JULY 2011
Dedicated to Muhammad Sabry, you will be very missed!
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They’re alive! The new sections… Features – The beef 10 To Move One’s Ass or to Sit on It? 12 Party Politics 14 The Proactivity Survey! Underscore – The sub-beef 20 El Bee2a! 24 The Egyptian Plice: The Biggest Bump on the Road 28 The Virginity File Opinionated – Someone always has something to say 40 Yes, I’d Rather Be a Security Guard Than a Douche! 42 Stress: The Domino Effect 44 Dear Feminists, Stick a Sock in it! Center-stage – Interviews 34 Being Proactive Can Take You Places...Literally.
Eye candy – Photography, but you already know that The Gay Section – Relationships and shit 50 Yalla ya wad! 52 Obsessed with His Ex! Patterns – Fashion 54 56 57 58
Trends Go All out with Azza Fahmy Made in Egypt Fashion Bulletin
Balls – Sports 60 Summer Transfers
Bare-naked – Interviews off the record
Screens and speakers movies and music, obviously.
38 A Woman Forced to Walk in a Man’s Shoes
64 Coolest Movie Characters Ever! 66 The Summer Chill-out Music Playlist
Chairman Shady Sherif
Editor-in-Chief Louis Greiss
Creative Director Leila Tapozada
Editors
Wessam Sherif Yasmine Zohdi
Junior Editor
Passand El Hammami
Media Executive Zeina El Alfy Ghada Zayed Ismaeel Khoudeir
Financial Manager Ehab A. Aziz
Chief Accountant Sherif El Haggar
Accountant Ahmed Serag
Office Manager Sylvia Peter
JULY 2011
Office Assistants Ibrahim Mansour Mohamed Eid
IT Manager Ahmed Saher
Production Executive Manager Sherif Mahmoud Mahmoud El Araby
Distribution Manager Shazly Eid
Distribution
Abdelhamed Fathy Ashraf Ramadan Gamal Moustafa Ramy Afifi Ragab Fathy Aly Afifi Aly Fawzy Waleed Gilani Abdel Aziz Abdel Rahman Mahmoud Samir
Art Director Ahmed Saad
Senior Graphic Designer Muhammad Sabry
Graphic Designers Bassem Raafat Nora El Gazzar
Writers & Contributors Adham Roshdy Ahmed Amin Deena Adel May Kamel Menna Tarek Mohamed Seif Rowan El Shimi Sarah MacRory Tarek Samhan Waleed M.Tawfeek Youssef Saad El Din
Cover Credits
Muhammad Sabry
CTP & Printing
Sahara Printing Company
Campus Magazine's Address 24 Abdelmenim Riyad St. Mohandiseen Tel: 3749 8730/3 Fax: 3749 8736
Emails
mail@core-publications.net info@core-publications.net customerservice@core-publications.net sales@core-publications.net
Heliopolis
69, Adidas(elmarghany), Africana Café C&CO (horeya st), Blue Brry (ard elgolf ) , Café Mo, Cairo International Airport, Chess, , Coffee Roastery, Colors, Compu Me,Cat, Diwan Bookstore, Desire, Einstein,Euro Deli, EveryMans Bookstore,Farah Café , Flower Market, Function, Gelateria Roma Cafe, Gravity, Harris Café, Gudy, Gallery Bel3araby (elnozha st.) ,House café , Hope Flowers, Hot Pink, Khodier, IIPennello Ceramic Café, Kan Zaman Restauran, Linea, Liquid, , Maestro Music, Makani Cafe, McDonalds, Mobil Mart(elnozha-eldaery), Musicana, Munchies Café, No Name, Nuts @ Nuts, Occo, Oro Café, Pottery Café,Quicksilver, Ro 8,Schatz Café, Smart Gym, Shell Mart elnozha, STR8 , Spicy, Taurus, TresBon , Up 2 Date, Viking Cafe, Wabi Sabi, Why, World Gym, Zein Café.
Nasr City
2 Play (City Stars), Adidas(Genina mall-City star), Aroma Lounge (City Stars), Calvin Klein Jeans, Casper & Gambini’s, Cat,C & Co(city star),Esprit(city star), Farah Café(Genina mall), Glatteria Roma Café(city star), Gudy Kenoz Restaurant, ISI (City Stars),Legourmet marche café(city star),Madas , McDonalds (Abbas el Akkad), Musicana, My Day cafe, Quicksilver(city center), Renaissance (Wonderland, Genina Mall, Tiba Mall), Ravin ,Spicy (City Center Genina Mall) , Virgin Megastore .
Mohandiseen
4Get -Me -Not!, Adidas & Timberland(lebnan st,shehab st-Gezert alarab st), Alcott, Beau jardin café ,Café Mo, Café Nour, Cedars café , C& Co, Ciccio café , Chess, Cilantro,Mohamed El Sagheer, Miss Coco, Cocolina, Dar albalsam Book store ,Diwan, Eventya Flowers , Harrod, Hot pink, Laguna Café, L`aroma Cafe, Makani, Marsh Café, McDonalds, Mori suchi , Multi stores, Non bookstore, Oxygen, Pasqua Café’, Quick, Quicksilver, Renaissance library, Ricky’s Diner, Royal Nails, Reblay , Safari Café, Samia Alouba, Silviana heach (Gezert alarab) Solitaire café , Show Room , Second Cup Cafe, Spectra café , Spicy, Sports Café , Tommy & Hilfiger , Tornado Cafe, Toscanini café, Café, Volume One, Zarina , zein café . Zee Lounge café .
Downtown & Mokattam
AUC bookstore, Beymen ,Botry café, CIC (Markaz El Soura El Mooasra),Cilantro, French Cultural Center, Lehnert & Landrok Bookshop, Main, Maktabet El Balad, McDonalds (Tahrir), Sixteen, Ravin, Cinema Renaissance (Nile City), Jungle Café,
Dokki
Beanos café(maka st), Coffee Roastry(nadi elsaid-maka st), International Cultural Center, Mr. Joe, Makani café , Momento Café, Orange café, Quick24 , Quick seliver , Retro Café, Renaissance Cairo Sheraton, Spicy, Tabasco Café(mesdak-oman sq), Zein Café, Zarina .
Zamalek
Alakhbar Bookstore, Arabica café, AUC bookstore, Bean bar, Cilantro, Cocolina , Crave Café, Diwan, Einstein Café, Euro Deli, FDA, 69, Gardenia Flowers, Goal café, Googan Bookstore,Joffrey’s Café, Kodak exepres , Latverna Café, L’aubergine, Makani café Medza Luna, Mobil Mart, Mohamed El Sagheer, Mori Sushi, Munchies Café,Oringett café , Pizza Tabasco, Quick 24,Ravin, Romanci Bookshop,Segafredo Cafe , Sequoia Timberland, Zamalek bookshop. Van Gogh Bookshop .
Maadi
Adidas(Grand mall),adam bookstore, Arthur Murray, Bakier Stationary, Bander Café, Benz Café, Books & Books , Beta Bookshop , Renaissance Cinema (Maadi Bander), Beano’s Café (9 st., Grand mall) , Beau Jardin Café, Bookspot, Caj, Campus Euro Deli, Cat, Chilis, Coffee Roastery, Greco Café , Costa Café (9 st.) , Drink Shop, El Shader Café, Dunes Lounge, Emad Beuty Centre, Ghazala Stationary, Glassdeco, Green Mill, Gudy, Kotob Khan, Makani Cafe, McDonalds, Mediterraneo Restaurants, Quicksilver, Renaissance library, Rigoletto , Samia Alouba, Second cup(9 st.) ,Shell Shop Degla , Show room, Spectra café ,The Bakiry Café , Temberland , Volume One.
October City
Beau jardin café café mo, Melounge café , McDonalds, Maxicana café , Morisuchi café Renaissance 6 October , Safary café , Second cup , Shell Shop, Solitaire , Sans soucis café , Traionon café .
Giza & Haram
Dar El Shorouk bookshop, Maxicana café ,Polo Shop , Renaissance Cairo Mall
Alexandria
24Seven Café, Adidas & Timberland (Syria st, City Center), Banna Stationary, Cilantro (Kafr Abdo, City Center), Coffee Roastery, Costa Café (City Ctr), Deekom, Delight (Gleem – smouha – foud st.), Faces (City Center), Guess (City Center), Magrabi (City Ctr), Mazaya (City Ctr), McDonalds (Miami-Semouha), Quiksilver (City Center), The Sixties café , Tamarin Center, Rapo Gift Shop.
Tanta
Axon (Saeed Branch , el bahr st.) Pizza station ( tanta club , El Helw st.) La plato café.
EDITOR’S NOTE
A Certain Shade of Green “A certain shade of green, tell me is this what you need? All signs around say move ahead; could someone please explain to me your ever present lack of speed?” I’d like to tell you I wrote the above verse. Unfortunately, though, I’m an honest person and I will reluctantly admit that the credit goes to Incubus, one of my favourite bands. You may or may not have heard the song before, but it’s brilliant. And its brilliance lies in the fact that it speaks to each and every one of us…the procrastinators of this world. It seems each one of us is always waiting for a particular green light to push them forward. You wait until you can’t button your favourite pair of jeans before you decide you have to go on a diet. You wait for a certain flirtatious smile from that someone you have your eye on before you can muster enough courage to ask them out. You wait for an encouraging comment from a boss or a colleague that assures you you’re a good writer before you ponder the possibility of writing your own book. You wait for a Revolution that shakes the whole world up before you realize that the country you were born and raised in is actually worthy of your love and dedication. But, you see, the thing is…we can’t always keep waiting for that ‘certain shade of green’. Sometimes we have to be our own green light. Because there really is no excuse to put off going after what we want. And no, this has nothing to do with being a politically responsible postJan25 citizen and joining a party or voting in the next elections. You can join a party if you want to, of course, and voting isn’t even optional; you have to vote. But that’s not the point. This is about us feeling happy, accomplished and fulfilled. Unfortunately, it’s not a feeling we’re born with; you actually need to work your ass off to get there. If you’re lucky enough to get there at all, that is. And whoever tells you time is on your side is a freakin’ liar; time was never on anyone’s side. You know what? Time is the devil. At some point the green light is replaced with a red one, and you have to keep waiting for ages till the next green light shines, looking after those who made it while the green light was still on with envy and regret. So throw your lame ass excuses out the window and do it. Do what? Do whatever! Hit the gym and work for this hot body you long for. Ask that girl out and quit going through the consequences over and over again in your head. Write your book…yes, you have what it takes. Love this country even when it’s unbearable; it’s yours. Start a development initiative with a couple of your friends, get that nose piercing you’ve always wanted, or paint your bedroom walls this crazy colour you love but are too afraid to go for. Do whatever…it can be the smallest thing; yet it can make a world of difference.
6 JULY 2011 CAMPUS
What if it doesn’t work? Hmmm, tricky question. Maybe that’s just another green light for you to start on your next project. That’s the beauty of it. The green light goes off, but you always know it will eventually go on again. And as long as you’re your own green light, then it’s constantly on… and you don’t have to wait at all. May this issue somehow be your ‘certain shade of green’; or at least help you find it…if you’re still looking.
Artwork Š Muhammad Sabry
] FEATURE ]
Illustration © Muahmmad Sabry
TO MOVE THE BEAUTY OF BEING APATHETIC VS.
ASS OR TO SIT ON IT?
THE FULFILLMENT OF BEING PROACTIVE Apathy: a characteristic that Egyptians have been wrongfully accused of for such a long time… or were they? You see, up until the revolution, Egyptians have always been described as apathetic, passive and negative, among so many other traits. But during the revolution, it was proven that they have it in them to be proactive and step up and say enough!
By Youssef Saad El Din
There’s an ongoing debate however about taking part and being proactive in the post-revolution phase, versus taking the easy way and simply… chilling! That’s why both notions will be analyzed thoroughly and objectively in order to know what the right thing to do is. Let’s start by pro-activity: being proactive is simply taking matters into your own hands. You may do so through many different things: by being politically active, whether through participating in awareness campaigns, joining a political party, or simply voting. Or through becoming a Facebook activist (shabab el facebok with one o), or through as much as painting the sidewalks in your street! Honestly the list of things you can do to be considered proactive goes on endlessly, and to put it in simpler words, being proactive could be summarized in this statement: getting off your ass and doing something! Now why would you possibly do that? Well, the answer to this question varies from one person to the other. You may do it because you believe that you can make a difference, and that any little thing you do will have an effect, or because you’re simply unable to just sit there and do nothing, and you always feel the need to be part of what’s going on around you. It may even be because you think it’s hip and cool and that it’s unacceptable to just watch what’s going on without taking part in it. Last but not least, you might also do it because it’s the right thing to do and that ultimately gives you a sense of fulfillment.
10 JULY 2011 CAMPUS
On the other hand, when talking about being passive, the pros also go on endlessly. I mean nothing beats sitting in your comfy chair, drinking beer, and watching some kickass TV show (I know, priceless), or going out with the dudes to “el ahwa” and drinking some tea (which for some reason must have like 8 pieces of sugar in it) and play one mean “bolet estimation” (again, priceless). Different crowds chill by going to a party, listening to some seriously loud music and getting drunk (yes, chilling through jumping around listening to loud music, never got it, never will!) The fact remains, though: human beings, one way or the other, need to chill, and who are we to take away that God-given right from them?! However, some people choose to be apathetic because they think they’re not aware enough, or don’t understand what exactly is going on, and choose to leave it that way, for the fact that they’re too scared or intimidated to get themselves into something they don’t fully comprehend. This is the kind of attitude that kept us stuck with the Mubarak regime for 30 years. Like everything on this earth, both notions have downsides. The downsides of being completely apathetic are pretty obvious; I mean can you imagine what would happen if everybody decided to go all passive on the world? For instance, if Thomas Edison was a bum, who had no interests in life other than fishing, for all we know, fire could’ve still been the only source of light! And on
“If Thomas Edison was a bum, who had no interests in life other than fishing, for all we know, fire could’ve still been the only source of light! And on a more relevant note, if all Egyptians were passive, we would’ve still had Mubarak and the rest of his crew running the show till this day”
a more relevant note, if all Egyptians were passive, we would’ve still had Mubarak and the rest of his crew running the show till this day. But as far as I’m concerned, the worst thing about being passive is the unbelievably ridiculous amount of crap you hear from passive people. Who doesn’t have a friend who didn’t bitch all the time about how the 18 days of the revolution screwed him up because he wasn’t able to party at “Johnny’s”? Who hasn’t met the taxi driver who ranted endlessly about how “el mozahrat za7amet el balad”, and of course my personal favorite: Talaat Zakaria’s famous “having sex in tents”. When I heard these statements, only one word came into my head… dimwits! But in retrospect, believe it or not, being proactive can have its drawbacks as well. For example the amount of people who think that demonstrating just for the sake of it is cool, which did result in the ridiculous amount of “el gom3at” and “el mozaharat el f2aweya”. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for freedom of expression, but each time a bunch of people pick up signs and hit the streets, the economy gets affected at least a little bit, a chance of something going wrong increases and of course it’s not really helping the whole stability process. So if you are to hit the streets, make sure that the “cause” is worth it. I also couldn’t help but notice that some of the people being proactive turned into fascists! The whole attitude of “if you’re not with us, then you’re against us”. The whole concept of “we agree to
disagree” simply ceased to exist, which is also uncool for the simple fact that it makes “less-aware people” feel very hesitant to take a side to avoid this ongoing war between people with different opinions. For example I know a couple guys who didn’t vote on the amendments because it turned into “na3am yeb2a 7ezb watany w la yeb2a kafer”. One more thing that could go wrong with being proactive is hypocrisy. I know a couple of people who used Facebook as a method of being proactive during the revolution, in which they quoted movies like V for Vendetta and Braveheart, and clearly stated that who is not in Tahrir is a traitor, but when you ask them: did you go to Tahrir? They say “no, my parents wouldn’t let me”! For the love of God, if you’re willing to go and take on the president, the government, and in some cases, the army, then you might as well defy your parents. To sum it up, being proactive is definitely necessary, but there is also nothing wrong about taking the chill road. What’s terribly wrong though is being an unaware, self-centered attention-seeker, who decides to become an active person just for the sake of it without knowing what is it he’s doing or why he’s doing it. Or worse yet, being an apathetic person for the simple reason that you’re too lazy to try to understand what’s going on around you. What you do is not important as long as you have all the facts and information that will make you logically reach whatever it is you decide to do.
