class differences

Westernization in Egypt is a legitimate fear. Those in power have disregarded many important cultural ideas as ‘backwards’ or ‘third world’. Ye there are certain ways of living that, if imitated, would enhance and highlight the important aspects of our Arab culture. The
United states is not perfect. It is a large population with a huge land mass. People are not perfect, and therefore their societies will never be.

Having said this, it is important to note that in the majority of the united states the drift between economic classes is not as prominent in our arab world. Today I stood looking around for a lighter. Two men who were obviously neither students nor professors were smoking. I went to them and asked for a light. The bewildered look in their faces were indicative of a whole society gone wrong.

I understand the difference between social economic classes. I know that people, when raise in a certain way, they have a difficulty acclimating with others who are different. This is the natural order of things, and this is the way the world woks right now. Communication however, is drifting the population apart. These men were shocked because I appear to be a student. Those who pay to be here, do not mix with those who are paid so little to be here.
I know this exists in the West, but these differences are not a part of who we are. Our country is predominantly Muslim. Rather than encourage the veiling of our women and the silence of our people, our Muslim leaders should be promoting those very values and norms that are a part of our very souls.

“Ra’ytoo islam doona muslimeen, wa ra’ytoo muslimeen doona islam” -Sheik Muhammad Abdo

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7&section=0&article=93355&d=9&m=3&y=2007