Culture of success

By Heba El-Rafey

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There is a well-known saying, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." This is just one of the numerous sayings we all know and repeat between ourselves, but just how accurately does it apply to our culture in Egypt?

I recently read an article about a 68-year old Korean woman who finally passed her written driving test after four years of trying. Ms Cha Sa spent more than $4,200 on application fees. Now that is the epitome of "try, try again". Meanwhile, we in Egypt run the gauntlet on chaotic roads awash with reckless drivers. One wonders how many of these passed any test, written or otherwise.

Transparency International's corruption index of 2009 ranks Egypt 111th out of 180, with a score of 2.8 out of 10 (one being the most corrupt). It is time to take note. The issue here is not simply our roads, but the more deeply rooted foundations below. Our society has been programmed into a philosophy of, "If at first you don't succeed, find someone who can offer a shortcut."

Students memorise and repeat as necessary. And since when are the arts and culture considered the refuge of failures? Then comes the issue of employment. Where is it? And marriage. How do we evaluate our prospective life partners? By personal qualities, or by name and family affiliations?

Our future lies in our youth. Approximately 35 per cent of our population is under the age of 15. And this youth is far more creative, determined and ambitious than we give credit for. I have had the pleasure to work amongst many young members of society who struck me with awe at their concern with the world around them -- their innate desire to take action and be given opportunities to explore, learn and create. They envision life without conditions, where expression runs free and dreams are achieved.

If we unite our youth with initiatives already established to promote transparency and fight corruption, I am optimistic that rainbows will colour our skies and the gold fabled at their ends will illuminate our futures.

This week's Soapbox speaker is director of Dialogue Forum, Bibliotheca Alexandrina.