11
FEATURE
PARTY POLITICS
ARE THE NEWCOMERS REALLY UP TO THE TASK? By Passand El Hammami
The upcoming September elections – Which parties will win? Can the newly-established parties rise to the challenge? How many seats will the Muslim Brotherhood acquire? Could there be one strong party that will play the most vital role on the path towards a better Egypt? Or is an alliance/ coalition the only way? It’s no secret that the newly formed political parties need a lot more time to establish networks to reach the millions of Egyptians. Many of them are still awaiting a license, which means they aren’t registered parties yet. Even if given a year or two, it might seem impossible for these new parties to step up to the competition or match the financial means of other already consolidated political forces such as the Muslim Brotherhood, let alone by September. We all witnessed the effect of the referendum on the constitutional amendments, where some religious groups focused their argument on Article 2, claiming that saying “No” would repudiate the Islamic identity of the state. Most political forces took the end result as a lesson learnt. Propaganda or not, religious movements know how to sway mass public opinion, and they don’t depend on national TV to do it. This leaves other parties with the concern that all their ubiquitous media campaigns could be knocked out with the simple, unmatchable appeal of religious discourse.
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As a nation, we have been ruled by outsiders, governed by presidents who believed in firm ideas, like Pan Arabism, open economy and peace, and finally got stuck in a dictatorship for three decades. The one thing that has remained a constant is the existence of religion-backed opposition; they have been here all along. However, members of the Muslim Brotherhood will no longer compete in elections as members of a “banned” religious movement; their recently founded party, Hizb Al-Horriya WalAdala (Freedom and Justice Party), is one amongst many newborn parties that will be competing in the parliamentary elections. Some of the most remarkable parties that have shown their guns in this battle are Hizb Al Masryeen Al Ahrar (Free Egyptians Party), Hizb Al Adl (Justice Party), Hizb Masr El Horreya (Egypt Freedom Party), Al Hizb Al Masri Al Democrati Al Egtema’ey (Egyptian Social Democratic Party), and Hizb Al ‘Omal Al Democrati (Workers’ Democratic Party). These parties have so far been attracting public attention through various efforts including funding media campaigns, assembling events, or communicating with people through Facebook - all for the sake of awareness and understanding what ‘democracy’ truly is. But will it work? Can we respond through democratic behavior to such campaigns, events or media coverage this quickly? Through the agendas of new political parties, and some old parties that never had a voice before, we see hope for a better tomorrow. The younger generations were never as politically active as they are now; we are witnessing a time of transformation in which ‘3eyal el Facebook’ are taking responsibility for their country - and there’s nothing ‘3eyaly’ about it. We spoke with a number of young party members about why they decided to join these parties, their plans for the few months preceding the elections, how they seek to expand and the tools they intend to use in order to ensure an effective presence in the competition taking place next September.
Mustafa El-Naggar, 31
Hizb Al-Adl (Justice Party) Political activist Mustafa El-Naggar, one of the founders of the party, has expressed that he believes the problem facing the new parties lies in the lack of organization skills, even with the many youth around they are still “scattered and unorganized which prevents us from forming an effective voting bloc, unlike the Muslim Brotherhood whose organizational capabilities enabled them to achieve just that.” On reaching the masses and bridging the gap between the elite and the street, he says, “We plan to address social and political issues in parallel, because for the majority of Egyptians, social and economic demands are much more pressing than political ones.” He goes on to elaborate, “They do not care about the constitution or the parliament; they are more concerned with putting bread on the table – and that’s why through our work in the party politics shall always go hand in hand with development. We will offer all kinds of services to the public; the citizen is the core of everything.” He does not fear competition with Islamist groups, however, as long as other parties are working hard on establishing themselves and consolidating their presence among the people. “The Islamist influence on society is overestimated. And to those who fear it, I say then you’d better move it and start doing something to counter it instead of sitting around and complaining.”
Sherif Alaa, 24
Hizb Masr El Horreya (Freedom Egyptian Party) “I joined the party because I believe in the internal democracy the party operates through,” Sherif told us. He knows how much work needs to be done if they want to reach anywhere, and he says that throughout the next months they plan to “pay more attention to cities because so far all our events were based in rural areas.” “An extensive media campaign will be implemented very soon,” he added, “and we plan on expanding through establishing Headquarters in different Governorates, but this will take time of course in order to cover the whole country.” However, he thinks media coverage has already been helpful so far, “Media coverage and on-ground PR for previous events has succeeded in attracting a good number of applicants, especially in Delta and Upper Egypt. Furthermore, talk-shows and other TV programs helped in marketing our ideas easily.” Sherif is hopeful about the party’s chances in the upcoming elections. “We have a ‘Candidates Committee’ that is working in collaboration with the ‘Data Analysis Unit’; both committees are gathering the needed information about different candidates and constituencies. Regardless of the number of seats we’ll be running for, we will respect democracy and the majority even if it wasn’t on our side,” he told us, “Moreover, the upcoming elections are not be the end of the world; it’s only a step on Egypt’s path towards democracy.”
Dina Wahba, 25
Al Hizb Al Masry Al Democrati Al Egtema’ey (Egyptian Social Democratic Party) Dina says she joined the party out of her belief in human rights and because she’ll do whatever she can to fight for “basic rights like fair pay and the right to education and health care.” On the upcoming elections she says, “The party will participate in the next elections, probably in a coalition with other liberal parties. In the referendum there were grave mistakes that I hope to avoid during these elections, such as not having enough time to explain to the people what this referendum was or what they are voting for, as well as allowing the use of religious slogans.” She believes manipulating ballot boxes isn’t the only way to rig an election. “If you manipulate the masses or mislead them in any way, this should call for cancellation. There should definitely be strict rules to regulate the upcoming elections.”
Anonymous, 29
Hizb Al Horreya Wal Adala (Freedom and Justice Party) “I’ve been a member of the Brotherhood for a while, but I joined the party so I could work through both the party and the Brotherhood to spread the message of Islam and change the misconception that politics is a dirty game,” He told us. “I believe being a member in the party will not differ from being a member in the Brotherhood; only the means of communication has changed, ” he further explains. On the party’s means of recruitment he says, “People have known the Muslim Brotherhood and its ideals for years, and this knowledge and recognition is what drew members to the party.” His personal opinions about the upcoming elections are clear: “I am not for postponing the elections; a student who has not studied does not have the right to require putting off exams until they’re ready. Moreover, we have to commit to the results of the referendum held last March; democracy does not entail trying to force people to accept an idea they have already rejected.” His hopes for the democratic process are high as well, “I believe the upcoming elections will be the first free and fair elections witnessed by this country.”
13
s u p m a C
So, throughout the past couple of weeks we posted a survery about proactivity, and we got almost no feedback. Ironic, eh? Funny though, when we created a survey called “The Turn-off Factor”, we got more feedback than we could handle. Anywho, we were left with an empty page. Hence, to fill it up, we give you this, feast your eyes. Next time, please fill-out the survey? Thank you.
14 JULY 2011 CAMPUS
G Mag’s interactive piano - on our website since Jan 21st 2011
Google’s interactive guitar - on their website June 9th 2011
Sorry Google, but we did it first. www.g-mag.net
] UNDERSCORE ]
N o ...T h e A c t u a l E n v i r o n m e n t, Serio u s l y . By Sarah MacRory
I
n recent months, a growing sense of environmental consciousness has taken hold of Egypt. Countries in the western hemisphere raised their eyebrows in disbelief that Egyptians had taken to the streets the day after Mubarak stepped down to clean the mess that was left behind. For some reason the years of garbage piled on the sides of roads hadn’t bothered anyone until we reclaimed Egypt as our own. I guess the garbage piles were just another form of silent protest. But now people stopped being indifferent…about everything. Activism, political and social, has taken form. However, subtler is the voice of environmental activism. With the head-rush that was the revolution, it dawned on Egypt’s youth that the environment is essential for the individual’s well being in society. That’s why we saw people of all ages grab a broomstick and make an effort. It’s about bloody time too. Not only did individuals start caring more for the country’s environmental well-being, but also environmental NGOs who had been on temporary sleep-mode for at least a decade were shaken awake. And what an awakening it has been.
Ministerial Slacking and The Real Problems That being said, the revolution has also brought on an onslaught of ministerial slacking. Like everything government-related postrevolution, the Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs has been slipping up on its duties. There has been a “relaxation” in regards to maintaining, in particular, conservation laws (even though they predate the creation of the ministry itself). The Ministry also saw it fit to withdraw its support for World Environment Day celebrations that were due to happen June 5 in Al Azhar Park. It stated to AlMasry AlYoum that it had other priorities to address. It’s important to note that the Ministry is in fact an agency named the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency; its main objective is to coordinate between all ministries and organizations within the government, in particular the Tourism & Development Authority. It also has sole jurisdiction over Egypt’s protectorates (a whopping 15% of our land). Its duty is simple. Enforce the regulations and laws that limit the destruction of Egypt’s environment. One hopes that after the revolution there would be change on all fronts; all the cabinet shuffles we’ve had would somehow help improve overall governmental responsibilities. Think again my dear friend.
20 JULY 2011 CAMPUS
Place yourself on your beloved beach spot in Ras Shitan, Basata or wherever and imagine, all you can smell is rotting fish. All you can see are boats for miles around you. Naturally, you’d stop going. Or you’d protest loudly like everyone else these days.
Tarek Abdel Hamid is an environmental expert who has been working in the field for 20 years. “The Ministry of Environment has hardly changed post-revolution,” he says. “I worked with the ministry for many years and my last post there several years ago was as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the agency and assisting the minister. I’ve seen the ministry go through many practical policy changes, but it seems like it’s business as usual. It’s been slipping up on a lot of fronts in the last three or four years; what happened in Ras Mohammed with the illegal fishing is just a continuation of what’s already been happening.” The question is why have the agency’s shortcomings come to light now? As most people would say: “El nas betzeet fel zeita.” The entire government is under a huge microscopic lens and the people are just outraged with every flaw they’ve discovered. It seems as though Egyptians have only scratched the surface when it comes to understanding the environmental issues that riddle Egypt. “We have water pollution and land soil pollution issues, urban air and waste management problems and the risk of degradation of our cultural national resources,” said Abdel Hamid. “Lack of awareness is pervasive through all of this. It’s a separate issue in itself.”
“Lake Qarun is ancient; the area is rich with historical artifacts that it is being considered as a World Heritage site, and development giant, Amer Group, proposed the building of a Porto Fayoum on the shores of the lake - as if we need another one of those massive monstrosities in Egypt!”
This “lack of awareness” is a symptom of the political stagnancy we have been living in for more than 30 years. Abdel Hamid said briefly that if people knew more about the water they are drinking, the food they are eating and the air they are breathing, there would be uproar. The only solution to combating this lack of awareness is blatantly obvious: education. Coupled with media campaigns that emphasize how the environmental issues we are facing on all fronts affect us as individuals. So why should you care that there are violations of the law when it comes to conserving protected areas? Because it all relates to a corrupt system that was in place for so long that the rules were not only bent but also broken. “We have very stringent regulations that just need re-enforcement,” said Abdel Hamid. “They need better levels of institutional communication between the ministries, the industrial chambers and chambers of commerce.” So that the greasy-bellied businessmen, who can’t wait to lay their clumsy hands on the land, cannot bend the rules to build a massive development (of any kind) that no one really needs.
Lake Qarun in Fayoum: A WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGE SITE AT RISK
The Shore of Lake Qarun
If MSNBC thinks it’s a story worthy of its time, even though their homepage is usually splashes of Lindsay Lohan’s latest misdeeds, then something’s up. There has been significant media-attention paid to Lake Qarun over the past couple of months. The lake is ancient and the surrounding area is so rich with historical artifacts that it is being considered as a World Heritage site. A Fayoum-based NGO called ‘Friends of Lake Qarun’ has come forward time and time again to express concern about plans for development in the area. Development giant, Amer Group, proposed the building of a Porto Fayoum on the shores of the lake (as if we need another one of those massive monstrosities in Egypt). 21
UNDERSCORE
The problem is, the proposed area is home to an approximately 42 million year old whale fossil - “A skeleton of a species they’ve never seen anywhere else in the world,” says Rebecca Porteous Fahmy, a founding member of ‘Friends of Lake Qarun’. “Traces of Neolithic man activity, which indicates the earliest example of human beings being agricultural and settling are in that area. All the traces of that are on the surface or within the first cm of the surface,” said Fahmy. So building on top of that is clearly, or should be… a big NO-NO. “The only responsible thing to do with the northeast region of Lake Qarun is turn it into an open air museum,” a proposal Fahmy has been trying to voice for years. Excavation in the area has been going on since 1876 and in the past four years alone archaeologists and excavators have found objects and fossils that are valuable internationally. With the Neolithic excavation in particular all the objects found (pottery and traces of communities) should be displayed in “how it lies in relation to the land,” said Fahmy. So if you excavate and move all the pottery shards and ostrich eggshells “you screw up the evidence!”
“There’s a law that states fishing during spawning season (summer-time - oddly enough also human mating season) is most definitely illegal… Seeboo el samak yet-hanna ya gama3a!”
It was reported recently in the newspapers that the Supreme Council of Antiquities said it only needed two years to excavate the area and then development can go forward. “The proposal to safe guard the artifacts in a museum is ‘kalam fady’”, according to Fahmy. “It shows that either they don’t understand the issue of clearing the area and how it will compromise the evidence or they’re playing dumb.” I agree. Fi este3bat gamed gedan fel mawdoo3. The ‘Friends of Lake Qarun’ are conducting a publicity campaign in an attempt to raise public outrage concerning the loss of world heritage; culture so valuable it cannot be compromised. “Egypt is only the custodian of this for the rest of the world,” said Fahmy, “It’s about world history. The oldest paved road in the world running from a basalt quarry, the oldest quarry in the world leading to the shores of Lake Qarun is right there with a million other artifacts in Gabal Katrani.” This is about protecting the history of the Earth, and all the business big-shots want to bulldoze over it for the sake of building another big and ugly-ass orange-red development. The argument these developers use is that it will bring economic growth to one of the poorest governorates in Egypt. The counter-argument to that is: if we have such valuable artifacts and historical evidence, an open-air museum would bring in just as many tourists. “Destroying a shoreline you’re actually harming the economy. The whole point of a healthy economy is that it’s based on a sustainable situation that is not short-term,” said Fahmy. There are many ways to use this particular area in a positive, eco-friendly way; without violating the law against development in protected areas of Egypt.
Ras Mohammed Illegal Fishing: SEEBOO EL SAMAK YET-HANNA!
Coral Reef in Ras Mohammed
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We can only thank Governor Mohamed Abdel-Fadil Mohamed Shousha of South Sinai for his profound efforts to piss off the diving community at large. I mean have you ever heard of angry divers? Probably not, because stereotypically they’re just a bunch of mellowed-out people who enjoy observing nature. The Red Sea diving community was outraged enough to create a petition, which currently has 3,008 signatures and is appropriately titled “STOP fishing in Ras Mohammed National Park” (the title is only missing “FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!”)
She started campaigning for recycling in her neighborhood of Maadi and was part of the weekly clean-up effort that was refurbishing the streets of Cairo. The committee started approaching private corporations for sponsorship; their agenda mainly focused on trying to spread environmental awareness and eventually move towards larger issues such as conservation and pollution. Abdel Hamid added, that when individuals postrevolution started taking an interest in at least the waste management issue in Cairo, it was an indication that the population has the potential to become more environmentally aware. Fahmy put it bluntly: “Pre-revolution if you invested X amount of energy, you’d get X minus results. However, post-revolution you feel you can put X amount of energy into any effort and you’ll get X plus results.” In other words there’s a “small or huge window of opportunity, depending on how optimistic you are” for change and holding the government accountable.
