When it comes to Egypt or Egyptians? (This question is adressing Egyptians)?

Question

and somebody asks something about it, or about us?
Are you obsessed with the notion that we have to look good infront of the foreigners, so that you sometimes twist the truth? thinking you are doing good to your country?
Or you from those type who just says what he/she see and think staright and square?
Or you from the few who see only the bad things about Egypt and Egyptians?

non Egyptians are welcome to comment!

Adam: you are out of track! that was not my question! and what is the story of nationalism? and it is THE enemy?? is that right?
msafwat: i think somebody thumbed you down because you said "without veils" and you were taking about the truth..what a pure example of nervousness..

Edit:
Adam,
I won't get into a debate concerning religion and whether naionalism is haram or not with you because i know for sure that there is nothing i can say would make you think. i have a friend who thinks like you, and i don't blame him or you, i understand why you chose to borrow someone else's brain to analyse things. so, peace man.

Answer 1

Hi hon, have been here 11 years. I may be critical of Egyptians at times, but my kids and husband are Egyptians too. If it comes from someone else like my dad for instance I will take offence to it even if I feel that way sometimes.

It's the country that has taught me alot and has taken good care of me, and when someone comes to visit I want them not just to see the bad but to see the wonderful things that Egypt does have to offer, Cairo is not the world in Egypt, its got its problems but there are many positives too.

I want my kids to be proud of who they are. I don't like anyone to critize them or their country. People think cuz I am American that I am harsh on the country but its not that, I do have strong loyalites that don't show through always. So never judge what you think of someone who is foreign and is harsh on Egypt, they may just turn around and protect it too.

Somehow it belongs to everyone that visits her and drinks from the nile, it does hold a place in their hearts and memories.

Answer 2

This case doesn't represent all Egyptian families; However it's natural to worry about Egyptian females more than Egyptian males when they marry non-Egyptians. Why it's natural !.. the records say our culture made our men treat their wives good enough while it's not the same treatment the Egyptian females receive when they marry non-Egyptians. I don't mean that Egyptian men are the best or all others are not good, but I just mean it's a good point to worry about if we look in our community records. Here when I mention records, I mean it's not just an opinion more than facts.

Answer 3

I have noticed that many people are blowing alot of smoke around certain issues. Not only on this site but others I belong to. Recently, I saw a picture posted under the category "Only in Egypt". This was a picture of a huge pile of trash (literally a trash mountain) on a Cairo street. A person commented on the picture asking the one who posted it to please remove it so foreigners don't see it and think that the streets of Cairo are all full of trash. So here was someone, obviously ashamed of certain situations that exist in reality, attempting to sweep it under the rug rather than confront the issue. But why try to hide the truth? The evidence was all right there in the photo. Why bury your head in the sand and pretend that you cannot see and hope that others won't either.

As a foreigner (to Egypt), I always say what I think straight and square. And it does not change my opinion either. There are bad things in Egypt and they are often visible, right out in the open for all to see. But there are also good things. The only notion I am obsessed with is trying to get people to use the brains God gave them to figure out how to change things that are obviously bothering them instead of burying their heads in the sand.

Nice question by the way.

Answer 4

Thank you for this question. First before answering, I'd like to tell Adam that what you call nationalism I call love for our country. It is not something bad or against Islam btw, because the Prophet himself (PBUH) loved Mekkah and was very sad when he had to leave it for Medinah. I'm sure that you know all that has been said in this context. There is absolutely nothing wrong about loving your country and defending it.

Having said that, I'm perfectly aware that Egypt is far from perfect. As I said before, however, there is a difference between constructive criticism from people who really care on the one hand, and hatred filled insults from people who are biased and prejudiced on the other hand. To the former, I try to explain as best as I can that we are not perfect and that we have a long way to go, but then again who is perfect in this world? I'm not biased and I don't try to sugar coat things. To the latter, I have nothing to say. Nothing, that is, that I can type here without being reported!

