Reflection 7: Politicians & Pressure

Last week I chose to attend an event on Egypt & Revolution hosted by the Arabic World Studies department. During the event, a professor from the American University of Cairo came to answer some questions about the different revolutions that have occurred in Egypt. The same professor is also an Egyptian politician. However, it was quickly evident that  her views were masked and very controversial concerning the true events occurring in Egypt. Her attitude was very nonchalant and offensive, which was absurd considering that during the revolution many Egyptians endured things that would be considered human rights violations. She constantly misrepresented their truth, and offered false perspectives. Upon her decision to twist the truth concerning the actual events that occurred during the revolution, the audience which consisted mostly of Arabic studies students, professors, reporters, and a few native Egyptians were outraged to say the least. 

One Egyptian PhD student courageously interrupted the discussion to shine a light on the injustice being committed as an effect of the professor’s lies. The student followed the accusations with an emotional personal experience in which she was a victim of the Egyptian armies abuse. As a response, the professor stated, “Let me respond with less emotion”. This began a chain reaction of aggressive comments. The professor claimed that the Egyptian people do not want democracy, which according to many others was not the truth. The discussion go to a point to where the entire crowd was just frustrated because the professor began just dancing around the questions and not answering them directly. She was generally a very unpleasant individual. 

Attending this event made me really think about the impact of misrepresenting someone’s personal  story. To see the reactions of the members of the audience whose truth was misrepresented was very sad and awakening. It made me think of the value of doing proper research, being open to different perspectives, and not just trusting the news to be the only guide. I would not have been aware of the truths behind the Egyptian Revolutions, and the true feelings of the people at the time if I had not attended this event. There were several moments where I was afraid because I did not know what would happen next. At certain points, I thought that things would possibly become violent. To see the passion and pride that Egyptians have in their country was inspiring, and I hope that at some point, Egypt will be able to experience proper political balance and rest.