Hezz T**zak Media coverage of the environmental slip-up was extensive, stressing that the illegal fishing could lead to the destruction of the already weakened tourism sector. The governor allowed this fishing spree after fishermen were complaining that their livelihood was limited (not enough fish in the sea I presume?). The backlash was so great that a few days following the permission of fishing in Ras Mohammed, the decision was revoked on May 19, 2011. It’s amazing how akl el 3eish can take priority over the law… sounds oddly familiar. Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation, an internationally recognized NGO, issued a statement saying “The South Sinai Governor’s recent decision to permit fishing within the Ras Mohammed National Park boundaries is not only illegal but ecologically and economically disastrous as well as being devastating to the sanctity of the rule of environmental regulations.” They went further by saying that illegal fishing is a “heinous, malicious crime” especially during the fish-breeding season, when this violation took place. There’s a law (124/1983) that states fishing during spawning season (summer-time, oddly enough also human mating season) is most definitely illegal…Seeboo el samak yet-hanna ya gama3a! Fishing in Ras Mohammed has been illegal since 1983, when the area was declared a national park and had specific laws (like the one above and law 102/1983) set out to prevent the disruption of the delicate ecological system in the area. Ras Mohammed is one of 29 protectorates in Egypt, which all fall under the same law (if it’s not fishing…it’s hunting). No littering is another law… I wonder if we could make Egypt, in its entirety, a national park. Then we’d have international environmentalists and eco-tourists biting chunks of our ass off for even thinking about throwing kees el chipsy el fady out of a moving vehicle.
Shift in Environmental Awareness: POST-REVOLUTION SENTIMENT
The attitude before the revolution was one that resembled, for lack of a better word, “toz”. Most people would dismiss environmental issues by saying “ya 3am mahy bayza bayza khalas!” But a new sense of individual empowerment and environmental activism was re-born with the revolution; there was shift in every sector of society. Speaking up about severe violations of the law, such as the case of Ras Mohammed and illegal fishing and the development around Lake Qarun, has become an integral part of Egypt’s future social landscape. Not to mention that there are entire global communities who are direct stakeholders in Egypt’s environmental issues: the UN Environment Program, Green Peace and…wait for it… the Egyptian population. The way to go about instigating change is by helping the thousands of NGOs that already exist with the sole objective of protecting Egypt’s environment. Stop complaining about the trash, the weird weather (rain in JUNE??) or the heavily polluted streets and start doing something about it. Start a campaign and roll with it… pick an environmental issue and push for awareness. It’s not just about grabbing a broom or wearing gloves and picking up the trash strewn everywhere. It’s about fundamentally caring for Egypt’s greatest treasure: its natural beauty. People from all over the globe come to Egypt for our beaches, our desert and our rich culture. If we are to lose sight of the natural beauty our country has had for centuries and instead concentrate on short-term economic growth…it’s like we’d be pissing in the Nile then drinking the water.
Efforts to change the circumstances we currently face as a society has been demonstrated through social movements who want to rebuild and restructure. The “Eed Wa7da” movement, (and if you don’t know them by now you’ve been living under a rock), first started up in February with separate committees working on finding solutions for Egypt’s plethora of problems (you can’t count how many there are… you just can’t). One of the larger committees was the Environmental Initiative. Dina El Kashef is one of the members who joined the initiative early on. “Right after the revolution I wanted to join a positive movement that contributes to real development,” said El Kashef “I wanted to step up and do something. I was particularly interested in environmental issues because they are tangible, you can start small and work your way up.”
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By Deena A
The Egyptian revolution set out to cleanse Egypt from its corrupt, human-rightsviolating system, in which police torture was commonplace. However, five months later, the ghost of police brutality still haunts the country. Monday 6th of June marked the first anniversary of KhaledSaid’s death. Now a worldwide famous case, the 28-year-old‘s brutal murder at the hands of plain-clothed policemen is still a bitter reminder of what was routine practice in pre-revolution Egypt. Said was neither the first nor the last person to die of torture at the hands of policemen in Egypt. However, his story is considered to be one of the main early sparks of the mass protests that ousted Mubarak and his minions. Hundreds took to the streets in Cairo and Alexandria to commemorate the one-year anniversary of his death. Many of them protested in front of Ministry in Cairo, believing the practices of police officers are still the same as they were before the revolution.
Protesters saw no reason to celebrate the Egyptian National Police, and every reason to take a stand against their routine abuse and corruption. I can’t help but remember the headline on the front page on Al-Ahram that day – “Citizens offer flower bouquets to police forces in celebration”. Ah, those happy days when we used to get lied to in state-owned newspapers every single day (sigh). Anyway, in the past decade, the police and State Security had become the most loathed and the most terrifying government institutions. At 1.4 million people, their vast force symbolized a corrupt government that preyed on its citizens, the better-known victims of whom were political opponents, human rights advocates and members of the Muslim Brotherhood as well as other Islamist groups. Extortion and torture by the police eventually came to be accepted as just another fact of life.
Protesters chanted “People want the purification of the Interior Ministry” – and we lived to see the day when graffiti of Khaled Said’s famous face was sprayed on the very walls of the Ministry of Interior building. Which might make you think things have changed; after all, such an act of freedom of expression would have been unthinkable before the revolution. Well, if you think that means anything, think again. Just like the stencils were obliterated the very next day, the effects of the revolution on the police force seem to be fading – fast.
From ‘State Security’ to ‘National Security’ – Ya 2alby La Te7zan!
Police Brutality in Egypt – A Fact of Life
Shortly after, the transitional government announced a name change from “State Security” to “National Security.” The revamped institute supposedly aims to provide comprehensive security to the homeland, and not just the regime like its predecessor
One of the biggest driving forces that led to the revolution in the first place was police brutality. It is no coincidence that the first day of demonstrations was set for January 25th, the National Police Day.
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One of the major demands of the revolution was dismantling the State Security Investigations agency, and after protestors took matters in their own hands and stormed State Security offices, finding detailed files on just about everyone on the planet and discovering secret underground prison cells, the demand was finally met on March 15th. The decision was taken to dissolve the country’s widely held State Security, notorious for their torture methods and other human rights abuses.
The government has made it clear that the new institute will not include any of the officers who were previously involved in human rights violations.According to a National Security officer I spoke to, younger officers were selected and those involved in torture were offered early retirement packages. Egyptian activists, however, have voiced their fears that this would be a change in the name but not in the policies – ‘Shalo Aldo w 7atto Shahin’ style. Nevertheless, the general consent among Egyptians was to be optimistic and give them the benefit of the doubt. Ironically, though, on the very day that protests were held against police brutality, a young Egyptian activist named Salma El Sawy was detained, interrogated and beaten up by an officer in what later turned out to be the State Security headquarters in 6 October. So much for ‘dismantling’.
Reforms in Behavior – Possible?
A study conducted by the Cabinet shows that the majority of people find that the behavior of policemen after the revolution is “good.” However, it must be said that 85 per cent attributed that good behavior to a “proper way of speaking” as opposed to the 13 per cent who said it was due to the police “offering efficient and quick service.” So a basic rule of conduct such as officers addressing citizens in a decent manner has become cause for praising the police, while the protection services offered by the force – which is supposed to be the core standard it is to be judged upon – so far remain poor. And this situation does not seem to be working, because post-revolution Egyptians have learned to heighten their expectations and no longer make concessions when it comes to the government. In another step to improve police behavior, an Italian initiative to train the Egyptian police as part of a debt-for-development agreement between the two countries has been approved. Italy would swap police training and logistical support for reducing its debt to Egypt. However, Italy’s police is known to be among the most brutal in Europe, so there’s no telling how this may turn out.
Is it Really Over?
On the other hand, human rights organizations believe that police brutality is still hindering Egypt’s transition to democracy. In less than 3 weeks in May, four people have allegedly died at the hands of the police. One of those victims was Ramzy Salah el-Din, who died in a hospital in Boulaq el-Dakrour in what some media called the first post-revolt incident of police torture. Salah el-Din had arrived at the hospital, following questioning in a nearby police station, with a broken pelvis and three broken ribs, which caused internal bleeding and ultimately, his death. His crime? Failing to pay a debt. Another case that got a lot of media attention was the death of 40-yearold driver Mohamed Saeed el-Nasser allegedly at the hands of police on Friday 3rd of June. Upon finding out, hundreds of angry protesters stormed the police station in Azbakeya and set a police vehicle on fire. Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
“A study conducted by the Cabinet shows that the majority of people find that the behavior of policemen after the revolution is ‘good’. However, 85% attributed that good behavior to a ‘proper way of speaking’ as opposed to the 13% who said it was due to the police ‘offering efficient and quick service’” believe people would kill one of them, even if he’d attacked an officer? Needless to say, this statement further angered activists, who complained that the same excuses are still used to cover up for the police’s violations. Apparently, the practice of torture is alive and well. Four new Khaled Saids over one single month in post-revolution Egypt…It’s depressing to say the least.
Now What?
On their part, Prime Minister Essam Sharaf vowed to reform the security apparatus and Interior Minister Mansour el-Essawy has promised to work to rebuild confidence in the police. But to a nation that is used to receiving empty promises, actions will always speak louder than words. There are many steps that should be taken to ensure that the reform is genuine. A complete overhaul of police laws and regulations, as well as the education and training methods for policemen and officers is required (one can only imagine what students are being taught in the Police Academy when the ‘ideal student’ posts a note titled ‘Hanefsha7’ko ya Sha3b’ on Facebook). The treatment of suspects and prisoners must be humane. Acceptable standards must be applied at jail facilities, and they should be open to supervision and inspection at any given moment. The People’s Assembly should have a role in this process, as well as the Ministry of Justice and civil society organizations, because civilian oversight of the security sector is crucial. There should be official supervision by the government. There has always been a committee in the Egyptian parliament overseeing the security sector, but it is safe to assume that the committee did not do its job very well. This is one more thing that needs to be rehabilitated. There should also be experts on the committee who are qualified to handle security agencies and evaluate their performance. Media and press should also play a role in overseeing the matter by criticizing and shedding light on any violations that might occur. A free media is key to ensuring a just security system.
Details of how Nasser died were unclear. However while investigations were still underway, the Ministry of Interior released a statement that blamed passersby for Nasser’s wounds, not police officers. The ministry claimed passersby attacked Nasser when they saw him attacking the police officer.
Last but definitely not least, citizens have an equal role to play. Next time, when you see a traffic policeman on duty playing dumb as cars drive in the wrong direction, go ahead and confront him. If an officer dares speak to you disrespectfully, report him. If you happen to come across any member of the police force – regardless of his rank committing any sort of violation in dealing with anyone else, do not let it go unnoticed.
Seriously? Sure, there have been calls to cooperate with the police in a joint effort to bring security back to the streets, but who would
It’s our country too, and we’ve already seen the damage that could be done when we allow them to run it completely on their own.
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Fairmont Nile City this Summer… There’s Something in It for Everyone!
It’s finally summertime but we have busy, hectic jobs that make it almost impossible to get away for a whole week and spend a proper vacation somewhere outside the city. This is why when we read about Fairmont Nile City’s summer packages we couldn’t help but feel thrilled! Now you can chill out and unwind without having Cairo at all. - First off, their special Body & Soul package for LE 1142 gives you a Nile Deluxe room with a breathtaking view of the Nile along with a 60 minute Stress Relief Massage at their signature Willow Stream Spa. Sounds like heaven! - The Friday Jazz Brunch is perfect for a sunny, delicious treat, with many breakfast favorites and authentically local dishes, all for LE 198. Your kids get their own corner too with their own tailor made miniature buffet! - Sushi lovers, rejoice! The Sushi Mania promotion is extended throughout July; enjoy it weekdays starting 12:30 p.m. - Every Wednesday and Thursday, you can have an irresistible combination of shisha, mouthwatering BBQ, live music and the Nile for LE 178. Part of the proceeds goes to the martyrs of the Revolution too! So not only will you be enjoying yourself, you’ll also be doing a good deed. - Since summer is wedding season, they offer you a wedding package that handles everything, from the zaffa to photographers to catering, and little details like centre pieces and flowers for decorations! Not only that, they also include a three layer wedding cake, a Nile suite for two nights and much more all for a starting price of LE 46,000 (including taxes). Yes, you can now start dreaming of a totally stress-free wedding!
F1 STAR LEWIS HAMILTON ENERGISES HIS WINTER TRAINING WITH ZIGTECH
If you’re an athlete, work out frequently, or just like a simple jog every once in a while, then you need to know that Reebok’s new ZigTech footwear and apparel range is super cool. Formula One star and Reebok Ambassador Lewis Hamilton even kicked off his preparations for the 2011 season with a custom-made Reebok resistance training session where he wore Reebok’s new revolutionary footwear and apparel collection, giving him an extra edge. The groundbreaking apparel is engineered using Celliant™, clinically proven to create an increase in oxygen levels of up to 7%. It’s ideal for outdoor running or in-door training activities. The best part is ZigTech apparel is a fibre technology that can’t be washed out or worn out; lasting for the full life of the garment, so you can guarantee your money is very well spent.
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Citibank Launches Titanium Credit Card
Citibank has launched a new Titanium Credit Card, with a vast array of benefits and exclusive services designed to cater to your every desire. You’ll enjoy: - Unmatched discounts and a vast array of travel, dining, shopping and hotel-related savings along with using the first class and exclusive Lounges in Cairo and Dubai airports. - Up to 2,000 sign-up bonus points upon the first spend. The card can earn higher Citi Reward Points for every 1 EGP of purchases, which allows the customer to choose from a range of gifts and purchase vouchers from a variety of retail outlets in Egypt and across the world. - Flexible payment on simple premiums ranging between six and 60 months and insurance services on credit balance as well as notification services via mobile phones across the City. Citibank and Vodafone had recently collaborated and produced a Credit Card that allows the bank customers to instantly buy all their needs from any Vodafone outlet and pay later in instalments conveniently. As a next step, Vodafone Titanium card customers will be able to gain double the points, and even higher when paid through CitiPhone or online banking.
In Defense of Travel Agencies!
In response to our article on budget travel last month, Mr. Mohsen Hafez of travel agency Golden Tours had a few points to make in defense of travel agencies. We believe in showcasing all sides to any argument, and therefore we present you Mr. Mohsen’s: - Travel agencies give you the total price from the very beginning, while online the price is often displayed without taxes and the complete price isn’t revealed until the very end of the booking process where you might discover it is actually higher than that offered by the travel agency. - Sometimes people arrive to their destination to face numerous types of problems. If you are booked through a travel agency, there will always be someone available to take your call and help you right away. But if you’re booked through a travel website, you have to follow a multiple-step process until someone finally picks up and helps you. - Travel Agencies offer tourist guides and other services like someone to pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel; while such services are not available with online bookings. - The idea of a non-refundable ticket is directly linked to the ‘cheap offers’ online, which are 80% of the online offers. Travel Agencies, on the other hand, have nonrefundable tickets only with certain very specific offers. - When it comes to business travel and corporate trips, travel agencies have the benefit of offering credit facilities and cost saving. - Online reviews of hotels are often misleading. With a travel agency you have the advantage of experts advising you on where to stay and what to do during your trip. - Golden Tours will establish an online website that will include a chat room open 24/7 where you can speak to an agent and require them to call you in order to discuss further details.
