Which traditions in Egypt do you think need to be changed the most?

Question

There has been alot of talk on here lately about "traditions" that even Egyptians find annoying and would like to see changed. For example, being forced to eat so much when visiting someone's house, etc. What are some other things that you, as Egyptians, would like to see change that you think would improve the quality of life. Please feel free to list as many as you like.

I wasn't looking for anything specific. I am just trying to get an idea of what things Egyptians find annoying. Maybe see if there is anyway to change the situation. No one mentioned the "gossiping" either.

Never mind. Someone did mention gossip. I stand corrected.

Ismaily: I'm not sure why you suddenly feel the need to insult my avatar. I already feel down enough without having to add insult to injury. Anyway, I am not a huge Drew Carey fan and I fail to see the resembelance.

Answer 1

It seems that some people misunderstood the question. They mixed traditions with their own personal problems, weather and their hate to life here.

There are many traditions like that and I don't remember all.
1- Kissing for greetings
2- Using mobile much in transportation (specially the loud music)
3- Much teen joking and kidding in public and crowded places
4- Keeping many old stuff at home or work while there is no room for that.
5- Judge people by how they look not what they do
6- All Egyptian marriage traditions has to be changed and filtered
7- Unhealthy food which is related to some events like the prophet birthday (it has no relation with religion and just an old tradition)
8- Link food with love and care

I'm tired it's enough for now.

Sabrina : Kissing for greetings is not nice always for men specially in some cases like flue, hot weather, shaved beard or when a man kisses more than 2 kisses it gets funny. For women sometimes they have red lips on their cheek.

Answer 2

Traditions In Egypt

Answer 3

People have mentioned lots of things I agree with. However, there are other things that are not really traditions, but just small things that can really bug you most of the time. I find it very annoying for example when people don't respect the fact that there is one door for those going in and another for those going out of the underground metro. People just go to any door and push and shove regardless of who gets squashed in the middle! This,of course, is in addition to the fact that some people have no respect for lines and taking your turn! Another very annoying thing is punctuality. I know that the stereotypical image of us in the West is that we have no regard for time, and unfortunately many people confirm that image through their irresponsible actions. I don't believe traffic is a legitimate excuse. If you leave early enough with time to spare you should make it on time. Also, I don't know why people have the tendency to stare at others. It is particularly annoying when for example the person being stared at is handicapped. It's not nice to make somebody feel like a freak, even if unintentionally. I got a lot of crap on the street mostly consisting of dumb comments about my height (almost all from short guys!). The rude remarks directed towards females are not exclusive to Egyptians, but are also another thing to add to the list! One thing that is particularly funny is the way people give you directions when you ask them.They think they are being helpful by not saying I don't know, but can often get you even more lost if you follow their incorrect directions! Gosh, I don't know what else to say! I've went on and on... Despite all this, Egyptians really are sweet hearts! I love them to death and am proud to be Egyptian. I just wish we'd get rid of our annoying habits!

I've noticed that nobody brought up the one point I think you were looking for, Ministry. Parental control over "children" who are in their thirties and should supposedly have their own life and make thier own decisions!

Answer 4

For me i think the worst habit for the Egyptians is pushing when you are trying to shop. So many times i have just had to walk away rather than buy something because the salesman has been so pushy i couldn't cope with it. and ministry i know you know luxor so i am sure you know exactly what i mean.

Wise heart whats wrong with kissing on greeting i think its a nice habit, and one the English only recently adopted, by recently i mean in the last 10 or 20 years which is recent to me.... poor old thing.
gremlins I so agree with you, i cannot understand this at all.

Answer 5

I didn't got the chance to visit Egypt but I socialized with many Egyptians ...2 of my best friends are from Egypt....I think the eating habits ...it's kind of unhealthy ..because of the very heavy meals I love Egyptian foods but heavy meals every day is not healthy ..... a other common thing i noticed ....some Egyptians when they talking to me they don't leave any personal space. I feel this is maybe because they are warm hearted so they like to stand while talking very close to others.... I'm not talking about my friends my teachers, doctors and others that I have to deal with them ....it's really impressing and I don't like to step back immediately it would be not a polite thing to do .other thing they like chatting very much and I do really like the Egyptian sense of hummer they are the best among Arabs I guess .anyway, I'm from SA and sure you know it's not socially acceptable from a female to talk too much with other males in unnecessary things....last week i went shopping and there was this nice Egyptian salesman but my God he loves talking ...I asked him one question ..'what is the date today?'....he got me completely wrong ...then he started talking loudly and joking about things unrelated i got confused and i didn't want to be rude so I just carried on hopping that any second he will stop .....some shoppers stopped shopping and just were staring at me like i did something wrong , anyway I'm glad no troubles happened.:)

Answer 6

The thing I would most like to see changed is how difficult it is to get married. The women and their families often demand such extravagant dowries and gift of gold/jewelry that its gotten almost impossible for younger guys to afford it. That has led to alot of sisters pushing 30 and cant get married, then when a guy does have money he marries a younger lady....etc etc...enough also with this "children of pharaoh" crap. Praraoh was the worst of all men, Moses(as) was sent by Allah(swt) to get rid of him....so pleeeze stop acting as if its a good thing to be proud of...geeesh....last, somebody put a muzzle on Amr Diab

Answer 7

Dear ,
this is really a good question.
i think that Egyptians think that it is normal to have wasta in every matter of their life.like asking relatives and friends to help them get a job when their relatives or friends are in a high position in their work.
this is unfair and not just when you get the work position only due to your relative or your friend.
would your relative or your friend help the other contender for the same job?
this is one of worst traditions we have in Egypt.
i recall when i finished studies my father told me : where you want to work? i have power to get you a job in whatever governmental company in Egypt or in whatever ministry.
i told him i am looking for a job outside Egypt , Arab countries for obvious reasons>>>money<<< and i was lucky to get it through an ad in the newspaper

best of luck

Answer 8

- talking on mobile phones more than normal taking.
- always talk bad about people and we forget that we are people too, and we have mistakes too.
- looking looking looking, :) we always like to look in peoples hand and clothes, when u buy something from anywhere , people must look and see what you have bought :)

But we are really one of the most kind and patient people on the earth, I love Egypt.

Answer 9

I'm not from egypt and have never been there, but..... I have read that female circumcision occurs fairly often, even though it is banned. That is something that is more than annoying, that needs to change, if it is indeed true.

Answer 10

going on what the last one said the daughter of my business partners daughter has just been done and she will not go near anybody now, from a joy full child she has become so sombre, just because of some strange tradition that no one dares admit where its origin is, I say butchers the lot of them.
its like saying God made a mistake in his most precious creation,