I believe that we can't change what we don't acknowledge. So it's really silly to be so defensive about things like the example quoted by Ministry. Instead of being ashamed of showing our dirty laundry to the whole world, why don't we just clean it up?! There really is no use in burying our heads in the sand. Just because we pretend the problem isn't there doesn't mean it has disappeared. If every one of us tried to do as much we can to solve these problems to the best of our capability instead of putting so much effort into trying to hide them we would achieve so much. Every little bit does make a difference.

To be honest, however, it does hurt even though I know it's the truth and I don't try to deny it when someone points out any negative aspects about Egypt. It's not so bad when it comes from an Egyptian, but coming from a foreigner (even though I know they have good intentions) it does make my heart ache. It's like the saying we have here in Egypt ad3y 3ala walady wi az3al min illy yi2ool ameen! (I curse my own child, but I'm upset when someone says amen) You know it's far from perfect, but the heartache stems from your love and concern.

Answer 5

The bad things I hear about Egypt are really no worse, in my opinion, than the bad things I hear about any other country. (America included).

Do I think Egypt is nothing but dirt and trash and thieves? Hardly. Do I think it is all beachside resorts and archeological sites? Not really.

America has dirt and trash and thieves. Lots of them. America also has archeological digs and beachside resorts. Lotso f them too. But those don't make up the country. The best way for me to represent my country is by being myself. Being polite and kind and courteous.

I look at my fiance, who without fail brings a smile to my face, and I cannot seriously think Egypt is such a bad place. Lead by example.

Answer 6

Good question mate and what i have noticed is that if you mention in your answer you are from england you get at least one thumbs down and then there are those that feel it is necessary to write a book to get there point across. Not like you, or some others on here short and straight to the point - i will say what i feel offend or please if i am wrong i will admit it. love it.
Good answer from physcho - think i mis- understood him the other day - or did I?

Answer 7

Honestly sometimes when it comes no my country I defend my country but if I found the point of view is right & no one can deny this truth I prefere not to answer at all as I know deep inside it's truth!

Answer 8

I met many people from many different nationalities and mentalities. Tourists, visitors and others.
Not everybody has the same meaning for the same word you use or I use.
Some people think Egypt all like Sharm or Hurghada. Some others think it is like Edfu or Luxor. We have to say and discuss the truth but carefully. All countries have thieves, but sometimes if you just write "thieves in Egypt" some simple minds will think Egyptians are all thieves. I excuse them because there are others who wait for anything to use it against Egypt.
Sorry for the coming example (Nothing personal) but I have to use it to make my opinion clear : When some one tell you " your house is dirty, smelly, your family are thieves and liars..." and that's all. While he seem to be know nothing about it. Even if there is something true in these words, it doesn't mean he is right. He is insulting you and you have to take care not let others insult you.
I can think when, where, to who I can tell my problems. It's not a forum for people to post their frustration and their complicated life problems here. Any one who does he deserves what he get.

Answer 9

i'm one of those who say wt they feel whether it's good or bad about the country, n i dont care to present Egypt in a good way n to twist the truth just for the foreigners...cuz i believe that every country has its positives n negatives...so when it comes to the good things, i present it very well, and when it comes for the negatives things i say wt i feel...

Answer 10

I think we should see ourselves as we truly are... and this is not always easy... many factors can affect our judgment when we are trying to judge ourselves.

But from experience... to advance in life you have to admit your faults in order to be able to correct them... hiding them won't make them go away.

You also have to see your points of strenghts so that you can use them and advance them further for your own benenfit... and of course the benefit of others. So being an absolute pessimist seeing only the negative aspect of our life wouldn't help.

We have to be balanced and open... with ourselves and with others... don't forget we are in a small world where no one can hide his reality any more... and trying to do so will only damage our reputation...

So our slogan should be... this is who we are... without makeup... without veils... without lies... and we are proud of, and love who we are.

Edit: Kalooka... yes unfortunately you might be right... but I'm sure most understood what I mean by veils... (and it is not the veil worn by Moslem women... I have nothing against it...)