With Vodafone Mobile Internet Daily Bundle, stay connected while travelling at a fixed rate of 15 LE For all Vodafone customers, stay connected in 27 countries around the world at a daily fixed rate of 15 LE with Vodafone mobile internet
For more information call 800 or visit vodafone.com.eg/roaming • Terms and conditions apply • Daily bundle price includes 3MB • This offer is not valid for BlackBerry® and iPhone • These prices apply while roaming on Vodafone Global networks in addition to (STC) in Saudi, (Du) in Emirates and (AT&T) in USA
Artwork © Muhammad Sabry
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Checks
Why is it such a surprise to you?! By Ahmed Amin
Following the May 31st 2011 CNN article titled “Egyptian general admits ‘virginity checks’ conducted on protesters” (referring to the previous March 9th incident), a very strong issue was due to be discussed: “Female Virginity in Egypt – or lack thereof”. At the time, the military police forces had been evacuating Tahrir Square in compliance with the curfew to help deal with the rising crime rate following the revolution, and that’s when this incident took place. The details are as follows: people gathered on March 9th to protest, and as protests go nowadays in Egypt they decided to spend the night in Tahrir Square. This means that they were defying the curfew imposed on the country by the Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF). Several warnings were given and ignored, so the Military Police evacuated the Square and imposed the curfew by force. Some of those apprehended were ladies. The allegations made were that these protesting revolutionary ladies underwent virginity checks; allegations which were first denied by the SCAF. Then the CNN article quoted a high military officer confirming the story and justifying it as “The girls who were detained were not like your daughter or mine. These were girls who had camped out in tents with male protesters in Tahrir Square, and we found in the tents Molotov cocktails and (drugs).” In all honesty, this incident and reply were almost expected. It’s known that when the topics of women and virginity open up, controversy will ensue. The main concerns and comments were about this being a violation of human rights; but also the incident was seen as sexist and considered an act of sexual harassment towards innocent female protesters - goodwilled protesters that got caught up in a society with a conservative background, a knack for gossip and a population of 85 million. In the melting pot that is Egypt, you have way too many differences in opinion and lifestyle – and as much as this can be perceived as a blessing, it’s more of a curse. These extra diversities and various gaps between social, cultural and educational backgrounds make it easy for debates or opinion-based arguments to turn a topic very personal like “virginity” into everybody’s business. Many of the obsessions, opinions and controversy about a girl losing her virginity before marriage have to do with culture and personal points-ofview more than morals and religion. It’s just that we -Egyptians- like to talk about each other, put labels and blindly judge and stereotype people we know and don’t know. It’s essentially this mindset that bounds us in “third world” land. We don’t have the open-mindedness that would allow us to just accept everyone and anyone without interfering with their personal lives; we can’t just accept one another for who and what they are and leave the judging to the Almighty. The mindset that I’m talking about reminds me of the Alaa Al Aswani vs. Ahmad Shafiq episode, and how A LOT of people just overlooked what Al Aswani said merely because “he was impolite, vulgar and a bit offensive”. No one paid objective attention to what he said or tried to analyze it. We don’t do that here in Egypt, we just hate on those who are different and only accept those who are similar, with no attention paid to the actual core topic of the issue. We like to stick to the “gossip and image-related” material since that’s what’s controversial, who cares about making sense!
So was the “Virginity Checks” issue shocking and appalling? Yes. Was it unexpected? No. With a culture that has so much sexual tension, from day-to-day sexual harassment issues to the entire marriage conundrum, this is more than expected. This is who we are; we pay way too much attention to others’ personal and private lives and assume a right to talk and get involved in these issues, and further more justify something that violates the very basic human rights; such as ‘Mandatory Virginity Checks’. 29
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‘Sewing Circles’ is a very archaic and sexist term, but it’ll help explain what I mean when I say that this is how our society is. And unless we take a conscious and proactive stance towards facing our problems we will always be in this “archaic and sexist” bracket, and thus we will never improve. Sewing Circles is what happened in old societies when the man would go out all day to hunt and protect the family, while the women were left behind to take care of the kids and for the larger part of the day have nothing to do. So they would get together and work on their chores while killing time by “talking”- just talking about anything. Of course from there we can understand how that closed and empty society would view personal lives as an interesting thing, as they had nothing else to do. While that form of society and its faults were acceptable back then, it’s by no means justifiable under modern-day circumstances. If anything, we use the technology and social media tools to help increase our gossip and talk about who’s who and which actor married whom and who got liposuction. We have taken on evolution when it comes to luxuries, yet when it comes down to interpersonal relations, we are just as basic as the pharaohs. Nothing on earth can justify this act of human violation, yet when it happened, those doing it saw it as very normal and those hearing about it found it expected. It’s our mentality that’s the issue, not virginity. There will always be those who justify and most of these justifications are as empty as the Sahara Desert except for one, religious Shari’a Law. Those who maintain validity out of this atrocious act will manage to make a valid argument only if they say “well God said so and God said those who commit ‘Zina’ should be subject to punishment by Quranic order.” This was the only valid argument I came across, and I’ve taken it as my responsibility to verify this statement. So I went to the Faculty of Law in Alexandria and met with one of the TAs specialized in Shari’a Law and the findings were shocking. I’ll let you know what the Islamic Law consists of and will end the article there. Firstly, this is what Shari’a Law has to say about this. Secondly, decide for yourself if we adopted a very archaic mentality that should be abolished if we’re to have any chance of becoming a First World country anytime soon. And decide whether this is a justifiable act in accordance to Islam or if it’s just an ignorant mentality that we have nurtured and fed through the years.
The Shari’a Law dictates that in the case of ‘Zina’ (premarital/extramarital sex) certain punishments are to take place. This is true BUT here are the preconditions that need to be present for this sanction to be valid.
Preconditions:
• Four just Muslim men MUST all see the act of penetration. In other words if they were doing it doggystyle and they saw their backs it doesn’t count, they need to be right in there to witness the actual act of penis going into vagina. • If that very detailed precondition didn’t apply, those who have claimed that a woman has committed ‘Zina’ are to be subject to punishment as they have committed “Qasf” or “Slander” and shall be whipped. By committing this false allegation they have committed a crime of their own. There you have it, these are the causes and consequences under which ‘Zina’ allegations are to be taken into consideration in Shari’a Law. You have the actual incident, compare and do your research if you don’t believe mine and decide for yourself. Is this valid and justifiable? Or do we really need to have a sit-down chat as a nation and start cleaning our heads from the bull-crap that is filling it.
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At some point a couple is bound to feel that their physical compatibility can no longer be tested through a ‘making out’ session; they eventually feel they’re getting ‘too old for this’
body is sacred and that she needs to stop disregarding the fact that it has persistent sexual needs that can lead to drastic damages if repressed.
How Important Is It…Really? By Menna Tarek
After the recent statements by an anonymous army general confirming that virginity tests had indeed been performed on some female detainees, I couldn’t help but wonder why some people were so appalled. Don’t get me wrong, the act was horrendous and has absolutely no justification. But it was only the result of a deformed culture and countless social misconceptions, which we are partly to blame for. Let me explain how. Firstly, we need to understand that a human being is three things; mind, body and soul. And in order for that human being to build a healthy, successful relationship with another human being, they both have to undergo a process of testing their compatibility; to test if they are compatible and thus capable of tolerating each other for long intervals of time or not. This is mainly because if people decide to get married, they would probably have to tolerate each other for a lifetime, which can be very long, as you can imagine. To test their compatibility, a couple undergoes various phases, and at each stage all elements of the human self are put through the compatibility test, one more than others on each phase. For example, you test the logical signs of your compatibility in one phase more than another, while there are times that the physical compatibility overshadows all the other elements in the relationship. These phases vary and change depending on your age, background or past relationship experience. What I am aiming at here, however, is not those changes and variations, but rather the importance of testing your physical compatibility and how it affects your overall relationship wellbeing. Being the 23-year-old female who has lived all her life in Egypt that I am, the issue of premarital sex has inevitably come up during occasional conversations with male/female friends. This would normally shed the light on Egypt’s favorite taboo; the hymen. One cannot deny that the physical aspect of a relationship is of clear significance. I am not referring here to the physical need of “being” around each other all the time; neither am I referring to the comfort zone phase where the two partners have not yet reached the stage where they express their love towards each other through having sex. I am talking about a not-so-young yet not-so-old-couple who needs to decide if getting married is a good idea or not. Their physical compatibility at this phase cannot be tested through a “making out” session; for this does not satisfy either partner any more. At some point they eventually feel they’re getting “too old for this”. In my opinion, it is ridiculous for a 28-year-old woman to involve herself in a truncated sexual experience that doesn’t include getting herself fully pleased by her partner through whatever means she feels she needs out of fear of losing her virginity in a society that doesn’t welcome that kind of act. It is also ridiculous for the 28-year-old female to get married just to get herself sexually satisfied inside a “legal” frame that is not criminalized by anyone. A woman needs to understand that she has the right to do whatever she pleases with her body - in accordance with her own set of beliefs and rules, of course. A female should also understand that her
Sex is a determining factor in the relationship sometimes. The way I see it, if you don’t get it out of the way (by actually having sex), the two partners might end up in an unhealthy marriage, as a huge part of their decision will be based on their “need” to have sex together. Like the tip that says never go grocery shopping while hungry because you will end up buying double the things you actually need, you should always base a decision as important as marriage on a sexually satisfied appetite, because your sexually frustrated self can make all the wrong decisions for you just for it to satisfy itself. And no, I believe masturbation cannot be the answer here, because an adult couple is bound to feel that they need more than that, and I also believe sexual satisfaction should be mutual when one is involved in a relationship. If your sexual pattern is tested before you get married you might save yourself from a husband that doesn’t really care or understand what you need in bed. I simply think sexual compatibility should be tested like any other aspect of the relationship to avoid any “surprises” that might emerge when it is too late. On the other hand, I understand there must be some concerns. Like, “What if we take a conscious decision to have sex before we get married and end up not wanting to get married?” The answer to that lies in the kind of partner you are hoping for. Ask yourself those two questions: 1) If you want to be with someone who would think less of you just because you are not a virgin, knowing that it was your own conscious choice. 2) Whether you will think less of yourself, whether you would make compromises that you won’t usually make just because you feel “incomplete” or “flawed” because you’re not a virgin, and thus you would have to take extraordinary measures and go out of your way to please the courageous generous man who has accepted the “flawed” little you. Another question that might pop into your head is “What if we have sex then we decide to break up but are compelled to remain together and get married because she is no longer a virgin and doesn’t want to face the consequences of not being a virgin alone?” Yes, quite a number of guys may want not to bail out on the girl they had sex with in a society that doesn’t appreciate that. I see the only way out of a situation like that is a brief, unhappy marriage because they were both forced into it and it was not a mature rational decision in the first place. And if the guy wants out, return to question number 1. This virginity issue is more of a choice to me. You can choose to wait until you get married, but you would have to be prepared for any “surprises” that might arise and you would have to repress your needs until then; be it out of respect for society or commitment to certain principles or beliefs that you have. Or you can choose the principle and belief that virginity should not represent an issue to you, that your healthy relationship should not disregard your sexual needs because that is the way it was meant to be and that your virginity would not come between you and your choice of a partner. Which brings us back to the issue I started this article with; the virginity tests. It’s as simple as that: If you choose to put your virginity as a means of evaluating yourself, then don’t expect your partner or your society to do the opposite.
What if we take a conscious decision to have sex before we get married and end up not wanting to get married? 31
UNDERSCORE
MASHROU3 AL MAREEKH EXPRESS YOURSELF! By Rowan El Shimi
You are the most important person in the room. You have something to say, something to act. It could be funny; it could be entertaining; it could just be a rant. You could speak, sing, dance, scream and shout. You get seven minutes of fame. In those seven minutes you are the performer. For the rest of the night, you are the audience. All you need to do is ask for your seven minutes. After all, we all have something to share…and we all need people to listen.
PROJECT YOURSELF: THE BEGINNINGS OF MAREEKH
“I had a short story I had written and wanted to share with an audience, live, to see people’s reactions,” Mariam El-Quessny, who started Mashrou3 Al Mareekh (previously known as “Project Yourself”) explained. “I wanted to create a space for us all to be vulnerable together.” From there came the first of the many Open Mic nights in December 2009. Even though it was never Quessny’s plan to have a second one, it turned into a monthly thing, creating a small community of people who take part in these nights of immense talent and self expression. These Open Mic nights are part of the umbrella of Mashrou3 Al Mareekh, the goal of which is to sustain and support initiatives aiming to empower individuals through promoting freedom of expression on a cultural level.
Open Mic in Minya
“It’s not just about self expression; it’s about empowerment,” Quessny told Campus. “It comes from the idea that everyone has a voice, and if people have others to hear that voice then they feel empowered. That sense of empowerment unleashes the will to do anything,” she added. Quessny explains further that besides the empowerment that comes from creating safe and comfortable environments for people to express themselves, these open mics also eliminate our differences and emphasize our similarities. “It’s very human and the emotions we share are very basic: laughter, tears, feeling nervous, being shy…” After receiving a grant from Nahdet El Mahrousa, an NGO that acts as an incubator for social initiatives in various fields, the Open Mic Nights were taken to the next level, and “Qafilat El Mareekh” was born. The idea is that Mashrou3 Al Mareekh volunteers take the Open Mic Nights outside of Cairo, introducing the idea to new cities, towns and cultures. The first Qafila (caravan) naturally took the Open Mic Night to Egypt’s second largest city, Alexandria.
ALEXANDRIA: GOING NORTH
This open mic was done in a small alleyway in cooperation with the Alexandria based NGO Godran. After being featured in the recently successful film “Microphone”, Godran has noticeably raised its profile. The NGO is known for using art as a means for development by renovating old neglected areas into spaces where cultural expression in all its forms can happen. Since this Open Mic Night basically took place on the street, it was quite spontaneous. Passersby could just stop for a bit, check out the scene and be on their way. Mariam taking down the names of the performers
“OPEN MIC COMES FROM THE IDEA THAT EVERYONE HAS A VOICE, AND IF PEOPLE HAVE OTHERS TO HEAR THAT VOICE THEN THEY FEEL EMPOWERED. THAT SENSE OF EMPOWERMENT UNLEASHES THE WILL TO DO ANYTHING” 32 JULY 2011 CAMPUS
MINYA: GOING SOUTH
Next on the list was Minya in Upper Egypt. Taking place the weekend after Easter, a big group of young Cairenes went down to Minya to spend some days there exploring the city’s ancient beauty and help the Mareekh crew prepare for their two Open Mic Nights. “That’s one of the things I like about these Open Mic Nights outside of Cairo, I get to actually see Egypt and go to places I probably wouldn’t have visited
otherwise,” Nizar Shorbagy, a 26-year-old Cairo based freelance designer, said. Minya is a city rich in history and touristic sites. However, due to immense violence as well as terrorist attacks in Upper Egypt in the 1990s it lost its position on tourist maps. One of the Open Mic Nights in Minya took place in Abu Gherier village while the other was in the center of Minya itself by the Nile. “In the village, we had more girls signing up than boys who were mostly young children,” Quessny said. “The interesting thing is, after the children expressed themselves more and more adults started joining on stage.” “When we did the event in the city, at the start we only had 10 people signed up, but after the first person performed we had 70 people,” Quessny said. There was plenty of variety in the performances, from singing, to poetry and acting and even a pantomime show and a rap song.
BAHARIYA OASIS: GOING WEST
In June, the organisers took Mashrou3 Al Mareekh west into the desert. Bahariya Oasis is made up of a few villages that house about 30,000 people and most of its economy depends on agriculture and tourists who base in the oasis while visiting the nearby Black Desert, White Desert, Crystal Mountain and other ecological wonders. In Bahariya - since it is quite secluded - the culture is different to that of bigger cities. You hardly see women on the street, so mostly boys and men
Bahariya Performer
today I saw this guy [pointing to Muhammed Quessny] who sells freedom. He told people to come say what they want and they guarantee those who will listen,” he said. Then he made a very moving statement, “We are born free, then year after year, we learn to shut up”. A new concept that was introduced to the Bahariya Oaisis experience was that before the Qafila left, they ran a workshop. Muhammad Quessny, Mariam’s brother and another organiser of Mareekh, along with myself ran a workshop the day after the Open Mic Night. It was attended by ten people from Bahariya Oasis and we talked to them about self-expression and how to host an Open Mic Night. The idea was to try, through this workshop, to find a coordinator and a group of volunteers who are willing to plan these Open Mic Nights on a monthly basis. That way the project can continue in each local community visited and the local volunteers can sustain it. “Also, having locals plan it means it can be adapted to their culture,” Quessny said. However, these Open Mic Nights have certain rules. But these rules are in place not to limit creativity or practice any sort of censorship, but rather to foster the safe and open environment where people can feel comfortable enough to open up. This means that no booing is allowed, everyone must listen to the person on stage, people have to be supportive and encouraging and everyone has to have an equal chance to be on stage.
DEVELOPMENTAL IMPACT
In traditional development projects, usually NGOs go into communities, assess the needs, mobilize people, give trainings on the importance of whatever change they are there to make and some even implement the projects themselves. The issue with this approach to development is explained by Makar; “It is an anthropological concept to be culturally relative; as in you cannot judge a culture by your own standards.” For example, in Bahariya Oasis, we all tied the success of the Open Mic with having women attend the event, but actually there is no way women in Bahariya would attend since society there is very segregated gender-wise. That is just their culture. However, had we planned an Open Mic in a house only for women, then many would have joined. “We talked to a woman in Bahariya while we were trying to convince her to attend the event,” Makar said, “She told us she would love to have a space to do sports and not be judged by society. If she had the opportunity to say this in front of other women who share the same need, maybe collectively they could do something about it.” Makar went on to say: “We’re not being imperialist and going into a new society to try and change it. We are providing a platform for them to express themselves so they can share and speak about what they would like to see changed.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
Next in July, Qafilat Al Mareekh is taking the Open Mic nights to the Oasis of Farafra, and further North-West to Siwa and to Mahalla in the Delta. There will also be the monthly Cairo Open Mic night.
