The Growth Issue by AUC Times

April 2013

THE GROWTH ISSUE

ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE

Note from the editor â&#x20AC;&#x153;The individual is the product of power.â&#x20AC;? - Michel Foucault

Editor in Chief Nancy Salem

Copy Editors Sherin Sabry Lama Abdel Barr

Managing Editor Heba Bahnassy

Layout Editor Hadeel Ahmed

Politics Editor things that shape our thought.

Sarrah Kassem

Photography Editor Nathalie Maher

Culture Editor Mariam Matar

two sides.

Faculty Advisor

Arts Editor Amenah Abouward

Mark Mikhael

Opinions Editor of power. Question it.

Nancy Salem

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April13 4

IRANIAN REVOLUTION: DE-WESTERNIZATION = ISLAMIST?

THE IMPERIAL TROJAN HORSE: GLOBALIZATION, DEVELOPMENT AND THE FORCES OF DOMINATION

PHOTOESSAY

HIP-HOP: CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT TO PALESTINE

THE EGYPT I LOVE...IMMORTAL

THE SCANDINAVIAN PARADOX

HIS JEWISH STATE, YOUR ISLAMIC STATE, OUR SECTARIAN REGION

AN EVOLUTION OF MONEY

GOOD MUSIC THAT YOU PROBABLY HAVEN›T HEARD OF

14 16

THE EGYPTIAN ELITE: BUYING THE AMERICAN DREAM?

Disclaimer: The AUC Times is a student publication, any opinions expressed in the publication are the writers own, administration.

Politics

IRANIAN REVOLUTION: DE-WESTERNIZATION = ISLAMIST? BY ADHAM SHEBL

Compilation of images from the revolution - Images via Wikimedia Commons

the revolt, or as some would claim they “For what purpose have you come?” Their the problem with that is it belittles the preserve our “Islamic” culture, which was with the divine.

this revolt was an Islamic one because country back to him.” It is important to keep

but became Islamic because an Islamist

man, and not necessarily to embrace Islam

is where we must make the distinction

“

One has to understand that the presence of Muslims is not

remove a tyrant, it was in nature Islamic.

the pre-market economy that was present

”

Islam in Fred Donner’s book Muhammed

revolution whether they are Muslims, nonMuslims, or Islamists.

way to protect our traditions and the Islamic tradition, this consequently means west is Islamic.

is to remove any tyrant who wishes the

Politics

THE IMPERIAL TROJAN HORSE: GLOBALIZATION, DEVELOPMENT AND THE FORCES OF DOMINATION BY ALAA ELMAHRAKAWY

ÂŠ Rola Zyada

industrialism, colonialism was almost a

survive. However, in the Post World War II

industrialisation and the market economy.

era, then American President Truman

For this reason, development is associated

, where one society dominates another politically,

socially,

culturally th

and century,

colonialism, strictly humanitarian and economic terms.

“ represents the structural violence carried

” whenever we see a woman who isn’t

over which it is dominant. Simply put, the

dressed in the latest trends, we call her

social contract established between the

opposed to “state cultures.” The capitalist

imperial

power

class thus becomes co-opted into the

dominated.

the

and

its For

dominion this

reason, the imperial dress code. So every time you

permeability. cultures,

was destroyed. In this same manner,

which

are

represented

because they are unable to adapt and take overreach into every home in the empire. Perhaps

the

most

instrumental

tools

channels. communities like Rehab or Madinty in the

the poor within their own country. Simply one put it better than Steven Biko, an anticommunities are erected to keep the poor

Politics

WHO SAID COLONIALISM IS OVER? BY NADA BARAKA

“As well as mainland France there

its colonial history and French control,

are various overseas departments and

becomes a political tool and the extended Euro currency becomes an economic as departure to any European country without can be linked back to France. the French National Assembly, the French expansion? Wasn’t land acquisition over

Senate and even the European Union. Consequently, one must turn to the current day developments. Just like the

imported. Thus, the youth has become more resistant to the idea that France is not

borders. Guiana,

cane cultivation which remains till this Martinique

and

their motherland. Consequently, occasional riots

Guadeloupe

which are all located in the Atlantic, oversea

French

doms,

Additionally, France continues to receive

departments.

in order to attract

d›outre-mer (departments and territories

One can observe how French rule in overseas territories and departments

the departments› particular needs.

