CAIRO - Having talked for a few minutes about the sit-in in front of the Cabinet headquarters in central Cairo last month, two Egyptian women travelling on the capital's Underground Metro then started arguing with each other. One spoke in favour of the protestors, claiming that it was the only way for protestors to demand their rights. While the other thought that there was a hidden hand behind the sit-in, which seeks to destabilise the nation and plunge it into chaos. Other women in the same carriage – prompted by the political euphoria created by the 25 January Revolution – took part in the raging conversation, which later escalated into a row between almost half of the passengers. This is one of many such incidents that show how ordinary Egyptian citizens after the Revolution have started to take an interest in issues, to which previously their response had been a shrug of the shoulder. The country's political matters were rarely discussed outside the conference halls or TV talk shows. Now Egyptians at home, on the street, in the workplace, and even in different means of transport talk about politics freely and ardently. "We have to stop protests to restore security and stability. This will help our nation's economy to flourish, and improve citizens' harsh financial circumstances," said Sawsan Nabil, a housewife in her fifties, while she was shopping in a supermarket. She was talking to a young lady, who spoke in favour of the protestors that were camping outside the Cabinet headquarters last month. Such exchanges can be most frequently encountered on the Greater Cairo Underground, which has the greatest diversity of commuters. "I would elect this person because he looks kind," a modest-looking woman said, speaking on the spur of the moment with another sitting beside her in the train, referring to a candidate in the recent parliamentary elections. The simplicity with which this woman expressed her view made others join in. "I would choose the person who can protect our rights and speak for the lower income groups," responded another, despite her slight knowledge of the names of the parliamentary candidates. Ever since the Revolution passengers in the ‘women-only' Underground train carriages have shifted their conversation from cooking, fashion and raising children to the ongoing events. The silent majority who used to show passivity towards political issues are now starting to become part of the process of democratic transition. From speaking their minds to taking part in voting, the change is being traced. "I often see passengers speaking enthusiastically about their country's political circumstances. This is something I were not used to before the Revolution, when the young ladies usually listened to music, adjusted their make-up or talked about trivial matters until they reached their destination," Manar Hassan, a 28-year-old civil servant told The Egyptian Gazette. "Now Egyptians are demonstrating awareness and a desire to understand and absorb their new surroundings," she added.
