War of the Beards
I was going to post a little something of me talking about the conservatives in the Kuwaiti government, but decided to delete it because I feared I might have some facts wrong. But I still kept the title to start up a little discussion if anyone is willing to input their ideas and opinions.
I never really cared about the government or even knew we had a constitution, but I became aware of the effect the conservatives have had in the past few years. Example 1: Forbidding the Star Academy auditions to be held in Kuwait. Example 2: Separating the girls from the boys in AUK (an American institution!).
I believe this is the PERFECT time for women to get their political rights. Once we get a say, I beleive that most of the conservatives holding positions in the parliment will be replaced by open-minded persons willing to make Kuwait a nicer place to live; with less idiotic restrictions.
Main target: Ahmed Baqer aka The Wife Abuser
What I want to know from you is, what aspects or parts of our government are the conservatives currently controlling? What fatwas are they applying on us? And what are some of their future plans?
Again, I also want to know your opinions and views on this topic.
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To those of you who are waiting for the “Guess Who” series, they will still be coming but not as frequently as last week because Spring Break just ended and I have less time. But I have the person in mind. Check back soon!
March 23rd, 2005 at 3:37 am
Unfortunately, Kuwait is still an adolescent in modern democratic politics. Although factors of race, bias, personal gain, etc. do appear in developed countries elections, they are the MAIN factors in our elections. Also, women have been sidelined and trodden over for so long that many of them are living in a state of acquiescent obedience in their homes. Therefore, when Kuwaiti women take their political rights the immediate effect will be MORE of the conservative and quasi-islamist block in parliament because a majority of women will vote as instructed by their male family members - husband, father, brother, etc.
That, however, is the price of democracy that we have to accept. If the majority of the population -men and women - are misinformed, politically, civically or religiously ignorant or just don’t give a hoot then that will reflect on parliamentary elections.
Normally this takes several years to change or improve as people develop and the nation outgrows its political adolescence.
There is absolutely NOTHING in this world that does not carry a price and if we want it we have to be prepared to pay the price.
Personally, I am willing to pay.
March 23rd, 2005 at 6:13 am
I tend to agree with Shorof, who presented the political forecast very logically, but some studies have shown that the outcome structure of the next parliament would not go through drastic changes so long the voting map stays fixed in 25 areas. Which, unfortunately, also indicates that not much change is anticipated in country reform. Next step I think (if we women got our political rights) is to fight the voting system so that it would be according to political parties rather than areas, which in my opinion is the true democracy and chances for reform are greater. I did not intend to scare you dear, I just wanted you to see reality and be well equipped for it, thanks for the lovely post.
March 23rd, 2005 at 4:08 pm
Shorof, I also agree. I do believe that changes in the election will be evident over time until women decide to be independant towards their vote. And it nice to see that some women (us so far) will be those women NOW.
However, AyyA, disagree with you. I think that political parties in kuwait is a wrong idea, because how many parties would there be? two, three, four at the most. So then decisions would be made by ONE party that all support the same ideas and issues?? No, the whole point of the parliament, I think, is that MANY ideas are gathered and then these 25 decide on what is good or bad for the country.
For example, look at the United States. Two parties, and at EVERY election the percentage of votes are 49% to 51%, which means half of the country opposes and does not support the decisions of the winning party!
Well thats my take, thank you for both your imputs Shorof and AyyA.
April 11th, 2005 at 1:04 am
The reality of the matter is that most women like u dont like restrictions. You want to do what u want and when u want it. The strange thing about it is that u r doing what u want and when u want it yet u still complain about the situation in kuwait. U say that when women get into the parliment that they would have an open mind (liberal) about thing and guessing from what u r thoughts r on the matter that means that they want anything that is against the so called breads not because they r open minded but cus its just the opposite of wht the beards want.As for star academy not being in kuwait thats the lamiest thing i ve ever heard as an argument for women getting into politcs is that all u think about star academy thats how women in kuwait will get their right by letting ppl come and yetmas`7roon bil kuwait sing dance and make fools out of themselves that s how u intend to win ppls votes. Oh about the whole segrigation thing in AUK as u stated its an american institution but u forgot to say its on kuwati soil. And the bottom line is for the kuwatis to decide not a foreign country. Here is my take on things its not a womans issue as much of it being i want to do it cus u r doing it issue. Women in the parliment isnt something that i would agree to but voting thats a different ball game cus i m all for that. Thy still get a say in who represents them. I m still not seeing any plan of action from the woman who want to go into the parilement they just want in but then what?
Really thats all u can argue about star academy and AUK i m sorry to say that u really have to place a higher value on political affilation that is something above the level of star academy which is so low.
April 11th, 2005 at 1:27 am
I wanted to add one more thing that being open minded goes both ways. U also have to listen to the other peresons opinion and not to imply that since their views are different than mine then they must not be open minded especially when it comes to matters of religion cus al7amdoullah our religion Islam is a religoin which teaches ppl to be open minded and to ask questions and argue but all for the sake of getting the truth not for the sake of getting the political upper advantage. You can agrue all u want and i encourage u to do so but tara the open mind bit is getting old.
April 16th, 2005 at 4:47 pm
I guess u only reply to those who agree with u??