Quote:
Originally Posted by Flames Fan, Ph.D.
It's not academic and useless. Language and train of thought are all we have to separate us from the proverbial barbarians at the gates. I can only assess someone's arguments through the language they use and the logic they apply. I trust the same goes for others. If I make an illogical leap, then why would anyone value the subsequent interpretations?
I'm saying the Muslim Brotherhood (and the interpretations of their motives, whether reasonable or flawed) is irrelevant to the real story. I've been reading reports of how Al-Jazeera's coverage of the uprising has been superior. The reason: they're on the streets listening to people. The predominant message from the people: we want Mubarak out. This is an opportunity where they feel empowered regarding their future, and they aim to take our best shot at achieving it.
Turning to the West, what do we talk about? It didn't take our media (and those in this thread) long to make Egypt about the well being of the West, terrorism, oil, etc... As Hoz has shown, we already have talented artists making very deep and meaningful cartoons. Perhaps it's just me, but I don't see many signs in those crowds saying "I'm protesting for my right to join the Muslim Brotherhood and cast out the great American Satan. Enjoy $10/gallon oil infidels."
All this talk is western narcissism and disregards the major story. As a consequence, it trivializes the struggle that these people are going through. It is our responsibility to stay clear and let the process work rather than pre-judge it with our own obsessions.
I talked to an Egyptian fellow that I worked alongside a few years ago. He works in the US and was frustrated at the portrayal of the news here. The one thing he kept repeating in regards to the US coverage: It's not about you.
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There are millions pf people thinking about the Egyptians, because it is news, yes it is not about us, but we care. Why do I care? I want the world to be a better place, people to have jobs, food, health care and not live under opression.
I want Mubarak to step down, but why is it so hard to understand that some people might wish, and wish is the key word here because nobody is going there and telling them what to do, that he is replaced by secular organization that cares more about keeping the people fed and employed as opposed to spreading the word of a supposed god?