This

be approached with a critical eye. One can

create their own domestic laws but are tied

that were repressed by the police and army,

Handbuch Afrika that La

Chinese and Indians. However, due to

remained

Politics

HIP-HOP: CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT TO PALESTINE MUSIC AS A WEAPON OF RESISTANCE BY MAHEEN HYDER

opportunity. youth movement transpires in the midst Americans

achieve

equality

while

and dance practices with contemporary used to create the hip-hop movement as a

Americans into the social order in the U.S did not come easily and hip-hop was born and Puerto Rican youth in the South Bronx

education. It was due to this alienation that

States was a social movement that wanted in Palestinian hip-hop today. Hip-hop is

There were key events that played a pivotal it remains imperative to look at the dialectic as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black Starâ&#x20AC;?. In the aim to look inwards

is one that pushes and provokes people,

Inner-city concentration camps where no one pays attention resistance that was apparent towards the

All my people where y’all at cause, y’all ain’t here. way to address real social problems that

With broad brush strokes and on contentious issues like state repression

Stand in ovation, cause you put the Hue in Human

are unreported in their communities while

theme that was relevant in American hipadopted by hip-hop artists to serve as a hop artists and moved them to create

Hands steady so the lines in the mental illustration contemplate,

resistance movement as terrorists.

The

there’s no escape. “Who’s the terrorist?”

Who’s the terrorist? Am I the terrorist? How am I the terrorist and I’m Who’s the terrorist? You’re the terrorist!

The ability to relate to these sentiments

Do I turn to the law? That would be a waste, hip-hop created a transnational youth

Palestinian diaspora. Hip-hop has the

Your dream is that our numbers

Hip-hop as a movement has the ability to

already! Your dream is that the minority cemetery! You can this a Democracy? identity. .

THE SCANDINAVIAN PARADOX DOES MONEY BUY HAPPINESS? BY HOSSAM YAHIA

I Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. Scandinavian countries have been limited to stereotypes we all know very well: Nokia, Volvo, IKEA, Ericsson and blondes! equality very seriously. Couples are entitled

natural response because we are typically

is shared between both parents, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not developments. Many European countries have looked to Scandinavia as a model

baby strapped to their chests.

policies In Scandinavia, you send your kids

stores close very early and in July, businesses that Italy and Spain have low suicide rates

Culture

Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, state church and state that can be described as a comparative terms and that a depressed happiness as in the US as well. Economists

person may become even more depressed when surrounded by happy people in

Francisco conducted a study in which they

luxurious societies like Scandinavia.

people in Finland consider the church a

The same idea can be demonstrated American states and compared them to

idea is supported by low suicide rates in Italy and Spain, where Catholicism is predominantly practiced.

Sunny Hawaii ranks second nationally

could paradoxically produce more suicides

suicide rates. Conversely, New York which

problem we are probably unlikely to have

is equally sunny and rainy and also has the on the rise.

Copenhagen, Denmark

ÂŠ Christian Bickel 13

Culture

FOR WHAT IT›S WORTH: AN EVOLUTION OF MONEY BY ENGY SHAABAN Compilation of images from the revolution

modern day bank notes are inscribed with the phrase “repayment to the bearer”. In

invaluable asset. But how did money, the

born. The Jewish community was tolerated One way to illustrate the role that trust

only because they provided a service that others could not. Despite their services, they were

business that essentially operates on the businessmen. one another. Shells, clay, crops, and even human labour were used as currency and

Loan

sharks

eventually

spread to other impoverished towns in themselves. Such transactions take quite money at a socially unacceptable price. To

recorded as such on whatever materials the

protect their interests, loan sharks needed

particular society used to record business transactions. Money was not born until the Incas,

century Italy, loaners

paid back at a later date developed in the

Gold and silver had always been aesthetic calculations almost impossible. Lenardo the precious metals would be extracted

in the East, introduced numbers and

more than any other Western city, and

valueless, and it was at this point that

that we still apply to this day.

“

Money is only worth as much as others are willing to trade way intrinsically

is in no way intrinsically valuable. Gold and silver quickly became worthless. as the recipient believes in it, and only as

When money was lent to merchants, who was always a risk that the money would the trade route. As such, money lenders needed to be compensated. Does this 15

”

Culture

THE EGYPTIAN ELITE BUYING THE AMERICAN DREAM? BY NADINE AWADALLA

Authors Note: The following piece is written in a satirical tone. Feel

Because really now as you drive down that

companies aim to sell homes with picket buy them because who wouldn’t love a

Odds are you commute to campus.

