Today we had the pleasure of viewing two different sides of Egypt. We visited the Egyptian museum that is full of artifacts from the Pharonic period. The artifacts included mummies, shrines, and assorted devices displaying Ancient Egypt’s advanced technology. Our instructor, Dr. Mbaye Lo, mentioned to me that these technological achievements outdated those of other civilizations by more than thousands of years. Considering the information age we now take for granted, the fact that such technology was limited to one area amazed me. On the way to the museum, we had the pleasure of witnessing (from a distance) a demonstration outside the British Embassy. The protestors were voicing their dislike for the actions, of which specifically I am not sure, executed by the British government. Such a demonstration would not have been possible a year and a half ago. In this instance, Egypt was so far behind the progressive democratic nature of the West. How could a nation that was once so technologically advanced take so long to achieve democratic value?
Perplexed by this question, I forced myself to step and back and ponder the perceived paradox. Democracy, to me seemed to be the way of the future- a sort of standard for westernized nations that was spreading throughout the world. Then I reflected upon my time in Qatar, a country so technologically advanced yet still maintains an absolute monarchy. By comparing the two nations, I came to the sudden realization that perhaps democracy is not an standard based upon how developed a country, rather it is a system that exists in the countries that demand it. Though the technological age has assisted greatly in organizing democratic movements, there is no direct relationship between democracy and technology. We cannot use time, political, and cultural developments of other nations to define which situation is more advanced.
In Qatar, for example, one can find anything from IPhones to Kentucky Friend Chicken (KFC). Yet one will not encounter open political discourse. In fact, provided the person is in an expatriate, such a discussion could lead to his or her deportation. We, as American, may see this system as “medieval” or “outdated”, but is it fair to declare a political system ancient? Traveling to a county so advanced industrially yet so different politically, I believe that a democratic government does not demonstrate advancement. Of course I regard democracy as the best political system, but it is impossible to relegate it as the universal way of the future
Interesting that so much American consumerism occurs but none of the political discourse comes with it. I wonder if they just text it back and forth on their iPhones.
Nice article
Very interesting piece Nicholas.
Qatar sounds like a great placee; I’ve never seen a Kentucky Friend Chicken in the United States.
pretty interesting thoughts here
This is incredible!!!
Sick frat
Who could possibly protest the British. They are a kind and noble people.
Haha gravity has a firm grip on that fatass on the end.
kewl article…
Thought-provoking.
good to see more freedom. is homosexuality allowed yet?
@Charlie, I am not sure, will look into this. I doubt there is a law specific to homosexuality, but I am sure, like most placed in the arab world, it is frowned upon.
Good piece, hope you are having fun abroad.
Interesting, I had no idea they were protesting in front of the British embassy. I wonder if they are protesting outside the American embassy.
@Tim,
Having a blast hear and Egypt, looking forward to seeing you in the fall. Hope all is well with work!
@ Cameron,
Thanks for the post, I will look into this for you, but will not (intentionally) go to any protests.
Love it
Great post, Nick! I agree with your argument that political advancement or progress cannot be used to call a culture “ancient”. They are clearly on par with us industrially, and you are right in saying there is no way to regulate all cultures to live in a democracy. It sounds like you’re learning a lot in Cairo! Keep up the great work!
Nice post, Nick. It’s also interesting to consider the recent reemergence of the military dictatorship in Egypt under these same circumstances– maybe the power of technology isnt as strong as we all thought. Maybe verbal texting will bring about the next stage of revolution. Who knows?
Good to see you are enjoying your travels. I love it that while learning a new language one also studies the culture. Variety is the spice of life.
What are your observation on the connection between the geography of the country and the way the political is built?
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