my blog of the day: arabs, americans, and ideas

[jens]

During my stay in the Middle East, I had the fortune of meeting and experiencing some of the lifestyle and culture of the Arabian Peninsula. Part of that experience was getting to discuss some world politics (even though I was advised against it by some), and part of this was getting to hear the opinions and beliefs of a small slice of the arab world.

As I talked to several Arabs typical and atypical, mostly Saudi. I couldn't help but notice that far too many of them exhibited symptoms of the brainwashing that we associate with fundamentalist Islam doctrine (aka wahabi by western media)
(ie, knee jerk reactions to some western ideas about womens rights, freedoms, lifestyles, etc)

This recognition that many forces in our environment have heavy influence on our thought processes, almost unconciously, led me to re-evaluate the way that I look at America and Americans, as well as our media, culture, and government. Well, I should say that it is quite a "third eye-opener"

I think that we too (most Americans) have some "knee jerk reactions" to some political issues, such as topics that dive into sensitive religious areas. I'm not sure about the polls that show religion is becoming more important to Americans than ever. Is this for real or is this just some spin?

I for one am afraid of the bandwagon that is barrelling down the road that shifts dangerously the balances of our government too far to the Executive branch of our Federal Government.

Back to the lighter side of my arguement, it's always refreshing to see alternative sides of the story, and to see people who break stereotypes.

Mahmoud Al-Yasif's blog seems to be one of these.

http://www.mahmood.tv/index.php/blog/272

[Adam D]

Originally Posted by jens

I'm not sure about the polls that show religion is becoming more important to Americans than ever. Is this for real or is this just some spin?

It's mostly spin...but unfortunately the media and politicians are playing it up to be a much, much bigger issue which facilitates focusing on this particular sect of society.

[Edwin Watson]

Originally Posted by jens

This recognition that many forces in our environment have heavy influence on our thought processes, almost unconciously, led me to re-evaluate the way that I look at America and Americans, as well as our media, culture, and government. Well, I should say that it is quite a "third eye-opener"

i dunno about the three eye thing, but it is interesting when that happens, isnt it?

oh, and I agree with Adam, mostly spin, but it also makes those groups and their issues more powerful....