GET INVOLVED
Open Mic in Cairo - Darb 1718 attended the Open Mic Night. There was one young girl who attended the event and she actually went on stage. “This was definitely a highlight of my trip,” Quessny said. “She was beautiful!” she added excitedly. “I was really glad we were not only going to cities but also to an Oasis,” Malak Makar, a 19-year-old Anthropology and Political Science Student and Mareekh volunteer said. “It was also a great chance to talk to people and see what is happening post-revolution outside of Cairo,” she added. Many of the performances in Bahariya Oasis had a revolutionary feel to them. One singer who was quite popular over there, called Ahmed Sayed, preformed “Erfa3 Rasak Fo2 Enta Masry”, using chants and slogans from the protests. Another man, Ahmed Ramadan, an artist who acts onstage in Bahariya and sometimes Cairo, went on stage and expressed his happiness about the event. “Usually I see cars on the street selling soap or products, but
If you got to this point in the article, than obviously you are either my friend, you genuinely like my writing, or most probably you just find this initiative particularly interesting. If the first one is true, then thanks for being a good friend. If the second one is true, then check out my blog. If the last one is true, then find Mashrou3 Al Mareekh on the following portals and get in touch! Everyone is welcome on the trips and volunteers are needed to help sustain the initiative.
Website: www.mashrou3almareekh.coma Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/mashrou3almareekh Twitter: @Mashrou3Mareekh They are looking for volunteers in the following areas (You don’t have to be a professional in any of them; you just have to be interested!)
• Event planning & organisation (location hunting, logistics…etc) • Social Media Marketing (Facebook, twitter, youtube, blog…etc) • Tech-Savvy (website management… etc) • Documentation (filmmakers, writers, photographers) 33
] CENTER-STAGE ]
Being Proactive
Can Take You Places... By Wessam Sherif
The other day, I was being my usual awesome self around the office when a guy walked in, introduced himself and told me that he’s good material for Campus. And since my awesomeness takes no crap, I was of course skeptical but decided to take him up on his offer and see what he’s all about. In short, Ahmed Haggag used to be a system analyst living in Brazil, when he decided to go out on the streets and dance. “If you want something, just go out and do it, if you have a dream, go for it” says Haggag. Cheesy, no? No. Haggag took dancing all over the globe. This is a man who scratched an item off his todo list, and here’s where it got him: • He toured all of Latin America, illegally at times. Haggag crossed into Paraguay on a vespa and was un-detected just because he wore a helmet, and the guards assumed he was a local. Oh, his entrance fee was around 20 EGP given to the owner of the bike. • Haggag also toured Europe, parts of Asia and North America. • He took pictures with Brazilian thugs minutes after they had tried to mug his ass. I wish we could import Brazilian thugs. On the other hand, he also took pictures with the elite gangfighting Brazilian squad. • He danced inside the Argentine President’s office. • He speaks fluent Portuguese. • He’s dating a Brazilian super model, fml. • He was taken for an Egyptian diplomat in Brazil, just because he flashed his Egyptian “raqam qawmy” ID in events, the reputation stuck. This gets you in VIP areas in big events. • Umm, he dances in Brazil; he’s known as the Egyptian who dances in Brazil. Let’s see a Brazilian guy come here and try to cross the street. Cheesy or not, getting off your ass will take you somewhere. True, you might end up mangled or in jail, but your ass won’t be so ginormous it gravitates you away from all that’s fun. You can also hook up with a super model, is that not worth it?! If you think it’s not worth it, you and your to-be ginormous ass belong together.
34 JULY 2011 CAMPUS
Literally
] ADVERTORIAL ]
Offering a Helping Hand
Chipsy joins hands with the World Food Program’s Food-For-Education Initiative
According to the latest Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) statistics, there are 925 million undernourished people in the world with 98% of them are in developing countries. Undernutrition contributes to 5 million deaths of children under 5 each year in developing countries. The statistics are certainly mind numbing. Poverty rate in Egypt is as high as 41% in rural areas, where rates of child malnutrition are still considerably high. In light of these facts, Egyptian snack food giant Chipsy signed a partnership agreement with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) to expand its “Food-For-Education” innovative program aimed at eliminating hunger among vulnerable school children whilst promoting education, nutrition and health in the poorest areas of Egypt. Hunger is an extremely complicated problem; involving not only lack of food but also, inter alia, the availability of social services such as education and health care. Tarek Mansour, General Manager of Chipsy Company highlighted, “Chipsy aims to scale up the Food-For-Education program through providing school meals and funding the construction of a number of schools in the remote areas in Upper Egypt, targeting to reach 4,650 children and their families with an estimated total of 23,000 beneficiaries of those most in need.” Mansour further explained that this partnership builds on Tomooh Education Project launched by PepsiCo, Chipsy’s parent company in 2007, in collaboration with WFP’s Food for Education program. “Chipsy will also allocate a portion of its proceeds for the next two months to the Food for Education program”, Mansour added. “Building strong partnerships with the Private Sector, NGO’s and governments is essential to address the crucial national priorities.” said Gian Pietro Bordignon, Country Director for WFP Egypt. “This was well demonstrated in our successful partnership with PepsiCo over the last four years.” “We are delighted to have Chipsy on board.” Bordignon added. “This new partnership will enable us to maximize the benefits of our program
in the poorest areas of Upper Egypt suffering from malnutrition and food insecurity, with a special focus on Suhag the 3rd poorest governorate according to the Human Development Report.” The Food for Education program’s vision is to reduce hunger among school children with the purpose of enhancing their nutritional status and intellectual retention. The program operates through providing daily snacks, fortified with the necessary vitamins and iron, to school students in the poorest areas of Egypt to encourage regular attendance among disadvantaged children. “Giving back to society is a hallmark of our corporate vision,” commented Tamer El Rafie, Marketing Director of Chipsy. “Our partnership with the Food-For-Education program demonstrates our dedication to the Performance with Purpose mission; a promise we took upon ourselves to deliver sustainable growth by investing in a healthier future for people and our planet.” He added, “Education is a basic right to all children not just for a privileged few. Children in need are entitled to get equal opportunity to learn and build better future for them and their communities as well.” The Food-for-Education program also provides take-home rations subject to a school attendance rate of 80%, as an incentive for less fortunate families to further encourage them to send their children to school regularly. The silver screen superstar Ahmed Helmy who has been appointed Chipsy ambassador for the Food-For-Education program, expressed his enthusiasm of the project saying: “I’m honored and humbled to accept this challenging assignment.” “Childhood is a very special stage in human life; children in these early stages are entitled to enjoy a decent healthy life.” Helmy added. “Developing healthy well educated children for future generations is undoubtedly a sound investment for any country.” Helmy plans to dedicate a lot of his time during the next months to visit the Chipsy-sponsored schools as well as the new schools to be constructed in Upper Egypt.
] BARE-NAKED ]
A WOMAN - FORCED TO WALK IN A MAN’S SHOES
Interview by Waleed M. Tawfeek
“Male or female?”
Seems like a pretty easy question to answer, doesn’t it? Well, imagine not being able to determine that. Yes, something the rest of us take for granted, our own sex, is certainly not a free gift for everyone. Little do we know of the challenges some people face to gain a basic identity. To hear people describe you as a freak and at the same time to have to deal with the fact that that is the way ‘god made me’ is no small challenge to overcome, and demands a strength of character most of us are not in possession of. Adeleh Hope Markham, British/Tajik Muslim, born as a child with an unclear sex, gives a candid interview of her struggle to normalise her existence in the confused and lonely world of intersexuality, and an insight into one of the many remaining taboos in society. Rejected by her family on the verge of puberty, Adeleh’s struggle for feminine normality is now on the verge of completion. A lot of people don’t really understand what intersexuality means. How does being intersex differ from being a hermaphrodite for instance? There are about eighty types of intersex disorder which differ from hermaphroditism. Hermaphrodites have two sets of defined genitalia, whereas someone who is intersex has a blend of both, which can be neither male nor female mostly, or sometimes a baby is biologically one sex but genetically the other - or neither, as in my case. I am XXY. XX is female; XY is male. Someone like me develops male genitalia because they have the Y chromosome, but they are fully female. Also they usually experience female puberty and have female features. Most intersex people define themselves as male, but some - like me - are definitely female and have to battle against the choice their parents made to raise them.
So your parents raised you as a boy?
to your intersexuality? As you said, most people don’t understand what intersex means. There is a lot of suspicion and misunderstanding about the issue. We are seen as transsexuals in some cases as we change the gender our parents raise us in, but unlike transsexuals we are born either physically or genetically as neither one sex nor the other. I have suffered a lot because of my intersex disorder. I have tried to commit suicide eleven times. I was bullied, called names and beaten up a lot. People thought I was gay as I was so feminine and I always felt disgusted when I looked at my genitals. I needed ongoing treatments and I was given testosterone and forced to become male. Nothing worked; my soul is female, that’s the way God made me.
What was the turning point that made you decide to have the sex change operation?
I never really chose or decided to change my sex; I have always from my earliest memory been female. My childhood was spent with my family who were shamed by my femininity; reminding me constantly to act like a boy. But like I told you, I went through “Society runs on female puberty: wide hips, small boobs and a feminine figure. It was then that my family put me in an orphanage; a gender binary they couldn’t cope. I made it clear even as a child that I of female and hated being labeled male. I preferred girls’ toys and games male and there is and felt quite alienated by being trapped in the wrong currently no room gender. I was seeing a gender specialist who acknowledged I was female, but they continued treating me as a male at for people like me the orphanage. I have been alone most of my life; I have lived alone since I was 15. Since then I have worked, in the middle” travelled and studied and I feel much stronger now.
Yes; I was raised as a boy but looked and sounded female.
Why did they decide to raise you as a boy, then? Because I had male genitalia, even though they were very small ones and with many disfunctions, such as hypospadias - a birth defect in the urethra and so I underwent many operations as a child. My parents didn’t really understand the term intersex and assumed it was a birth defect that could be corrected and that this wouldn’t be a problem in adult life.
When did you discover that you were intersex and what were the symptoms that helped you to understand this?
I never really understood what I was until I was 21. I underwent female puberty, looked feminine and felt female. I tried living as a gay man but this felt wrong for me and made me more depressed and confused. I had physical symptoms in my genital birth defects but that is not always the case. Some people never find out until they try and have a family. I was told by psychiatrists who had me under their care during my time in the hospital.
How has society in general and the people around you reacted 38 JULY 2011 CAMPUS
How many operations has it taken to change your sex? I had breast implants as I am tall and felt that bigger breasts would help me feel more comfortable. I also had my hairline lowered, as the testosterone I was given as a child had affected my hairline. I have had surgery on my urethra as well since it was in the wrong place. I have also had two years of genital electrolysis, which means permanent hair removal from my genitals, because I am due a vaginoplasty in December, and I also need skin grafts.
What would it take for you to be 100% female? I am 100% Adeleh; Adeleh is female. I have a masculine streak; in exercising I am a little competitive but that’s it. I still have my male part but it is tiny, shrunk and almost inside the lips of what would be my female genitalia. After the electrolysis is finished I will have a vaginal cavity made in December this year. It’s annoying and disturbing living with a secret, my ‘penis’ is that. I hate it and get hysterical about it. I won’t let anyone touch it, it makes me feel angry; it shouldn’t be there, it’s like a cancer really. After my operation I hope to have a normal sex life and a normal married life and I will not discuss it anymore. If there hadn’t been the option of a sex change I would have rather die, to be honest, than live in this limbo and be a sexual oddity.
Would you think it is possible for intersex people to be fully integrated into today’s society? I don’t know how many intersex people there are but doctors estimate one in 2000 births which is more than albino people for instance. It’s a lot. Sadly, society runs on a gender binary of female and male and there is currently no room for people like me in the middle. Life is easier when we choose one sex and easier still if it is the sex your parents chose that matches your psychology. I would like to think things will get easier, but here in the UK at least things are getting worse. What was once quite a tolerant society is becoming more and more conservative and people are Is it possible to have normal sex? If not what are the frequently violent to people like me who can be identified by their difficulties? appearance. I see this as the reason why so many intersex I currently have a boyfriend. He didn’t know about me as men never do but people hide and lie about it and try and run from it. I face he was understanding when he found out. Sex can be difficult in so much as discrimination often, but usually because I am tall, have I can only have anal sex right now and I don’t allow my ‘penis’ to be touched. tattoos, dress a bit eccentrically and wear my hair in My partner says I feel no different from other women and most men have had beaded dreadlocks. No one sees me as transsexual or anal sex with biological women so it is not a big deal for him. He says I am more intersex; just a bit of a punky type of girl. I’m lucky. feminine than most women he ever knew. He loves me and sees me as female; nothing else.
Does everyone else see you the same way? Yes, almost everyone. I am legally female. I had my birth certificate, school records and passport changed years ago. In the eyes of the law I am female and no one needs to know I have lived as a male when I was younger. My friends see me as a normal girl, probably one of the most feminine. Out of the group, as most of my friends are lesbian or strong women who never married, all they have said on the matter is that they are jealous of my height and they couldn’t imagine me as a boy. My family, however, is another matter.
What’s your relationship with your family like right now? My family disowned me. Although they know that mine is a genetic condition they refuse to accept me and as such I stop worrying about them. They know I am female now but they don’t have contact with me because they see me as a freak, someone they’d rather forget. It’s their loss; I know I am a good person. I work with homeless people and spend my life in altruistic ways. I am a good person.
What is the most common reaction you get when people discover that you are intersex? People never guess I am intersex. My voice, my body shape and my face are female, therefore they wouldn’t know. I am five feet nine tall (1.75m) but it is common in the UK for women to be tall and have a strong build. Mostly people are hardly ever unkind, although where men are concerned I feel they see me as a novelty or an oddity and not really as a human. Once I have told them the truth they How do you envision your life in the upcoming years? tend to change. I want to get married and adopt a child. I’m quite simple, really. I think I have a better understanding of men than other women do; as I have walked silently in their shoes and know how difficult it can be for them. We as women can share our feelings and thoughts; men hide them and bottle them up. I hope to actually leave my past behind and not dwell on or sensationalise my intersexuality. I see it as an unfortunate birth defect. I am a balanced and happy woman; I don’t need to remember the problems in my past.
“I have suffered a lot because of my intersex disorder. I have tried to commit suicide eleven times. I was bullied, called names and beaten up a lot. People thought I was gay as I was so feminine and I always felt disgusted when I looked at my genitals”
39
] OPINIONATED ]
I’d Rather Be a
Security Guard
Yes, By Tarek Samhan I AM A FRESH UNIVERSITY GRADUATE. I HAVE A JOB WHICH PAYS FOR MY RENT, MY CLOTHES, MY FOOD, MY TRANSPORTATION AND MY ENTERTAINMENT. DID I MENTION I LIVE ALONE IN MY OWN PLACE? IT’S NOT EXACTLY THE PLAYBOY MANSION, BUT I DO HAVE A LITTLE YARD AND MY OWN PARKING SPACE (IF ONLY I COULD AFFORD A CAR!). ALSO THAT JOB GIVES ME VACATION PAY AND MEDICAL INSURANCE. NOW TRUTH BE TOLD, I ONLY GET PAID THREE DOLLARS MORE THAN THE MINIMUM WAGE, WHICH IS - TO QUOTE MY COLLEAGUES - “PRETTY CRAPPY PAY, EH?!” YOU HAVE PROBABLY GUESSED BY NOW THAT I DO NOT LIVE IN EGYPT. AND YOU’RE CORRECT. I GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE LAST SUMMER, AND TOOK A PLANE TO CANADA. AND YES, I WORK AS A FULL-TIME SECURITY GUARD. “WHY OH WHY WOULD HE TOLERATE THE IDEA OF BECOMING A MERE SECURITY GUARD?” (BY THE WAY, THE SOCIALLY CORRECT TITLE IS “SECURITY OFFICER”, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!) “WHY WOULD HE ACCEPT STANDING IN THE SUN OR THE COLD FOR HOURS ON END, OPENING DOORS AND SMILING AT STRANGERS? ESPECIALLY WHEN HE’S SO WELL EDUCATED!”
