two conservative self-proclaimed Muslim societies, one is the Islamic Republic of Iran and the second is the State of Qatar – notice that as much as Qatar is committed to its Islamic heritage, the official name of the country does not mention any reference to religion.
Even though it is quite tempting to discuss Nafisi’s literary approach and tools, I am going to focus in this post mainly on how both societies differ from each other and the ramifications of such difference on Nafisi’s work.
Nafisi describes her country, Iran, as a paradise that was turned into a living hell ever since Islamic laws were implemented. Music and Western literature are banned, strict dress codes are enforced, and arbitrary curfews are imposed, to name just a few of the restrictions Nafisi and her students suffered from. Qatar, on the other hand, reached some type of a compromise that allows in the luxury of Western lifestyle while still preserving its Islamic identity and values. Conservative values of this society are evident in the way most citizens adhere to national dress, although oftentimes worn as a sign of cultural pride rather than religious obligation. Incoming residents and tourists are also expected to dress and behave in a modest way in public. But, again, imported international goods in the form of literature, music, clothing, etc are widely distributed and are part of everyday life.
Apart from the different approach to “Islamic laws” in both countries, there is also the obvious fact that the majority of the population in each country belong to a different sect of Islam. But I won’t delve much into that to avoid igniting any sectarian prejudice.
So which one is the real representation of Islamic society? The smarter question would actually be "is there only one version of how Islamic societies are supposed to be"? Even though many would claim otherwise, but really no one has the authority to decide.
This leads me to my main problem with Nafisi’s novel where she regards the actions of the Iranian government as the sole true manifestation of Islam. Therefore, founds her novel on the idea of lashing both institutions with ruthless criticism. I understand that she is deeply frustrated. However, this shouldn’t turn into a mental blind spot against other possibilities within Islamic societies, as my example shows.
To be honest, I was quite disappointed as I expected a scholar and professor like Nafisi to have sharper abilities in distinguishing between a theory and its varied implementations in real life.

The Schizophrenic Feelings of Arabs/Muslims towards the “West”

I’ve read several pieces by several “Western” authors, and by “Western” I mean either American or European, trying to analyze the causes of the deep hatred felt in the Arab/Muslim world against the “West”, manifested in events like 9/11 for example. Some of them attribute this hatred to the US’s neoconservative-driven policies towards the Middle East. Some of them justify it as mere jealousy of the “West’s” wealth and development, while others simply blame it on the “hostility that is inherent within Islam against anything non-Muslim”.
The truth is this relationship is much more complicated than a simple feeling of hatred and jealousy. Yes, Arabs/Muslims love to hate everything “Western” including media, culture, foreign policy, etc, and almost always blame all their misfortunes on some Israeli/American conspiracy. Yet they still hold feelings of respect and awe towards scientific advancements, social etiquette, and humane values often seen in the “West”. I have to mention, though, that eight years of persistent threat with the iron fist has made it much much harder to express such feelings in public. The clear bias recently favoring Israel in American foreign policy during the war on Gaza is not helping either. But Arabs/Muslims can be won over with the return of diplomacy on the table, especially that there is still some anticipated hope and change in the air.
Take the example of the Syrian people. Even though the very word “Syrian” might conjure images of terrorism, hatred, and evil to the average American ear, most Syrians just really want to deal with someone who is willing to talk and listen to them. To clarify, take the vast difference in reactions towards Mr. Clinton and Mr. Bush. During the Clinton era if someone told a Syrian that he resembled the American President in some manner, the guy would be very flattered. But during Bush’s time, if someone ever had the guts to compare a Syrian to him, well the least I could say is expect some flying shoes. What is ironic is that Bush’s best-buddy attitude would’ve worked wonders if implemented in this area, but alas Mr. Cowboy had to act all tough and turn off everyone.
Anyways, the point is diplomacy, diplomacy, diplomacy. Arabs/Muslims are easily disarmed when someone is willing to treat them as an equal and a partner. Only then will the deeply-buried feelings of respect and awe resurface.

(Painting by Rob Kirbyson)

The Other Side

A counter demonstration against the "Support to Israel Rally", on Tuesday Jan 6 in front of the Israeli consulate, New York City
http://nkusa.org/activities/Demonstrations/20090106.cfm

Israeli activists demonstrate against the war in Tel Aviv http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/war_on_gaza/2009/01/20091109519821785.html

Light Specs of Dust

My worldview in general can be characterized as hopeful and optimistic. But again, that is in general, not all the time. One of the issues where the cynical me can’t help but surface is whenever I come across the whole idea of the randomness of our beings especially when it comes to religion and other belief systems. What rekindled this thought was an encounter with a devout Catholic Filipino proudly speaking of his faith. In my mind, I couldn’t help but think that his ancestors were very likely tortured by the Spanish colonizers and forced into converting to what once used to be a foreign religion. Today, Catholicism is a major influence on many of the country’s policies. The same applies to every mega religion with piles and piles of followers who fervently believe that this is their “free choice”. But the truth is we are what we are due to circumstantial coincidences. We were either born to a certain belief system, or happened to come across it at some point in our lives. Personally, I truly wonder whether I would hold the same beliefs had I been born on the Israeli side of the wall, for example. What if I had been born to a Taliban family? What if my parents were advocates of nudism? What if…? What if…? What if…?
All that taken into consideration, can we really be held responsible for anything we do at all? The Prophet Moses, who was granted the gift of directly conversing with Allah, asked at one point to see Him in order to cast away any doubt. So is it so sinful of me to have my own doubts?
Is this simply the plight of modern relativism on humanity? Had I lived in the middle ages, would I have been a “better believer”?

All these speculations only cause me to take human existence more and more lightly. Like a spec of dust floating whichever way the wind blows it.

(Painting by Magritte)

Remembering Gaza

“Whoever witnesses a wrongdoing should try to change it with their hands; if not, then with their tongues; if not, then with their hearts. Albeit that is the weakest of faith”