Renowned journalist Randa Habib, who heads the AFP bureau in Amman, reported in a column she writes for The Jordan Times a very disturbing situation. Here is an excerpt:
One of my readers called to tell me about this shocking problem: she works for a Christian who is in the field of education, but her boss is being refused any supply of books from departments that depend on the Ministry of Education. Why?
Well she is told that they will never provide books to this "kafer" (non-Muslim) whom they described as filth." My reader, a Muslim herself, was appalled and told those men that their attitude has nothing to do with Islam and its precepts of tolerance. But her speech had no effect on them. On the contrary, they criticized her for working for a non-Muslim.
My reader was very distressed when she called me, and told me that her boss is in fact thinking of emigrating. When I suggested that a complaint be filed, my caller expressed skepticism over the outcome. "Someone higher up in the Ministry of Education must know that such things are happening," she said. Do they?
The most disturbing part for me is that the bigot in this instance happens to work at a department related to the Ministry of Education, of all places. What kind of education is this person trying to instill in the youth of the kingdom? An education of intolerance, bigotry and hatred? Should I begin worrying about upcoming generations? Will this bigot’s brainwashing techniques ever reach them? It really disturbs me to see this happening in Jordan, which, in my opinion, remains a model of co-existence between Christians and Muslims. Hat tip: [Jordanblogger]
Natasha… you wouldn’t believe it:( I am a 20 year old jordanian, and i’m being shocked constantly by the mentality, and the lies from the people living in my country. I don’t want to believe it, but lately i’m digesting the truth slowly. I always defend Jordan, and jordanians, i always saw what is good and bright. But the good is only accumulated in 5% of the population, the rest all depend on racism, hatred, and BIG lies to carry on their daily lives. Now i understand why most of the 5% remaining would want to immigrate to other countries, hoping for a better life….
Jesus.
Oops, did I expose myself as “kafir filth” just now?
You should hear the crap that comes out of university professors’ mouths (even at the more prestine unis in Jordan)…From the north? plus 5 points on your exams. Baljeeki? -3 points. Masee7i baljeeki? Forget about it.
I guess it would make sense for imbeciles at the ministry of education to push for other imbeciles to do their educating for them. And then ‘outsiders’ wonder why many have supressed racist emotions in our part of the world. Many themes in the social stratasphere allude to a clash of political ideals…I think it’s not a problem of liberal vs. conserv., its a problem of educated vs uneducated.
Dear Abu Shreek,
I see your point but I only commented on an already published article. If you believe journalists should not report these incidents for fear of airing our dirty laundry or any other reason, then I suggest you send Randa Habib or the editor of the Jordan Times any e-mail to explain your point of view.
Thank you
Natasha
I must admit I was quite shocked and very disappointed to read about it this morning. Hopefully something will be done about it.
Not to take away from the topic, but I’ve always felt that Ms. Habib puts a spotlight on many topics others wouldn’t dare cover or publish. I hope her articles are leading to positive changes.
I find this a very isolated incident from an ignorant stupid idiot who needs to be disciplined, especially if he is any position of decision making.
HOWEVER, I do not agree with making this appear like a significant issue by the writer of the article or by you Natasha. We DO NOT have that problem in Jordan, despite what people like jareer above would like to think, and I am pretty sure you are aware of that.
You know issues like these are instigated by people who wants to divide our communities (see Egypt) and we should not be playing into their hands, by exaggerating separate incidents.
I am sure there is an idiot in some other Ministry who hates some other group of people.
Ignorance is still ignorance….you don’t have to throw the stick, fight them beck, even liberal muslims are being accused of betraying their countries….suck eh, but we have to fight them..”tuffa7ah wa7deh 7’arbaneh bet7’arreb sa77arah”
This is a problem. I really think current political events are shaping people’s beliefs in a very negative way. I have noticed this type of stuff far more since 9/11.
World events seem to be pushing everyone to a “you and us” type of framework. It doesnt help when you have aggressive Christian missionries that follow on the heels of US troops into places like Iraq.
People view the clout with which far right Christians here in the USA have on international policy and extend that to all Christians.
Geeee, this shit happens in Jordan we well?!
Hey; wake up and don’t pretend being shocked for that. That has been, and is happening all the times. Did you live in a cave when you were in Jordan !