“
It is an undeniable fact that in our society having a summer job is frowned upon. And I’m not talking about an internship in some big multinational company where they treat you as their personal photocopier
40 JULY 2011 CAMPUS
”
Yes, I did get an education, and a good one at that. I went to a French school called Jesuite, which is one of the most prestigious schools in Egypt (just sayin’!). I then proceeded on to the French section of the faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University. I have four years of extracurricular experience at the university. I also passed the CFA level 1 exam which is even further education beyond school, and I scored in the top 5 percentile of the GRE and TOEFL exams. Yes ladies and gentlemen, only with these qualifications can you even hope to nail a job as a security officer in Toronto. Just kidding, actually one of my supervisors didn’t even graduate from high school. Be that as it may, the reason I talked about myself that much is to try and get a girlfriend. No, that was not the entire reason. I simply wanted to compare another very similar case to myself. Say hello to my good friend Adam. Adam and I go way back. He went to a different school, but we were on the same tennis team and hung out at the same club. He went to the same university I went to, graduated with the same degree and with even more extracurricular experience than me. However, Adam is now unemployed, living with his parents, spending their money and all of his time with his friends. Adam - like most people similar to him in Egypt - is waiting for the right opportunity. With every day that goes by, he chooses dependence on his parents rather than independence. Why? Because social protocol dictates that he not accept what is considered an ‘embarrassing’ job, even if it might pay for most - or even some of - his everyday expenditures. That – economically – is bull manure. I am in no way more qualified than he is; I even believe that he is more
Than a
Douche! qualified than I am. Yet at this point in time, I am completely independent while he is still completely dependent. I would have never criticized his lifestyle, though…had he not scoffed when I told him about my current job. For some weird, twisted reason, he seemed to think what he was doing with his life – watching TV on a couch in his parents’ house all day and partying in Tamarai with their money all night – was better than what I, the ‘poor security guard’ , was doing with mine. And you know what? It’s not his fault. It is an undeniable fact that in our society having a summer job is frowned upon. I’m not talking about an internship in some big multinational company where they treat you as their personal photocopier; that’s quite socially acceptable and even applauded – although most of the time you end up learning nothing. But no, I mean a real job; a job where they pay you for a service you must provide. Now these can range from distributing mail, to working as a waiter, a cashier and even in the janitorial services. No matter how rich your family may be, almost all teenagers in other modern, progressive societies tend to work and earn their own money in the summer. Not because they need the money; but because they need the work experience. And parents in such countries actually encourage that. Rather than spoiling their kids and buying them whatever they might want, they choose to let them work and earn their own money, just to understand the value of work – even when those parents happen to be filthy rich. I remember when I went to France on a summer exchange program as a kid. I was staying with this very rich family; they lived in a huge mansion with acres and acres of greenery around it; they owned a yacht and quite a large number of big, expensive cars. Yet their oldest daughter - who was seventeen back then – worked afternoon shifts in McDonalds every day. You see; it’s a matter of culture. A culture that is totally nonexistent in our society.
When I first applied for my job in Toronto, and like the majority of Egyptians my age, I had nothing to fill out in the forms where it said ‘previous work experience’. At first the interviewer didn’t believe a guy my age had never worked before. Then the only thing that saved me was me saying that I had done a couple of internships before. What is it about our society that we have classified certain jobs as demeaning? Not only that, but I know people who have graduated and would rather not work at all than work a crappy job at least temporarily. The crazy thing is that parents will wholeheartedly support that decision and say stuff like, “That job is beneath you” or “We won’t stand idly by while you humiliate yourself”. I mean, seriously? Which part of me supporting myself is humiliating? But I guess it is better to stay at home with your parents doing nothing (like a man!), than working a menial job and paying for your own expenses. Haven’t we always heard the phrase “I worked myself through college”, or even the all too familiar line from exotic dancers (aka strippers) “This is just a job to pay for my college tuition” in countless movies? No, don’t get me wrong, I am not by any means encouraging you to strip for money. I am only emphasizing the point that all over the world people take jobs that are not very convenient because it’s better than being a leech that lives off other people! And no, I am not saying stop waiting for your dream job or give up on your goals and ambitions or anything of the sort. I am only saying that until this dream job comes along, it’s better to get moving and experience the actual process of growing up, learning about life and earning a living in the process , than wait on your ass for that job to come to your door. It’s not like my utmost hope for myself is to stand on duty guarding buildings for the rest of my life! I have big, big dreams for myself in fact – which starts with a master’s in finance. And guess what? I was accepted in the master’s program I applied for, and I start next fall. So yeah, I may be a mere security guard today, but I do not mind in the least. Because that’s not all what I’m going to be.
41
OPINIONATED
You’re becoming a monster, and you don’t even know it! By Adham Roshdy Man meets woman, they fall in love, get married and reproduce… the end. With the ever-growing numbers and the fast pace of life, many people get so caught up in the daily crappiness that stress becomes a pillar of their conduct. And unfortunately, they turn into dangerous beast-like creatures …
The Star of Big Deals
People nowadays brag all day and night about being stressed; stressful life, stressful job, stressful class, stressful traffic, stressful relationships. It has even become the core of the conversation between many people. They believe the more stressed-out you sound, the more important you are. It’s all due to the fact that they sense a lack of achievement in their daily lives. There are two pathetic cases here: the “insecure” and the “overwhelmed” stressed human beings. The insecure will make anything in the world sound important and stressful, from school lectures to traffic jams, just to make everyone acknowledge that they are having a hard time too because they are important. Somehow, sitting for an hour in a car, doing absolutely nothing, on a busy road is the most stressful thing one could encounter in life. They are usually the same people who sigh when asked about how their day went, as if they have been carrying the weight of the world on a toenail for a month. But the dilemma begins when the overwhelmed is standing around. The overwhelmed do not believe that anyone in the world could be as stressed as they are and moreover, they do not value or respect anyone’s claims of stress either. So if you want to touch on the practical definition of the word pitiful, lay back and let them both engage in a conversation. “Exaggeration is to paint a snake and add legs.” Bottom line, both of them will engage in anything and make it sound like THE THING, focusing on upholding their claims as the most stressful ever. People have subconsciously created a hierarchy of stress that makes them believe that they are more important than the rest. And in order to convince themselves that they aren’t ignored by the flow of life, they will compare, complain, explain and brag about stress.
The Eternally Depressed
One of the most well-known approaches in coping with being stressed is the I’m so Dark technique. People following this approach are addicted to being depressed; they enjoy the taste of words like pain, agony, misery, loneliness and tears. They spend half their lives digging for depressing songs and the other half wearing a shirt that says, “Check me out, I’m so depressed and gloomy”. They usually hate their lives and believe they deserve better. But aside from those who commit suicide, the remaining survivors aren’t that harmful. They’ll just sign up for an account on a social network, and by time when they get engaged, their status will be sincerely dedicated to the miracle. It’s worth mentioning the process in which they create photo albums titled “My Baby”, even if it’s the wedding cake, and then tagging the entire internet in it. Sometimes you’ll also run into those who are stressed out by their crushes ignoring them, or those who sniff around for passion, and both of those types will just stimulate your temper levels eventually. They keep enhancing a delusional probability that might occur, and would want to hear your justification for it as a possibility. “Maybe if I do this he’ll do that”, “Maybe if I do this she’ll say that”, “Do you know that he could have meant that?”, “When do you think she’ll say that?” and the possibilities will never end. Then you realize that your friend is turning into an obsessive stalker, who when gets confronted with that, dives into a world of insanity searching for another delusion to hold on to, under the mask of “I’m getting over my feelings”.
The Honkers
Stress usually gives birth to a distorted behavior that could be sensed in traffic: it is the Horn Syndrome. This particular species of stressmongers comes in different versions. The first one is the Forgotten Prince of Fairyland, who wonders why the cars aren’t moving; don’t they know he is around? The second case is the Broken Superhero who still believes that honking the horn will make the cars disappear. Then there is the Show Horn, who honks the horn as if saying “Hey everybody, guess who’s here?” And the Cool Dude, who thinks that the world will fall for his charms while he honks the horn to the music. Then there are the Junkies, who due to excessive intake of drugs have lost the crucial portion of their brain cells responsible for controlling their physical actions, and have ended up just honking the horn involuntarily. And last but not the least, the Nuisance, who reveals to the world the unknown secret that their team has won a sports match or that their friend is going to have legal bang bang action tonight.
S!#%
The problem with the aforementioned people is that if you try to talk them out of their misery, you’ll bring a nightmare upon yourself. They want to remain in that bubble, and pull you in it with them so that you could share their delusions and bestow upon them a sense of company. It’s like life isn’t complicated enough, that people just manage to make it worse. They search for negativity and wish to dwell in it, as if being content and grateful is a sin. These people have delved into a vicious circle of distress and will never sense happiness or satisfaction unless they comprehend an alternative perception of life. Nevertheless, their self-centeredness t obscures their search for a better life. So whether they refuse to admit that they have flawed, either out of pride or mere ignorance, the final result is a person stuck in a polluted state of living, yet wishing for a better life and wondering where true happiness is. “The only real progress lies in learning to be wrong all alone.” Albert Camus 42 JULY 2011 CAMPUS
OPINIONATED
Dear Feminists Stick a Sock in It By Leila Tapozada
44 JULY 2011 CAMPUS
Obviously by writing this, I know it’s only a matter of time before the hate mail starts pouring in and I’m ripped to shreds by my ‘feminist’ friends and other girls I don’t know but who think I really need to be put in my place. However I’m ready to risk it, because seriously this whole so-called ‘feminism’ thing has become so obnoxious that I find myself searching for any sharp object to slit my wrists with every time I’m involved in another redundant, lame conversation with a feminist-flag-waving female. Before we get any further, let me make several points clear: I do not believe men are better than women. I do not believe that men should have more rights than women. I do not believe women belong in the kitchen and men belong in the boardroom. Are we done here now? Ok, moving on.
My main issue with you Egyptian socalled feminists is that you really have the biggest double-standards in the world. You’re so quick to pull the double-standard card out on Egyptian males (and don’t get me wrong, they DO have double-standards), but newsflash ladies, SO DO YOU! So not only do you have double-standards, but you’re hypocrites as well. How exactly? Follow me please: 1- You’re so big on women making just as much money as men. And I totally agree. And yet how many of you feminists out there would accept a guy who makes a significantly less amount than you, a man who you would have to take out, pay for, support, pick up and drop off; basically someone who passed the pants in the relationship over to you? “Being a feminist doesn’t mean I have to pay for everything,” you say. Well, basically if you’re a true feminist, and you’re the significant breadwinner, then you SHOULD pay for everything.
Example of money double-standard Me: How was your date last night? Feminist Friend: It was ok. He was very sweet, we went to a nice-ish place and got along well. Me: Did he pay? Feminist Friend: No. I believe in splitting the check both ways (while she secretly wishes that he in fact had been more chivalrous and offered, which he didn’t.) My point here is: why are the only two options either him paying or both of you paying? How many feminists of you out there picked up the check on a first date? Or would even accept him suggesting it? You would call him cheap, stingy – and yet if he paid, he wouldn’t consider you cheap or stingy! Let’s think about that for a second.
2- “E7moona badal ma ta3ksoona.” Nuh-uh. I don’t think so. If you’re a true feminist, then you’re not a shy, wilting flower that needs to be protected. If you’re such an empowered, independent and self-sufficient woman who demands respect, then take care of yourself! Face whatever obstacle is in front of you –whether it be a harasser, a spider or a broken down carwithout expecting a man to help or protect you! Because you can’t pick and choose: it’s either you’re someone that needs to be protected, or you’re not.
Example of protection double standard: Feminist Friend: I was walking in the
street and these guys kept on harassing me, and not a single man did anything about it! Me: Aren’t you against asking men for help? 3- “El balad mafihash regala.” Again, nice try. Just like you’re against being referred to as “neswan”, then you have no right to judge what does or does not constitute regala. What you feminists want is a man who will not just see you as his equal but put you on a pedestal, a man who will listen to your opinions and points-of-view and marvel at your brilliance, not impose himself on you in any way and will be ready to support your way through the world, and yet still be a man who will pay for you, drive you around, protect you and muscles wouldn’t hurt either. YEAH RIGHT.
Example of “rogoula” double-standard Me: Whatever happened to that guy you were seeing? Feminist Friend: La2 khalas, dah makansh bistargel ma3aya khales. Mafeesh wala wa7ed 3ando no2tet rogoula khallas.
Now I know most you ‘feminists’ out there will read this without actually reading it- you’ll throw everything I’m saying in the garbage and call me a bitch. That’s fine. But seriously, some of you out there are really giving women everywhere a bad name. Your double standards and hypocrisy is not bringing us any closer to achieving “perfect equality” with men. Because, at the end of the day, you don’t WANT perfect equality. You don’t want to hear things like “I want a freak in the bedroom and a lady in the streets”, yet at the same time you all want a tailor-made man. So how are we any better than them? So seriously, please, do us all a favor and shelf your “3o2det el feminism”. No one wants to hear it.
“What you feminists want is a man who will not just see you as his equal but put you on a pedestal, a man who will listen to your opinions and points-of-view and marvel at your brilliance” 45
Wekalet El Balad Egypt’s Top Ad Agencies Join Forces for a Cause By Passand El Hammami
Wekalet El Balad isn’t your ordinary initiative, and it certainly isn’t lead by an average group of people. For the first time in Egypt, and the world, three top multi-national advertising agencies have come together for a one cause: help Egyptians accept each other’s differences and coexist in harmony. Our very own CEO, Shady Sherif, took a bold step three months ago by challenging three agencies, JWT, Leo Burnett and Fortune Promo Seven to put aside their egos, let go of the competitive bulls inside them and cooperate for the good of our country. To quote the Wekalet El Balad team, “He [Shady Sherif] asked for our cooperation and leadership as communication experts, to develop a fully integrated communications solutions program that would help our nation and drive it on the right track. He was met by an immediate YES from all of us.” The initiative consists of one management team, one strategic planning team of four and one kick ass creative team of fifty talents who will set the plan in motion…and their spirit is indisputably unbreakable. On Tuesday, June 21st the first initiative revealer event was held at the Nile City Fairmont Hotel where the entire team was introduced alongside Shady, who gave a warm welcoming introduction speech to the guests. The big market players that were invited were Vodafone, Mobinil, Etisalat, Cocacola, Pepsi, Americana, McDonalds, Emaar, Sodic, Citadel Capital and that’s just to name a few. As a team, Wekalet El Balad decided to disclose the initiative to the key market players first, before taking it to the larger business community, in the effort to gain clients’ sponsorship, brand name and brand power. The initiative concept and communication proposal was put into a very impressive 10 minute video presentation that was visually entertaining while explaining what the campaign is all about and how they’re going to get it all done. The sole purpose of the entire campaign is to educate Egyptians about the true definition of freedom and the rights and duties of citizens. The slogan they came up with that summarizes it all is ‘Ha2y Ha2ak’- ‘My right is your right’. They’ve tackled all the communication tools you can think of; TV, radio, outdoor, print, digital activation, on ground and edutainment, which is educating the public through entertainment. Writer/ TV presenter Ahmed El Esseily contributed during the event by reading a poem that was themed under ‘Ha2y Ha2ak’. It’s very inspiring to see what three competitors can do when they join forces for a good cause. There are more things that unite us rather than divide us as Egyptians, and that is the main message Wekalet El Balad is sending out today.
