On Strike

   

    People are finally stepping up and doing something. For the first time in a while, Jordanians object to an important issue. The issue is that taxes are skyrocketing; gas and diesel are higher in price- diesel 100% higher. That is outrageous, people are already starving I do not know what is next. Jordan is the second most expensive country in the world compared to wages, the monthly salary of employees is not even enough to support one person. The Government increased the salary only by 10%, yes…as if that will help.

    Most problems in Jordan are the consequence of poverty crime is higher than ever. Jordan had the safest streets, now you have to hold you bag or purse close by and never walk alone.   

    I saw a bunch of people standing in the middle of the Jordan University road; blocking it. I was so excited to finally see some action. They were holding signs and even pictures of people eating off the garbage.    I really wanted to join them on the strike but unfortunately I had to go (my mom needed the car!). To show some support I shouted words of encouragement! I hope the strike lasts though since every time I am in one it ends dramatically, more like war breaks when the police harass us. I just really hope that it grows bigger and some change will occur. 

   What surprised the most that it was actually an organized strike, we do not see that much of any prior planning in Jordan.

 

Road Kill

    

    I am angry, sad, furious and just simply sad. My kitty (Tofi)- a gorgeous ginger chinchilla breed is another victim of a hit and run.

    My furry baby was playing outside- where he should not have, on the road when a mad inconsiderate driver ran over him. The driver did not ever have the decency to stop and see what happened. Why would he? Of course Arabs are inhumane by nature I know that sounds harsh, but Arabs think of cats as creatures roaming the roads for no reason. How inconvenient.   

    How many kitties are murdered every single day, I see at least two when I am driving home or whatever. None of the drivers feel a bit of remorse. Who the hell loves anything that is not human? Wait, not even that right?  

   People disgust me, Tofi was precious I loved him so much. I did not even get the chance to say good-bye. I am sure the murderer did not think of that. It is only an insignificant being crossing the road. It really breaks my heart. 

The Brave One

*Spoiler Alert* 

I went to the movies today with a friend to watch The Brave One by Jodie Foster. It is basically about a woman seeking revenge from her culprit. The main character is called Erica- Jodie Foster- while taking a walk in central park and gets assaulted by a bunch of criminals beating her fiancé to death and putting her in a coma. (I practically ruined the movie for you!)

The movie moved me in so many ways, not precisely well. About two weeks ago or maybe more, my girl friend and I got assaulted by two men- obviously under the influence- while sitting in our car admiring the rain. The incident actually happened in Abdoun; supposedly a safe area infested with police officers for the sake of the prestige living there. Those men came up to us asking for a lighter and banging at the window, my friend told him that we do not. That made them even angrier, a guy was at her side of the car and another on mine. Surrounding us like hyenas circling their pray. The guy on my friend’s side took out his knife waving in order to scare us; it worked! I was really frightened, I was just praying for the window to stay intact as he was banging at it with handle of the knife (metal part). Thank God the doors were locked. My friend turned on the car in order to escape but the wonderful car alarm system unlocked the doors (the alarm locks the doors if shut and opens them when locked, weird system I know). The guy at my side opens the door behind me- as I subconsciously locked mine- tries to stab me while we are driving off. They kept on repeating “we just want a lighter”, the fact that they are trying to kill us dilutes the whole situation.

We reported to a police car passing by, followed us really fast that we had to stop on the side for them to catch up with us. Subsequently, they got to the crime scene and pretended to look professional. The policemen actually ridiculed us and said that it has happened before and that they are only poor people from ‘Hay Nazzal’. One actually had the nerve to say “isn’t it a bit late for girls to be out?” it was six thirty in the afternoon. He actually turned this around and blamed us.

We each went back home scarred and crying, grateful that we are still alive. I still see their faces, dark with red eyes. They looked psychotic. Their red eyes piercing trying to get a piece of us. I’ll never forget, we will never. At the same moment when ‘Erica’ gets assaulted, tears stream down my face. I just could not help it, feeling afraid. Not being able to go out at night or just around clustering men. Every time I’m in the car I make sure the doors are locked. They ruined the ‘safe’ factor in our lives.

What is sad that no one really took us seriously, as if it is normal? People will not know how it feels to be afraid, we stopped sleeping for almost a week and them exhaustion took hold of us. I hope no one feels that way, it never fades away.

The problem is that no one goes public when things happen; it is a taboo that we need to break. Blaming the victim (girl) is always the solution. I don not feel guilty or ashamed, I want to share this experience to encourage people to speak up.