. So as never written in Arabic, they also never in to take a deep breath and you’re instantly

, your destination. Have you ever taken a

We’re here in a country that ad, however, the other roads have quite the . It’s almost think happiness is a new Louis Vuitton

Do you ever think about how the balcony and its replacement with a cat is

now, but they could become that way in

The Swiss watches, phone company

“BUY ME” at you as you head home. The

examination, you will discover that our This leads me to believe that the problem doesn’t only lie in the elitist

essentially created a society primarily normalcy. because they can have more and are also

Culture

MAHARAJA; THE SYRIAN IMPORT BY MARIAM MATAR

it was and she quickly responded with “at

a contested place. Most Rehab dwellers understand that the Souq is a cramped and

wonder why and how they opened up this and slow business.

dark paint, timeworn Indian portraits, clay are take out spots and are too small to 18

some research, the Souq seemed like a

community. While rent in Rehab rises Syria we had always wanted to expand and

businesses to operate. “We’ve also opened up a branch in Mohandiseen and will be

and then decided that we should perhaps

branch we currently run is the Rehab branch,” she adds. sure that it stays true to its Indian roots.

us with complementary coconut ice cream, which was presented in a little coconut shell

delectable Buttered Naan I noticed that the waiters were very quick to assist us and were attentive to when the starters were

lives identical to those they led in their

opened Syrian owned businesses, they won’t disappoint .

FREEDOM

CHAINED

DIRECTED AND MODELED BY ROLA ZYADA PHOTOGRAPHED BY AMMAR KEYLANI EDITED BY AMMAR KEYLANI AND ROLA ZYADA

In the dark days when religion is mistaken for fascism and tyranny, our greatest symbols of culture, freedom, and knowledge are being shattered for the sake of ignorance and oppression.

I am a woman, and I am muslim.

For some reason these two identities do not seem to go together today. We all have choices, as people have the choice to cover, I have the choice not to. I know this is a controversial matter, and I know that it is a taboo to talk about it, but someone has too.Religion is not the enemy of art, or expression, then why is it that everyday I try to express myself I am only confronted with those who try to oppress me, hide me. Everyday I live as an arab muslim woman, I am forced to hide who I am to satisfy others. But who is it that I am satisfying? Is it God, or is it men? Religion was not created to restrain us, and when we as women let them chain us we give up our identities, our voices. I am a woman, but I am not the only one. I am not against those who choose to wear the niqab, it in itself is a form of freedom of expression, I am however against forcing women to wear it. And unfortunately those who succumb to being stripped of their identity only pave the way to oppressing other women.

Arts

THE EGYPT I LOVE… IMMORTAL BY MENATALLA DAW

Egypt- Kingdom of Justice & Love - Images courtesy of the artist

You wouldn’t think time travel was possible unless you’ve stepped inside the

them, an incident which he still remembers and absolutely, there is a connection ones in this exhibition. This connection is pride, patience, nobility, bravery, romance, resilience,

aptitude,

compassion,

and one, the Pharaonic one.” I was struck by his

Immortal.”

comprehended how limited my own mind

Entranced, I walk with the Pharaoh competence, talent, and composure the

materials, I love them. However, when I put Dahshur, mixed with sodium and acrylics The portrait has leniency, delicacy, material will help me deliver in a better

childishly asked what it represents, and so

acrylics, oil bars, soil and sand react with

one masterpiece to the next. “The

Innovators

Smile”

shows a person, which I believe serves the purpose person

wears

visible

in the world, the ancients used to put the deceased’s heart on peace and stability that each

al-maed on the other, with the

withholds. Attached to this

describes them. He lists their

Love”, I now understand why Rostom,

Samira

Moussa,

The Innovators Smile- Images courtesy of the artist

love… Immortal.”

admiration, “They are all innovators. They Arabs as well.” portrait where real soil actually resides in

its corners. One that is undeniable in the its compassion romance, and serenity.

Arts

GOOD MUSIC (YOU PROBABLY HAVEN’T HEARD OF) BY HEBA EL SAWY

Artwork courtesy of Heba El Sawy 26

be appreciated.

Beirut - Postcards From Italy.

Devotchka - All the Sand in All the Sea.

Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane over the sea. The lyrics may be a bit solemn but there’s sincerity in the instruments and the vocals

Eastern European music with trumpets and

because that’s exactly what it does. It Floyd, The Beatles, and Sonic Youth. Need I say more?

do anyways, and that’s what makes Beirut so brilliant. cacophonous sound.

Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal.

The Vaccines - Wetsuits.

Little Joy - With Strangers.

crossroads can relate to. Wetsuits is a instruments, but the sound that the artist delivers that inevitably resonates and

memories that have passed.

shakes the listener. That is what makes

instruments and allows the vibrations delivered to the listener to do the rest. This rawness is what makes Little Joy a band

Tame Impala - Solitude is Bliss.

bit out there with their music but I don’t think

are less into mainstream music, this one’s

Arts

ZOOMORPHISM: ANCIENT ART BY SARA AHMED ABDEL AZIZ

©Siren-Com

“

are the only

”

E humans

have

widely

entertained

the

divine was with them, but that it enabled

intricate relationship between themselves headed

humans

were

mean,

people

have all been exposed at some point or

one entity to another. It was expected

traits humans can adopt that would enrich There have been many yet distinct

character and appearance. He published deliver her child. Similarly, several other

terms that concern themselves with this and animal heads next to each other, animals have those creatures’ traits.