46 JULY 2011 CAMPUS
] EYE CANDY ]
eye candy
C Nora El Gazzar
Every month features a new theme, so send us your pictures and we will publish them! Next month’s theme is
Music
48 JULY 2011 CAMPUS
C Nora El Gazzar
C Ahmed Nader
C Yousra El Sabry
C Yousra El Sabry
Send your pictures to editor@campus-mag.net 49
with
Obsessed
] THE GAY SECTION ]
the
Ex– By Leila Tapozada
between THE FINE LINE
curious
and
psychotic
50 JUNE 2011 CAMPUS
IT ALL STARTED THE OTHER NIGHT WHEN I WAS OUT WITH MY BOYFRIEND, AND I WAS CASUALLY TELLING HIM A STORY ABOUT A GIRL FRIEND OF MINE WHO HAD ASKED ME TO ADD HER FIANCÉ’S EX ON FACEBOOK, SO THAT SHE COULD CHECK HER OUT WITHOUT ADDING HER HERSELF. UP UNTIL THAT POINT IN THE STORY, HE HAD BEEN LISTENING HALF-HEARTEDLY WHILE SECRETLY WISHING I WOULD SHUT UP SO HE COULD CONCENTRATE ON THE MOVIE THAT WAS BEING PLAYED ON THE FLAT-SCREEN TV IN FRONT OF US. BUT THE SECOND I SAID THAT, MY USUALLY LAID-BACK BOYFRIEND SHOT UP IN HIS SEAT AND SAID, “WHAT?! YOU’RE DEFINITELY NOT GOING TO DO THAT, RIGHT?” I WAS TAKEN ABACK, CONSIDERING I HAD THOUGHT THE CONVERSATION WAS FALLING ON DEAF EARS, SO I REPLIED: “UH, I DON’T KNOW… WHY NOT?” “BECAUSE YOU’D BE TOTALLY INVADING SOME GIRL’S PRIVACY! WHAT’S IN THE PAST IS IN THE PAST – YOUR FRIEND IS MARRYING THE GUY, SO IT SHOULDN’T MATTER WHO HE WAS WITH BEFORE OR WHAT HIS EX WAS LIKE! BY HELPING HER STALK HIS EX, YOU’D JUST BE FEEDING INTO HER INSECURITY.”
We debated over it a bit, but in the end I dropped it (secretly vowing never to tell him anything to do with friends and Facebook stalking again in the future). However, when I brought up the subject with my female best friend, she had a different take on the matter: “Yeah, stalking exes on Facebook is totally normal. You can’t help but be curious about the people who came before you.” So it got me to thinking: when does curious turn into psychotic? Let’s take a look at the slightly simpler side of the coin first:
THE MALE PERSPECTIVE: IGNORANCE IS BLISS
too many questions about his ex-wife, but I did have my uncle who works for the mokhabarat pull up her file – so I found out where she lives, where she works, if she has a criminal record, what kind of car she drives. Obviously, I never told my husband that I did that.” Another friend, Randa*, literally stalked her boyfriend’s ex in every way possible, save hiding underneath her house in the bushes at night. “As soon as I found out her name, I immediately searched for her on Facebook, Twitter, even Google. I went over every profile picture that was available to the public. I went through her tweets and her blog posts. I wanted to know everything about the girl.”
I’m not going to lie and say I polled a hundred guys or anything – I just noticed a pattern based on my own previous experience and on what a bunch of my guy friends had to say. During “fatret el tazbeet”, a guy will casually find out, to quote a friend of mine, “CV el bent”. Which basically is, is there another guy in the picture to be worried about? Was she in any serious relationships? For how long? And upon being satisfied with the basic skeleton of her dating past, he’ll take it to the next step of being officially “together” – and that’s when the questions about the exes stop. Why? Because, for his own mental health, he just doesn’t want to know.
So what is it that makes confident, successful women act in such a neurotic manner? What are they trying to find?
Of course, we have to also mention the more old-school males out there: the types who are obsessed with the ‘physical past’ of the girl they’re dating. How far did she go? With who? What happened? How many times? Where? When? But even then, it’s more of an obsession with the girl herself – not the ex per se. The current boyfriend might ‘hate’ the ex, but he won’t be obsessed with the idea of him or prone to stalking him.
These are the thoughts that subconsciously flitter through a girl’s head anytime she’s down deep in the throes of psycho-stalking mode. And you have to think – what’s the point? What’s the point in entering a ‘competition’ with someone who doesn’t even know that they’re competing? And what is there to win? You’re already with the dude. She probably doesn’t even want him anymore. So why are some girls still so obsessed with his ex?
With guys, it really boils down to this: the less they know, the happier they are. And aside from those caught up in the whole physicality thing, guys will pretty much let a sleeping dog lie. They don’t like to think of their girlfriends/fiancées/wives with another man- so they just don’t think about it. A seemingly simple solution, especially when you take a look at the scary extent of a girl’s mind.
A GIRL OBSESSED KNOWS NO LIMITS I’ve always considered myself pretty moderate. When faced with the topic of my boyfriend’s exes, I’m generally disdainful (“You were with her? Hmm.”) even though they could be perfectly normal, decent girls. That’s just the way it goes. But I’m not particularly psychotic in the sense that I comb through all his old pictures for a glimpse of an ex or try to stalk them on Facebook. But then again, maybe it’s because my boyfriend has always made it clear that what’s done is done and I believe him. But I know some girls who are gorgeous, brilliant and have adoring boyfriends/ fiancés/husbands; yet they’re still obsessed with the girls in his past, sometimes to scary extremes: “My husband was married before,” confides Sara*. “I didn’t want to ask
What I realized is that it really just boils down to competition at its most basic, subconscious level. Am I prettier than her? Am I more of a catch? Does he love me as much as he loved her? Does she know he loves me more? Is she with someone new? Is he a step up or a step down? Does he treat me better than he treated her? Will we break up like they broke up? Does he ever wish he was still with her?
Nutshell: girls, perhaps unknowingly, secretly love drama and nakkad I noticed something. El banat in general, whether subconsciously or not, are dramatic and nekadeyeen (sorry, but it’s true). The girls who were so obsessed with exes were generally in normal, healthy relationships. The girls who had cheating boyfriends or scumbags or wife beaters on their hands had bigger fish to fry than an ex or two. But the ones who had nice, simple boyfriends were perhaps unknowingly seeking drama, an extra spice or edge of competitiveness to an overall normal relationship. Things are going too well? There must be a catch… and what might the catch be? Well, why not his ex? For both guys and girls: it’s human nature to be curious. This is a person you love. But whether it’s in the case of a guy being obsessed with how far his girlfriend went physically, or a girl who stalks her boyfriend’s ex on a daily basis – well, you’re just playing a game that really has no winner and only one loser – your sanity. So be smart enough to bow out of the game early, with your piece of mind intact. *Names have been changed to protect the guilty and/or psychotic.
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THE GAY SECTION
Yalla Ya Wad! Should a Girl Make the First Move? By May Kamel
52 JULY 2011 CAMPUS
NO. KTHNXBAI. THAT WOULD BE ACCEPTED AS AN ANSWER ONLY IF IT WASN’T TOO JUDGMENTAL, ONE-DIMENSIONAL, CLICHÉD AND BASED ON ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. BEING IN 2011 AND ALL, MORE PEOPLE ARE FINDING IT ACCEPTABLE AND ARE ACTUALLY ENCOURAGING GIRLS TO MAKE THE FIRST MOVE IN A RELATIONSHIP. THEY SUPPORT THEIR OPINION WITH THE FACT THAT FEMALES HAVE UNDERGONE SO MANY EVOLUTIONS IN SOCIETY. THEY HOLD HIGH CAREER POSITIONS AND ARE FULLY INDEPENDENT; SELF-STARTERS TO THE CORE. DESPITE THE IMPULSE DISPLAYED IN OTHER FACETS, WOMEN USUALLY SHY AWAY FROM BEING THE INITIATORS IN RELATIONSHIPS. YET, CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, GIRLS WHO CALL THE SHOTS IN DATING DO EXIST, BUT THEY ARE FEW. AND I’M TALKING ABOUT GIRLS WHO ARE TAKEN SERIOUSLY, MESH BANAT WA23EEN.
Let’s concur on this; being a game of two halves, making the first move is always hard work regardless of your gender. That being said, it’s not the only reason why girls refrain from taking the first step. El mawdou3 kebeer!
A Sticky Wicket
Now girls, how many times have you met a guy, thought he was worth the shot and wanted to be more than friends? A lot. Now let’s refine the question; how many times did he actually come around and ask you out? Hmm, quite the bummer, right? Mind you, I’m not talking about it as if you should beat yourself up every single time you don’t get the guy. I’m rather questioning the willingness of a girl to make a move if the guy takes too long to make it, if ever. In attempts to spare ourselves the disappointment of not getting the guy, we usually make excuses that sound very plausible at the moment. That’s when experience and reason should step in and classify those excuses as legitimate or lousy attempts to make ourselves feel better. Excuses are but a polite way of rejection. He’s Just Not That Into You (the book) may have said it best, but let’s go through the most common illegitimate ones fel saree3. “He’s intimidated by me”, “He doesn’t want to ruin our friendship”, and the list goes on all the way to “Maybe he forgot to remember me”! If you think that this is the case with you and the guy you like, then please, pretty please, don’t make a move. You’d be surprised at how quick a guy notices a girl. And you’d be left with your jaw dropping at what he’d do to get with you IF he’s interested.
Check, Mate
Since our main problem here is lack of communication, I cut it short and asked some guys what they thought about the whole thing. Their replies varied from “yes, why not” to “WESH! They do it, and my faith in humanity will be restored”, with some of-course-nots, with or without explanations. Generally speaking, many actually encouraged the act, regardless of their motives. But I believe that general answers are the mother of all evil; they turn beliefs into stereotypes. That’s when I decided to dig deeper and analyze. Khodo 3andoko ba2a… While most of the guys agreed that it’s ok for girls to make the first move, many of them stressed on the fact that it’s bound by other factors. First of all, the girl should have her intentions clear. It’s also very important that she knows the mentality of the guy she’s dealing with and make sure that he’s open-minded enough to accept her move 3ashan mayefhamsh ghalat wel 3ak da. Needless to say, the approach should not make him feel less of a man; asking him out doesn’t mean you get to boss him around. Those were pretty much the 3 golden rules that the “yes” tribe recommended.
A few good men, however, were less inclined towards the whole girlmakes-move thing. Their major rationale was again the fact that men don’t need someone to dictate their acts; they want something, they’ll go get it. Bas keda. I even got a few “law bet7ebaha, ro7laha la7ad el beit” clichés on that one! Some also said that a girl making the first move is a major turn off. They see that in the battlefield of dating, showing more interest in someone, you’re overexposing yourself, something that apparently kills the thrill of chasing. One final concern was that of the girl being manipulated if she asked the wrong guy out. According to the grapevine, many guys mistake it for cheapness, no matter how decent it sounds.
Be a Wow-man
Looking for a final verdict? Well, there isn’t any, and that’s the beauty of it. Ladies, put on your thinking hat and get this. When it comes to relationships, there isn’t absolute yes or no. Somewhere in the days of old-fashioned values, tucked away in movies like Casablanca and Gone With the Wind, men were expected to approach women and make the first move. These values have remained deep-seated in our minds, at least us women, as we wait around for the men to pursue us. With the image of girl power projected by modern day media, some women prefer to keep the good old chivalry alive. They want to be pursued; they want to feel worth the effort. Other women are the mirror image of the girl power, and those believe that everybody has a fair crack of the whip. They know that rejection is hurtful regardless of the gender and they’re willing to get what they want nevertheless. They’re brought up to believe that hard work and good planning make dreams come true. So convincing them to sit there and do nothing about it doesn’t follow. I think that the perfect way to balance it out is to approach a guy indirectly. Like they say, nod’s as good as a wink. Trust me, there isn’t a guy who doesn’t get signals. Even if he’s slow on the uptake, then you’re better off without him anyway. Want to break your duck and try making the first move? Tally ho! But before you do, make sure the guy is equally open-minded and showing at least some interest. And guys, enough with the mind games already. We all know that if you like a girl, nothing will stop you from getting her. So spare us all the hassle and do it. One last word to the ladies; trust thy hotness. Know that you’re good enough to be asked out. Yet if you feel like you want to ask him out, then grab the guy and tell him yalla beena!
53
] PATTERNS ]
Excess Accessories
“ACCESSORIES ARE THE ANTIDOTE TO THE BLAHS.” RACHEL ZOE’S VERY WISE WORDS. PUT THEM ON A PAIR OF JEANS AND A SIMPLE WHITE T-SHIRT AND ACCESSORIES WILL GIVE YOU THE WOW FACTOR. NOTHING SATISFIES A FASHION CRAVING MORE THAN A VINTAGE BAG, AN ARTSY SHOE OR A STATEMENT NECKLACE. NEVER LEAVE ACCESSORIES AS AN AFTERTHOUGHT; THEY ARE WHAT MAKE YOUR OUTFIT GLITTER. UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE WITH A FEW ACCESSORIES AND MIX THEM UP WITH DIFFERENT OUTFITS AND YOU’LL HAVE CREATED YOURSELF NEW AND DIFFERENT OUTFITS. NOW CAMPUS GIVES YOU ACCESSORY TIPS TO HELP YOU ACCESSORIZE YOUR SUMMER.
Tip 1: Don’t go for the “it” accessory
Every season there is an “it” bag, shoe, or belt that becomes the ultimate face of the season. Splattered all over magazines and celebrities, it is bound to only last for one season. Go for the classic. You’re better off with a classic piece that’ll last a few seasons, than a logo splattered masterpiece that’ll be at the back of your closet in a few months.
Tip 2: Cheap sometimes wins
Style is not about how much money you spend; it’s how you spend it. The idea here is to make a statement. And sometimes the most affordable places have the most impressive accessories that’ll get you the “wow” comment. Some of my best accessory pieces are from Topshop and don’t exceed 200 LE. Mixed with Azza Fahmy rings and a Marc Jacobs bag and and there’s a complete look with a budget.
Tip 3: Don’t be afraid to make a statement
When buying clothing we think twice before going all out. Shall I get those emerald green satin pants? Or that salmon ruffled dress? With accessories don’t be afraid. If you find a double-layered, multicolored stone necklace go for it. You can always pair it up with a simple outfit. The most simple outfits can be upgraded with one of Amina K’s kliem clutches, or one of Azza Fahmy’s statement bracelets. The bolder the accessory the better.
Tip 4: It’s all about the shoes
Shoes are making a big debut. With ultimate creativity in design and color, a shoe can shape an outfit. Slip on a simple LBD and go all out with multicolored shoes and it’s as simple as that. Invest in shoes this season. Whether you buy them from Zara or Louboutin, the most important thing is comfort and design.
Tip 5: The shades factor
In a city with sunshine 11 months of the year, it goes without saying that shades are an essential in our wardrobe. With Sunglasses Hut, C&Co, Baraka and Maghraby, we’ve got all the options we can dream of. And let’s not forget H&M for its wide selection of funky shades. Any good pair with UV protection can do the job. When choosing the right frame for yourself, you need to study your face shape. Don’t just purchase shades because they’re “in”, because having shades that don’t match your face shape can ruin a complete outfit. With an oval face, anything goes as long as the frame is proportional. With a round face try to minimise roundness and go for angular shapes. With long faces go for frames that aren’t oversized and play around the center of your face. With square faces go for curved and framed. Try on as many styles as you can to find the right fit for you.
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Zara
Accessorize Zara
Amina K
Zara French Connection
Topshop Accessorize
Azza Fahmy Topshop French Connection Zara
H&M
French Connection
Nine West
Topshop
New Look
New Look
55
PATTERNS
Go All out with Azza Fahmy There’s only one great love. The kind of love that’s unconditional, passionate, unique and hard to get over. The one that makes its way into our dreams, shadows our thinking when we try to concentrate and we can never quite let go of. I’m talking about Azza Fahmy’s jewelry, of course. When meeting Amina Ghaly for the showcase of her new line, it was instant love. Even though Amina has managed to diversify from the typical Azza Fahmy style, she still keeps the Azza Fahmy touch. Which is perfect for someone already deeply in love; providing something new and exciting yet still maintaining the original personality. What more can we ask for? Amina has outdone herself once again in the “Neotribal” collection. Shifting away from the uniformity in jewelry design, Amina has created asymmetrical clashing jewelry that adds up to perfection at the end product. With bulky necklaces, bracelets and rings Amina adds modernism to the natural-looking precious stone, mixed with gold and silver tribal motifs to give the perfect ensemble. After the viewing of the collection I was asked what my favourite piece was. I could not narrow down to one. To me there were eight masterpieces that I so badly wanted to slip in my bag and take home with me. Eight masterpieces that, to me, top off any diamond necklace. And diamonds are big to any girl. Cliché, typical, slightly boring and if you ask me should go out of style. Diamonds are status, elegance and grace. But Azza Fahmy is all that combined with style and edge. Imagine walking into a wedding with one of Azza Fahmy’s statement necklaces on a simple black dress. Whether it’s silver or gold; it’s a work of art. After seeing Amina’s new line I think everyone should just simplify in the dress and shine with a gorgeous piece of Azza Fahmy. The Azza Fahmy team already does that, along with some others that I have utter fashion respect for. Go all out with Azza Fahmy and treat yourself with a masterpiece that’ll grab all eyes on you.
