Time to pause and think
I accept the notion that all governments must be made accountable. But I ask my Bahraini brothers and sisters: Is there any accountability in your own homes and culture? Those shouting for more democracy, I ask: How democratic is your culture and families? Are you given any choices at home, for example, to reject all religions and be an atheist like me? Are you given any chance to say ‘no’ to your father, mother or husband, without facing the threat of violence?
By Self-critical Bahraini
My dear fellow Bahraini protesters, I am an atheist and a Bahraini, so I am not for or against anyone following any religion or sect here.
The past few weeks have been very painful for me, to see Bahrainis die while protesting, with many more injured, some seriously maimed for life.
I acknowledge your anger and hate, but I am not writing to discuss politics of the country or region as I don’t know everything that is decided behind closed doors.
I am writing here to discuss what I think is the real cause of most problems faced by us and the government – our culture.
Sometimes the only enemy out to destroy us is ourselves. It’s easy to throw blame and responsibility for your problems at others, but that doesn’t help anyone. It’s much harder to accept responsibility for one’s shortcomings, mistakes, stupidity and problems, that’s why I observe Bahrainis and Arabs blaming others for self-inflicted wounds.
I accept the notion that all governments must be made accountable. But I ask my Bahraini brothers and sisters: Is there any accountability in your own homes and culture? Those shouting for more democracy, I ask: How democratic is your culture and families? Are you given any choices at home, for example, to reject all religions and be an atheist like me? Are you given any chance to say ‘no’ to your father, mother or husband, without facing the threat of violence?
I have seen dismal standards of education, with students being awarded diplomas and degrees not worth the paper they are printed on.
Some very educated and gifted Bahrainis who get a chance to study abroad, don’t bother to return. What does that say about how open, democratic, tolerant and progressive Bahrain is?
One of the main reasons why we are where we are, is because of “rubbish-quality” Bahraini fathers. No, don’t blame mothers and women for everything, as the final responsibility in all homes must rest with fathers.
I see most Bahrainis having four wives, four to five children from each, which takes the total to 20 to 25 per man. And temporary marriages can add another five to 10 children to the pack. If I go for the worst conservative figure of 35 children per Bahraini, would that make me a liar?
How can one man possibly handle the expenses, education and character training of 35 children?
There is not enough time in 24 hours for him to spare as they do in three-children families in the West. How can I expect a Bahraini – a human – to raise every one of his 35 children to be responsible, hard working, intelligent?
That, my dear Bahrainis, is the main reason. The vast majority of us come from dysfunctional families – multiple marriages, 35 children, and to make matters worse, if the father is not educated or rich, the worse off the children are.
Dear protesters, if you come from such families, have you demanded accountability from your father for having 35 children from many women and who maybe is still busy doing so?
Have you demanded accountability from your father for criminally neglecting your education from the start?
Before demanding accountability and answers from the government – a fair demand in my opinion – march back to your homes and demand the same from your fathers.
All governments and societies are not perfect. I am not perfect.
But to the credit of the governments of the late Amir, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and His Majesty King Hamad, all of you were delivered in government hospitals, attended government schools, all for free, and enjoyed petrol, electricity and water at dirt cheap prices.
Show me one country in the West where citizens are provided with all these without conditions. The fact that Bahrain did not become bankrupt for providing free education and healthcare for 35 children per Bahraini is a miracle to a fanatic atheist as me. Those of you shouting “Inqlaab” and “Down with the government”, take your inqlaab to your homes, and most importantly, yourselves.
Demand more accountability from yourselves, your parents and society before you demand it from the government and the Ruling Family.
Changing the government will make no difference, for your fathers will continue to keep producing 35 children, and you will be neglected as you have been.
Kill the animal inside you, observe fast and practise abstinence from sex. It is easy to demand virtue from others, but much harder to practise it yourself.
I quote Imam Ali Ibn-e-Abi Talib (Allah bless him) to every Bahraini protester: “Whenever you see a servant (of Allah) pursuing people’s flaws and neglecting his own, you should then realise that he has been trapped (by the Shaitan).
Taken from: http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/ArchiveNewsDetails.aspx?date=03/04/2011&storyid=301054