My friend and I are the brave ones.

P.S The movie was great

Islamic Culture

I am attending an Islamic culture class at the wonderful University of Jordan. The class is basically about Islam as a concept concerning the relationship between religion and daily life. The subject today was about the oneness of God, he who should be worshiped and no one else.

The Professor was explaining the package a person has to attain in order to be a true Muslim, which includes: ‘Allah’ is the only God, he is the only one to be worshiped, and the attributes that follow these concepts. The professor also explains how to defend Islam in the face of Atheists and Agnostics. And whoever does not believe in those aspects is considered a non- believer. The mechanical and physical rituals- prayer, pilgrimage, fasting- all make only 5% of Islam (I believe we are all damned!).

A true Muslim is a person who has total trust and belief that God is one and that one’s life is connected to God, explains the professor. Full obedience to God with no conditions or exceptions, He knows what is just and not.

As he was explaining, giving examples and unrelated analogies, a girl raises up her hand and asks “I know that the Hijab (veil) is Fard- a must- and that every Muslim women should where it, but what is the difference between an unveiled moral and a veiled moral women? Some ladies do not obey the true aspects of the Hijab”. His explanation was vague and said that a veiled women, and I quote “deserves respect and that she conveys the idea that she is not a sexual object”. My heart was pounding with rage, I took a deep breath and said that all women deserve respect whether veiled or not. People should deal with in themselves with a bit of humanity and respect. I hate those roles and labels that separate us; we are all humans. Does not God encourage empathy?

For almost an hour the professor was blaming women for the corrupt men in the world (he cannot blame animals!). When were we not? It is interesting how I am trying to diminish those accusations where on the other hand, he brain- washes ‘young minds’ into these false conceptions. These minds determine and alter our future (hopefully in a good way). I suggested that the Pr. Amjad should stop blaming women because apparently it is an easy thing to do, and consider looking at both genders. Men are not so innocent- excuse me- not even close!

The ladies in class were enraged (that’s my favorite part) and started a heated discussion that ended inconclusively with the professor leaving to attend a seminar. Unfortunately, I was not done with what I wanted to say (when was I!). However, until the coming class as the Italians say ‘alla prossima volta’.

Peer Pressure

I’m 22 years old, in a couple of months I’ll turn 23. It is frustrating, for me, at least, the fact that I’m still living under my parents roof- rules- and pretty much accomplished nothing! Most of my class- mates back in school are either married or finishing their MA. It is this marriage frenzy that is going on lately, is it the latest fashion? What is wrong with bachelorette-hood?! That’s not what’s worrying me, I will accomplish my dreams even if I’m 50! But since we live in a -traditional based- society I have to suffer the narrow mindless people.

I still didn’t graduate and men have been courting me since the age of 18. My Mother’s constant nagging is getting on my nerves. She’s been going at it for a couple of years now. I keep hearing her words in my head “ The Marital train to happiness is going to leave if you don’t run and catch it!” I laugh at the notion, comparing marriage to a train…it goes fast and bumpy alright and you wont know what to expect at the other side of the tunnel. Possibly a divorce, moving back in to your parents, if you were lucky (yes, I do have psychic powers!). Simply I’m not the marriage type; too independent- as my twin sister puts it – and I am proud of it. I’m a woman with dreams and expectations, men prefer a woman with no dreams or expectations for that matter! Even my dad asked my younger sister if I’m interested in any young man (boy)? Funny, how he has not got the nerve to ask me personally.

Imagine the monstrosity of the situation, me married? Haha…no way in hell. People tell me you cannot fight fate, it has been decided and written for you before you were born…then I will laugh at the face of fate (not God). I feel sorry for us women in the Arab World mainly Jordan, society’s pressure on marriage and bearing children. As if that’s what we are only good for. We are not and I repeat a freakin’ baby maker. Sometimes I feel that women are like easy- bake ovens- you just need the required ingredients and ‘ting’…you have a muffin!

It is a common problem amongst women my age. Not many think like I do, but some. I need to form this group to revolt against the society in order to set us free from these traditional ways. So who’s with me? I am sick and tired of people fixing me up with uneducated and shallow minded men.

Finally, I made peace with pressure, we lay on common grounds now! In fact pressure is my middle name, platicpam pressure- don’t give a damn. Now every time my mother mentions marriage, babies and the ‘crappy yards’, I just sit back, relax and listen; sometimes nod and smile. (Amino’s advice, since she got bored of me complaining – a very good friend of mine). It is a good thing that people are not mind readers…just imagine!