I was involved in a journalists gathering here in Australia the other day and things were significantly heated. We spoke about the revolution, the obvious elation that the past few days have embodied and created for us all, everywhere. I remained silent out of happiness. But then we spoke of tomorrow and of big political ideas and systems; who might hijack this revolt and who should take control or just no control at all. What I was and remain concerned about is what I think many people are overlooking: the severe extent of a defiant poison which has not only seeped through to the Egyptian people, but has found comfortable living space there for over 30 years. The oppression that I felt when I lived in Egypt was not so much from this invisible Government, but rather a silent transgression from segments of daily life, simple interactions with the people. A decorated tall poppy syndrome with no real rational value, interrogation when trying to have a conversation, stereotypes when trying to understand or tease out anything foreign. A thriving Capitalism without the term fully understood, increased superficial expectations. (Call it or look at it as you like). I could go on! It was frustrating, tiring and devastating at times. The Egyptian people stood together for 18 days with the tools that the regime has forced the people to endure, through terrible living conditions. The traffic trap, being the least of the concerns on a seemingly infinite itching list. As a consequence we saw many heroic acts brought on by raw anger and stubbornness perhaps; resilience, will power and very strong opinions. The voice, delivery and passions of the people also broke many stereotypes that the west have believed in for so long about the region; including newly found love or an already existing harmony between both the dominant religions etc. However that was for 18 days and that was the revolution. There is still a lot of expression, anger and unjustified psychological-to say the least- impairments, harassment, which the people impose on each other on a day to day basis. They now feel free and might not know what to do with this new sensation. Should they continue rebellion, maybe they seek some sort of unexplained passive or active revenge from anyone and everyone with no real reason or function? The confusion might just continue and what needs to be addressed is not just what systems are needed for a steer into positive transition and establishment of a new democracy. Rather, how far has the evil polluted the naive triangles of this society? Especially, its number one priority and life blood, the people. We can try to understand the reasons behind any sort of sexual harassment: it could be fueled with mixed anger, a need to express a desperate and extreme displeasure, along with arrogance and brazen- (not in a good way)-retaliation to anything; or just old fashioned neurosis. Men use acts of sexual violence to demean what they see as opposition or just a vent to live out very confused varied, powerful and non realistic images and ideals of freedom: perhaps even fantasies. Scary when you think about it, but there is a lot of work to do in Egypt or better still there must be more freedom of selves rather than loosely washed aspirations of what a fair and free society should look like. Whatever that means. Alternative approaches which eventually fall inline with basic human rights and with an excepted humane premise. I mean you are not born a dictator, you are told its forms and attitudes suit you. You might begin to enjoy them and the idea spirals out of realm and trickles and spurts into an uncharacteristic enjoyment in the pain of others: an increase in the force of domination and it could be a lifelong complex. Yes it is a complex, taught, brought on by subordinate treatment! Long live the revolution, but God help the sensibilities ** Mohammed Hashem is an Australian journalist of Egyptian background and has spent many years in Egypt. BM