Ramayana epic was Hanuman, a deity and

what does it matter to us why these representations depict both human and

represented with animal heads: Horus:

them, the aptly associated Sekhmet was person. For instance, the eyes commonly

undeniably suitable with her role, as she was associated with war, blood, as well as

owner.

elements with physicality.

theoretical study that aims to reveal someone’s

deepest

personality

traits

It would not be an irrevocable mistake to assume that, theoretically

aesthetics that still retains natural animal

Opinions

LETTER FROM THE DARKER SISTER BY LAUREN CLARK

“

“I, too, sing America. . . I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen. When company comes But, I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong -excerpt by “I, Too” from Langston Hughes

”

and history in American history remains

presented in a monolithic view. Blond hair, Marilyn Monroe, Hollywood, rock and roll,

hidden, and even invisible to various areas

“colored,” and other various terms that

international community. For some, it has mentor, “improvise, adapt, and overcome!” authentically

American. Rather, we have

what is considered to be American culture,

its creation. It is a particular community and identity,culture, and overall existence. This were theoretically erased, or removed, would

is not a people whose sudden nonimpact on the number one superpower that

In a terse words, and a rather blunt

we currently know today.

persona, there would be no America without

Americas, were born in the United States

people.

And, yes, the

Ella Baker

Cesar Chavez Emmet Till, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and Ella

who maintained the tribes and are the First

winner Mikhail Naimy, Tony Award winner Suheir Hammad, noted writer Khalil Gibran, and actress Salmah Hayek., and America’s

historical cities such as Sweet Auburn, WWII Native code talkers, the Cherokee,

“I, too, sing America!” Oh, hear these words from a Darker Sister!

Langston Hughes

Native American Chiefs Images via Wikimedia Commons 31

Opinions

THE MYTH OF DEMOCRACY WHEN IGNORANCE IS NOT BLISS BY MAY SEOUD

O that Arabs did not know much about Israel. They did not know what Israel was

and cultural situation in Israel, one could

the Palestinian Arabs, who are not less course, with all these conditions it would Israel’s undemocratic nature. Israel still

currently not at war with Israel, the Arabs, not know much about the country they

the “others” that are neither welcomed nor

at Tel Aviv University’s Taub Center, the

wanted. Many Palestinian Arabs still do nation-state. One cannot deny that Palestinians However, this has not prevented Israel sometimes denied and that they are

buses could be a “security risk”. This is examples mentioned above are not the prove Israel even less democratic. Israel is, any answers? However, what Israel has and what we policies and what Israel has become today

and other European countries, Israel is

to achieve, improve and conquer. The

in almost every school that Arabs attend.

currently the only democracy in the Middle

which in this case is the Arabs.

East that scares most Arabs and makes students are required to take the course Israel could be a democracy, but they do

will also need to understand their enemy in Arabs one day decide to abandon their hatred, they will still need to read and understand Israelis to achieve peace with

poorly built, and under maintained due to themselves.

Opinions

HIS JEWISH STATE, YOUR ISLAMIC STATE, OUR SECTARIAN REGION BY MINA IBRAHIM

his book, The Construction of

Nationhood, the Church historian Adrian

measurements and considerations, such

and that it is a “Jewish state.” Paradoxically,

national identity would be vertically reshaped. This is true especially in the presence

national bonds and identities between it

nation, state, nationalism, ethnicity, and deconstructed and broken down into its two components. This is because not all the states are nations and not all the nations

a Jewish state, not to mention an Israeli

its own implies a static, materialistic entity,

community has always been based on an

society to whom the state in a sense

This “new,” “ethnic” nation-state motivated him to construct the Jews not only as the

society. The same inquiries that were raised

“others” who should be excluded, but also as exist within the nation-state that ensure the

enemies and a threat to the economic and the it comes to Muslim Brotherhood’s “Islamic completely eliminated. How could there be democracy without phenomenon appears in President Barack st

and collectively shared national bonds? Does the Muslim Brotherhood hot have

said that the Palestinians should know and

Drawn by Hoor Alawady To be sure, I do not mean that the

Saudi Arabia, turned a blind eye to the Bahraini “revolution.” This is because in

would be limited to the Shiite, the Baha’i, se. However, as previously mentioned, the Muslim Brotherhood has its own between the Islamic and the Jewish

There is no need to say that “Islamic

only alienate non-Muslims but, parallel On the other hand, the so called revolutions alienation would also include “non-true” been labeled as Sunni-Shiite tensions. The

Syria and Bahrain.

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