29 Nov. - 5 Dec. 2001
Issue No.562
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 29 Nov. - 5 Dec. 2001 Issue No.562 |
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 | Current issue | Previous issue | Site map | ||
Brainstorming
The Arab League's decision to investigate ways to counter negative stereotypes of Arabs and Muslims strikes me as far more effective than waiting for decrees from above. Asking intellectuals for advice is a healthy tendency, particularly in a region where governments tend to marginalise independent thought.
It is more necessary than ever that we present ourselves accurately, and communicate our beliefs and opinions effectively to the rest of the world. It is our responsibility to make the truth available. The world wants to know what Arabs and Muslims are like.
The present historical moment, moreover, allows us to benefit from modern communications technology; and in this sense the League's initiative is a positive first step toward developing an effective discourse that must replace our traditional, vapid rhetoric. The Arab media have developed beyond all expectations, another positive sign. Yet the most important point to take into account is that our discourse should be factual and objective. My suggestion is to include the voice of enlightened Western Orientalists who understand us and appreciate our history and civilisation. Thus we will prove to the world that we are not only truthful and accurate, but also impartial. In this and other ways, our voices may finally be heard.
Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy.
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