TEDxBeirut - Najat Rizk - The day I challenged the forbidden

[Fadi705]

Najat we are proud of you you deserve all the best - Sylvana - Fady

[standardguru8]

like because she means well, and it's about time we think beyond constructed limitations here. dislike because of a still condescending attitude towards "the other" (and still promoting the "they" and "us" to begin with) and not just between the lines. sad because speaking like that is normal in Lebanon, in all communities.

[morninglory4]

@standardguru8 I've been thinking about the idea of the 'other' for a very long time. It is also a normal way of speaking across the board And it's really hard to talk about 'others' without using the term. Every time I begin a conversation where 'us' and 'them' is concerned I have to explain that I don't mean the referral condescendingly. I also think it is a linguistic limitation... how else do you converse about these issues without using such terms even when you don't mean them in a bad way?

[standardguru8]

@morninglory4 Sadly, you're right and it's true that there are notions of "otherness" all over the Lebanese areas and society, but, I would at least let go of comments such as "I had to let go of all my wardrobe to go to Dahieh", how would a person from Dahyeh in the audience feel? pretty much like they're being insulted probably.

[morninglory4]

@standardguru8 That's true too. However I think it's a human trait to think of the other Lebanese or otherwise. I am Iraqi who's parents lived in Syria and spent most of their lives in Lebanon and the U.A.E. I've had exposure to many nationalities and cultures both Arab and non-Arab and I see a pattern. I was in the Dominican Republic in April and found out that even amongst those who are darker skinned in the same country there is what they call "Shadism" Can you imagine?!

[morninglory4]

@morninglory4 I know it sounds extreme but it's just an example. So children who happen to be 'darker' skinned are given less opportunities than those who aren't and considered 'dense' ... that's certainly a nurtured trait and not due to nature. But the idea of the 'other' and superiority over the 'other' applies. The change needs to be global and linguistic! We have a bumpy road ahead!