Growing up I remember the famous saying that we used to hear about the political stances of Arabs: “Arabs are only in accord to be in disaccord”. When it comes to social issues and problems, it seems that Jordanians have broken this rule. Today they all seem to be in accord that the social fabric as well as structures of our society are deteriorating. The good news is that we finally have a consensus; the bad news is that the news is really bad.
The issues I am referring to are dangerous: the disrespect and disregard to rule of law, rage in society, the collapse of social values, the bankruptcy of our educational system and the list goes on.
In times like these it is easy to point fingers, harp on dysfunctions, theorize, philosophize, criticize, and most dangerous of all pretend that we all have nothing to do with it. It is the doing of all those others. God only knows who these “others” are.
Failed attempts at reform on many levels have only fueled the sense of cynicism and skepticism that we find so prevalent these days. People seem demoralized, de-motivated, and at times totally disinterested. Positive outlooks are becoming synonymous with being gullible. Talk of gloom and doom is the order of the day.
It makes me really sad to see that this has become the environment we live in. However, this also makes my resolve even stronger to want to be part of the solution. If this sounds naive, then I am very naïve. I refuse to believe that the light is not at the end of the tunnel even if I do not see it. I might need to wear special glasses or change my perspective. The light is there, we just have to make an honest and sincere effort to see it.
Failed attempts at solving problems should never be a pretext to quit. If all attempts work from the first try, then we should all be standing in line for noble prizes. Failed attempts are lessons for us to learn from to try to get it right the next time round. Henry David Thoreau, the 19th century philosopher and author said: "For every thousand hacking at the leaves of evil, there is one striking at the root." Where there is a will there is a root waiting to be struck. We just have to have faith in each other and in the role that each and every one of us plays in making our world a better and sweeter one.
2 comments:
Welcome back Tallouza.
Hope is the antidote to cynicism. Keep it alive!
it is so refreshing to see such optimism at times where pessimism has become the norm, and the only way to express oneself in a relevant way where everyone would agree.. In this case, I join my voice to proudly disagree with the masses, and join yours in the call for a brighter and sweeter world. Only we can plant the seed of reform, and can grow it collectively to see that light at the end of the tunnel, with or without glasses, it's a matter of attitude, sincerity and belief!
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