The Questions that Preoccupy My Thoughts

What has sparked mass demonstrations in the Middle East? What changed within the authoritarian paradigm? Was it really the Wikileaks, or was there something else? Why did self mutilation and burning pre-empt the demonstrations? Was that behavior necessary to unite the masses irrespective of political, ethnic, religious and economic cleavages? Are the current demonstrations enough to convince the targeted authoritarian regimes to change? If they won’t change, will the people go far enough to dismantle them by force? Will these social changers work together to create stability and security while instituting democratic principles within their pre-existing or new governments?

There is definitely more to come on this... I would love to write a research paper about this topic when I have enough time. If you run across any good references, please let me know!

Reading List 2011

This year, I want to create and conquer a book list. In my earlier years, as if I were past them, I detested reading and would avoid it whenever possible. Thanks to a rigorous major that demanded me to face the daunting task of reading heaps in no time at all, I have learned to love it! Because it adds so much to my knowledge and perspective, I enjoy it. For this year’s book list, here are a few of the books that I want to reread or read for the first time:
Freakonomics
The Lexus and the Olive Tree
Embers and Ashes
The Book of Mormon
The Holy Quran
Making Globalization Work
Fair Trade for All
Pride and Prejudice
Barriers to Democracy
Institutions and Ethnic Politics
Ethnic Conflict and Civic Life
1984
Crime and Punishment
The Scarlet Letter
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
The Color Purple
The Crucible

If you can think of any other “must reads” for 2011, let me know and I will consider adding them to my list.

A look into "More Over"

http://www.cunepress.com/cunepress/booksonline/essays/etg/etg-pages/a-d/aziz.htm

Well, I apologize for subjecting you to my reading notes, but sometimes I find an article and don't have enough time to expound upon it before life gets in the way and punctuates my thoughts! "More Over" is a great essay by Barbara Nimri Aziz, a spunky Arab-American woman who refuses to allow her identity to be hijacked by stereotypes. While reading her essay, she metaphorically slapped me in the face and reminded of the damning curse of the single story (aforementioned in previous blogs.) To say the least, I realized that I need to change my perspective, fully acknowledge the accomplishments and strengths of social development in the Middle East, and capitalize on them.

Aziz claims that far too often, feminists play the "third world woman" card without showing the true story – the full story. This single story shows a disempowered and helpless female race, yet in reality, there are many successes taking place. We just fail to mention them. Instead, feminists seek out the worst situations and portray that as the sweeping majority. Her words brought me back to William Easterly's "white man’s burden" and how the "developed" and "sophisticated" West often feels that it must condescend to assist the helpless instead of empowering the able-minded. Western feminism is no exception to this phenomenon and has an agenda that paints these women as victims. We must each adapt our paradigm of viewing the situation to better lift the hands that hang down without stripping those hands of their dignity. Thank you Barbara Aziz for setting me straight!

The Power of Jon Stewart????

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/27/business/media/27stewart.html?_r=1&nl=us&emc=politicsemailema1

Does Jon Stewart really have the influence necessary to shame Republican senators into ending a filibuster and voting in favor of the 9/11 Bill to provide a financial support package for the 9/11 first responders. I watched the latest "Daily Show" a couple of days ago and was quite impressed that Jon Stewart not only insulted the Republican party(and Fox News)- as can be expected, but he made a valid argument as to why the 9/11 bill should be passed. I thought it was quite ironic that the first responders of 9/11 are the epitome of "American" and the event that revitalized American pride, yet the Republicans in the Senate not only refused to vote for it, but they also instituted a filibuster in attempts to kill the bill.

When Jon Stewart had Mike Huckabee from Fox News on the show, Stewart asked Huckabee why Republicans were dragging their feet on the bill, Huckabee couldn't think of a excuse. Stewart accused Fox News of making 9/11 a trite expression that is used liberally by the station to mobilize its viewers for many issues, most recently, the "terror mosque." Unfortunately, when legislation that was intended to benefit those that defended Americans on that dreadful day, Fox News as well as CBS and NBC failed to cover the issue. How is that possible? It is eerie to know that the media is so heavily intertwined with politics to the point that most watched news stations omit significant government actions because the parties have an agenda to maintain. Although I watched the episode after the show AND after the senate had passed the bill, I wonder if his voice really tipped the bucket.

Earlier in the year, there have been other pieces of legislation that have passed now that we are in the lame-duck period that previously were shot down time and time again. I find it quite interesting that the President and congress are making so much progress and actually have their noses to the grind. The Majority Whip, Senator Reid is making the senate work up until the end of the year and I am eagerly watching to see what else will transpire before the conclusion of the democratic domination.

Who knew that some late night comedy could have such an impact?

Waking Up in Frankfurt

I finally broke down and emptied my memory disk after holding out for three months. On my way home from Jordan, I took a stop in Frankfurt and went on a day trip. Although my sister and I had explored the city together, I hadn't gotten my fill and was determined to explore the city through my lens. It was much colder than the heat of Jordan, but it was worth the jacket and goosebumps! The Frankfurters were sensational, classy and well dressed. It was a lovely change in pace and provided me with a much needed stroll. Here is a quick peek into my day.

A Land Called Paradise

I was going along and minding my business when yet another friend sent me an inspiring youtube video that I LOVED! This little clip combines clever ways of presenting the beauties of Islamic culture and contextualizing it for an American audience. In addition to providing exposure to an often misunderstood culture within the United States, this film rehumanizes a religious group that is often inaccurately portrayed by the media and politics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbcmPe0z3Sc

I think my favorite clip is "Broccoli is my personal jihad," or maybe it's "My son thinks I named him after a Quranic word---I named him after my first crush!"

Adhan that takes me back to Jordan

I was just purusing through some adhans looking for one that sounded incredible when I cam across this one... Obviously there is come echoing and the sound quality is slightly muffled, but what it communicates to me is far more than the actual quality of this piece. When I heard it, this adhan immediately took me back to our small balcony connected to the kitchen at Teta Mahasen's house. I thought of the hot air enveloping my face as the sun went down and at last, we were able to break the fast. I thought of how delicious the food smelled and how peaceful the world seemed. That was one of those moments when everything seemed right. I miss that time, but I know things will feel right again someday soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NktdMaFKhsU&feature=related