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Made in Egypt
Delve into the brightest summer accessories. CAMPUS chooses the best selection of accessories, proudly 100% Egyptian.
-Amina K available at Amina K showroom at 24 Thawra St, Mohandeseen. -Nihal Basha, Tash, Set El Banat and NuniZ available at styletreasure.com. -Azza Fahmy available at First Mall, Beymen Four Seasons and 25 Hassan Sadek Pacha St, Heliopolis. -J’Rose available at DressCode store, Citystars Phase 2. -Dina Shoukry, 0127440128, 25th Reffaa Street, Mesaha Square.
57
Fashion Bulletin
PATTERNS
Amina K. Once Again
DressSavior There’s something about evening dresses that just gives me joy. I don’t know if it’s the feeling of dressing up, or the couture element of it, or the creativity in design. All in all, dress shopping is definitely on top of the list for most girls. That’s why when Dresscode decided to do an in-store fashion show I specifically asked to be on the front row. Though the fashion show was at Citystars, the feeling of the show was that of Fashion Weeks. Dresscode pulled off an amazing fashion show with a built-in runway and professional models parading down the catwalk in this seasons’ top (and very affordable) evening dresses. Customized chocolates and Nola Cupcakes for Dresscode just added the extra edge. With a wedding season coming up, you need variety in dresses. And with a tailor from London College of Fashion everyday in store to offer jazzing up old dresses, Dresscode is definitely the new destination for evening dresses.
After one successful season, Amina K. and Baraka collaborated again to bring forward not only a new sunglass line, but a new optical line as well. With this optical collection introducing a wide range of colors, they offer everything from neon frames, to black and brown and anything in between. The line consists of frameless, bendable, non-breakable and titanium frames that are produced in Italy, guaranteeing high quality glasses. As for the sunglass collection, the shades have a vintage and classic feel that will take you from one season to the next while maintaining a trendy and fashionable look. Make sure to be the first to check out the new collection at selected Baraka and C&Co Stores, as well as Amina K. outlets.
Egyptian Designers Dazzle in Amman
Interior Goes Young In an era where art is taking over, be it fashion, interior, architecture or sculpture, it is only natural to provide Egypt the best art there is. Targetting Egyptian youth, Fancy provides originality in terms of interior. Escaping from cold minimalism and ultra modernism that has taken over the interior world, Fancy plays around the natural purity and diversity of vintage. Offering a wide range of wooden items that range from lanterns, mirrors and tables, Fancy brings back vintage furniture with a modern twist. With very reasonable, low budget pricing, Fancy is the perfect ensemble for a newly wed home. Fancy available at Madar stores.
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An exhibition was recently held in Amman, Jordan, for the display of young Egyptian designers’ work. It was initiated and organized by the Egyptian Embassy in Amman, together with Mrs. Faika Zaki, wife of Ambassador Amr Abol Atta. With great success, the exhibition went on for two days at the elegant Al Qasr Metropole Hotel, including arts ranging from carpets to candles, furniture to kitchenware, bags to clothing, all conveying the Egyptian youth’s love for fashion and creativity. All products being made in Egypt, it was a proud moment for all these designers to have their work presented to Amman’s crème de la crème, including, of course Queen Rania Al Abdallah. Exhibitors were: Style-treasure.com, Mossad Abdel Rahman Carpets, Abdel Zaher, Shahira Fawzi, Sharkia Candles, Malaika, Salma’s (Jazayerli) Art, El Nafeza, Aya Linen, Siwa (Laila Nematalla), Randa Fahmy, El Qahera (Ayman Azabawi)
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] BALLS ]
Money Benders and Big Spenders YOUR OFFICIAL PREVIEW GUIDE TO THE 2011/12 SUMMER TRANSFER SEASON
By Mohamed Seif
AH, THE SUMMER SEASON. FOR THE MAJORITY, SUMMER PROMISES RELAXING ON BEACHES, LONG – SOMETIMES ROMANTIC – WALKS AND A HOT, SCORCHING SUN. FOR FOOTIE ENTHUSIASTS HOWEVER, IT MARKS THE BEGINNING OF THREE MONTHS OF SHEER EXCITEMENT, OVER-THE-TOP SPECULATION, RIDICULOUS MONEY FIGURES AND THE PROSPECT OF CLUBS SIGNING THE NEXT MESSI. IT ALSO DEMONSTRATES THE INTENTIONS OF CLUBS AND THEIR AMBITIONS FOR THE UPCOMING FOOTBALL SEASON. THIS IS YOUR DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE 2011/12 SUMMER TRANSFER SEASON…
The English MANCHESTER UNITED – FERGIE’S NEW FLEDGLINGS final Why they’re spending: Being thrashed by a very capable Barcelona in the Champions League has definitely got Sir Alex up and running again. Although they’re now record Premier League champions with 19 titles, Fergie has been promised a large transfer budget to build on an already strong foundation to compete in Europe. Who they’re spending on: With Van Der Sar and Scholes leaving, a search for a new keeper and midfielder is on. Accordingly, Athletico Madrid’s Spanish prodigy De Gea is linked along with Ajax’s Stekelenburg for the GK position. U-21 England international Phil Jones has signed on, while a midfield quartet of Alexis Sanchez, Ashley Young, Luka Modric and Sneijder have been strongly linked. Players likely in: David De Gea, Ashley Young, Raphael Varane, Phil Jones and Wesley Sneijder. LIVERPOOL – A NEW DAWN Why they’re spending: Having being knocked off their perch by archrivals Manchester United last season, Kenny Dalglish and LFC’s American owners have set out to try and rejuvenate the once legendary team. Who they’re spending on: With the rebuilding expected, a couple of names are constantly being mentioned. Having already signed Jordan Henderson from Sunderland for a cool 20 million, Liverpool have been linked with Charlie Adam (Blackpool), Amauri, Clichy (Arsenal), Stuart Downing and even the Spanish U-21 sensation, Juan Mata. Players likely in: Jordan Henderson (Signed), Charlie Adam ARSENAL – ‘GUNNER’ TOO SOON? Why they’re spending: Trophy-less for six seasons and counting now, this may be Arsenal and Arsene Wenger’s last chance to rejuvenate a team with great potential, but nothing to show for it. Playing beautiful football just won’t cut it anymore. Trophies are needed. Who they’re spending on: With the possible sale of Arsenal prized asset
60 JULY 2011 CAMPUS
Cesc Fabregas and possibly Samir Nasri on the cards, Arsenal needs to attract top-notch players to the club. A striker is a definite buy, with Lille’s Gervinho looking a likely candidate. Jermain Defoe is another striker on the radar. Defenders Chris Samba and Gary Cahill are also strongly linked. Players likely in: Gervinho, C. Jenkinson, Alexander Milosevic, Chris Samba and Gary Cahill CHELSEA – THE ‘ROMAN’ EMPIRE Why they’re spending: Because they can. It’s also because they’re not champions anymore and Russian owner Roman Abramovich wants his hands on that Champions League trophy. There’s also the case of the newly appointed ex-Porto manager, Andre Villas-Boas, who at just 33, could be the next Mourinho. Who they’re spending on: Chelsea hasn’t been linked with a lot of names yet, but the players they’ve been linked with are most certainly specific, and have a very high chance of joining. Belgian wonderkid Romelu Lukaku is in advanced talks, so is the Brazilian wonder Neymar. A name that’s constantly popping up as well is Tottenham’s Luka Modric. With the arrival of Villas-Boas, a couple of FC Porto players are expected to join in, namely Falcao and Hulk. Players likely in: Romelu Lukaku, Luke Modric, Falcao and Hulk MANCHESTER CITY – ‘SHEIKH’, RATTLE, AND ROLL Why they’re spending: Sheikh Mansour has really high ambitions and a great deal of money to spend. With the promise of Champions League football, Manchester City will be able to lure in top players easily, and try and outdo their neighbors, Manchester United. Who they’re spending on: The list of names is endless, but a couple of names have been popping up. There’s Real Madrid and Chelsea target Neymar, audacious bids for Ronaldo, and they’re rivaling other clubs for Alexis Sanchez and even Samuel Eto’o. Players likely in: Samuel Eto’o
The Italians AC MILAN – ROSSONERI ON THE RISE Why they’re spending: AC Milan certainly has a good chemistry going on now; Silvio Berlusconi is putting in the cash to get in decent players to help the newly appointed coach Massimiliano Allegri build a strong team to compete on all fronts next season. The Serie A champions are set to continue their good run of form. Who they’re spending on: Having already secured the services of Philippe Mexes, Emanuelson, and Taye Taiwo, Milan is linked with Didier Drogba from Chelsea. It’s a far fetch, but worth the mention. A couple of players are expected to leave, with Cassano and Thiago Silva high on the list. Legendary AC Milan player Pirlo also left for Juventus. Players likely in: Stephane El Shaarawy INTER MILAN – THE DOWNFALL OF THE NERAZZURRI Why they’re spending: Supremo Massimo Morrati has a couple of issues on his hands. With the departure of Leanardo as head coach to PSG, Inter are more on the lookout for a new manager rather than just players. Who they’re spending on: With Samuel Eto’o and Wesley Sneijder possibly leaving, Inter are bound to go for a striker and a midfielder. Inter have been heavily linked with Tevez, as well as Nani as part of an exchange deal with Sneijder leaving to Manchester United. Chelsea’s Florent Malouda has also been linked. Players likely in: Carlos Tevez JUVENTUS – THE OLD LADY ‘MIGHT’ SING AGAIN Why they’re spending: They’re not champions anymore, and have a lot of catching up to do. Juventus will need to muster all their might to attract talent to their squad again. Who they’re spending on: Roma’s Mirko Vucinic, Athletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero and QPR’s Adel Taarabt are high on their list of wanted players. Lazio’s Stephan Lichtsteiner, the Swiss fullback is also a pretty close target. They already spent money on Michele Pazienza and AC Milan legend A.Pirlo. Players likely in: Mirko Vucinic, Adel Taarabt
The Germans
The Spanish BARCELONA – RULING THE WORLD Why they’re spending: Getting on top is hard, and staying there is even harder. The best team in the world seems to have it all, but the club’s ambitions surpass everything and they are subtly looking for their next signing. Who they’re spending on: The Blaugrana are an almost perfect team, but they’ve been constantly linked with two names, Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas. Another striker that’s constantly being monitored is Villareal’s Guiseppe Rossi. Thiago Silva has also attracted interest from the Blaugrana. Players likely in: Cesc Fabregas, Guissepe Rossi, Alexis Sanchez REAL MADRID – GALACTICOS ON THE RISE Why they’re spending: Real Madrid has Jose Mourinho, but they don’t have the La Liga title yet and they’re being outdone by Barcelona for every honor out there. The Galacticos will continue building the team they started last year in a bid to outdo their closest rivals, Barcelona. Who they’re spending on: Quite a couple of players have been linked with Madrid, with deals expecting to pan out soon. Real Madrid needs a striker, and needs one bad. Sergio Aguero has been heavily linked, while Neymar also looks like a legit candidate. In the LB position, Conterao is highly sought after while Inter’s Maicon and Roma’s De Rossi have also been linked. Players likely in: Sergio Aguero, Conterao and Neymar.
BAYERN MUNICH – RISE OF THE BAVARIANS Why they’re spending: Having lost out on last season’s Bundesliga title to Borussia Dortmund, the Bavarians will be looking to snatch their favorite trophy back, along with hopes of Champions League glory. Who they’re spending on: With newly appointed manager Jupp Heynckes at the steering wheel, he’ll be hoping to bring on a number of new players. Having already signed goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from FC Schalke, Rafinha and striker Nils Petersen, Bayern have been linked with Jerome Boateng, Alex from Chelsea, Clichy, Arturo Vidal, Conterao and even Berbatov. Players likely in: Jerome Boateng, Arturo Vidal, Takashi Usami
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SCREENS &
] SPEAKERS ]
The Coolest
Movie
Characters Ever! 1
(Yes there are no female characters. We’re sexist, sue us) By Youssef Saad El Din
3
8
7
9 6 2
4 5
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1
V for Vendetta’s “V”
This is one of the easiest sells. I mean if you don’t already like him for the really cool mask with a creepy smile, the weird yet brilliant way he talks, the charismatically cuckoo attitude and the fact that he is a man with a plan who manages to stay at least one step ahead of everyone all the time. If you don’t like him for any of the above reasons, or even for the phenomenal way he introduced himself at the beginning of the movie, then you’ll have to admire him becauase he is simply brilliant when it comes to explosives, martial arts, politics, philosophy, literature, and music. Need I say more?
4 Walker Texas Ranger
Nope, this is no joke, Chuck Norris made the list with Walker Texas Ranger, but he didn’t make it because of his ridiculous (I mean that in the bad sense) ass-kicking abilities, lessthan-poor acting skills, and the beard (which for some reason looks like he had since he was a little child). It’s simply because of the ridiculously (I mean it in the good way this time) funny jokes that are associated with him, e.g. Chuck Norris doesn’t have a watch… he decides what time it is Some people wear Superman pajamas, Superman wears Chuck Norris pajamas. If you at first you don’t succeed, you’re not Chuck Norris. And finally my personal favorite, Chuck Norris destroyed the periodic table because he only recognizes the element of surprise!
7 Hannibal Lecter
Anthony Hopkins’ role in Silence of the Lambs and its sequels is simply described as brilliant. I mean psychiatrists are always scary, with the way they mysteriously know what’s going on in your head, but when you have a brilliant psychiatrist who happens to be a cannibalistic serial killer, this creates a whole new definition for scary. This man also changed the perception of cannibals (the man might have a taste for human flesh, but he certainly doesn’t lack class), from being a barbaric African tribe, to a classy, tuxedo-wearing psychiatrist who fancies eating human beings while listening to Bach. That being said, Hannibal also happens to be the one of the scariest and literally creepiest characters I have ever seen!
2
Don Vito Corleone
Well, no biggie! The man is just the founder and head of the most powerful Mafia family in New York City. His famous line “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse”, cool voice, and calm yet very intimidating attitude… And if all of the previous isn’t enough, the fact that when he was over 50 he survived 5 gun shots to the back (talk about being tough) will force you to accept that the man is simply one of the coolest movie characters of all time.
5 Captain Jack Sparrow
Talk about a wackjob, this guy is always on some crazy quest, but unlike all other quests, the purpose of his quests is always something completely and utterly selfish! I mean the guy wouldn’t lift a finger unless there is something in it for him. But still, you’ve got to love the man’s wits, instability (both physical and mental), the crazy acrobatic moves, his peaceful state of mind, and the humorous apathy by which he takes all sorts of bad news and trouble. And on top of all, the man is a pirate for god’s sake!
8 El Armouty
El Armouty from “Ma3lesh E7na Benetbahdal” movie is definitely one of the coolest characters ever. You name it, he’s done it. The guy sends his son to Iraq to sell mangos that he hadn’t actually paid for, only to find out that war broke out in Iraq. So he grabs his suitcase, goes to Iraq, encounters Saddam Hussein, meets George W. Bush, claims to be the head of “Gam3eyet Asdeka2 el Erhab”, embarrasses Bush on T.V and in front of the whole world calls him a hypocrite, escapes Abo Ghreib prison, and finally reunites with his son and goes home. This man is simply the Egyptian version of James Bond!
3
Forrest Gump
Well you may have a below-average IQ. But were you, like Forrest Gump, able to: get a football scholarship to become an AllAmerican and meet JFK, enlist in the army and go to Vietnam to become a war hero and get awarded a Medal of Honor, take up Ping Pong, play for the US Army team to defeat the Chinese team, accidently uncover the Watergate scandal, inspire John Lennon to write a song like “Imagine”, come up with a statement as cool as “shit happens”, buy a shrimp fishing boat, only to buy an entire fleet later on, and own a shit-load of money? Didn’t think so.
6 James Bond
You’ve got to admire the guy, if not for the guns, then for the super cool gadgets, and if not for the suits, then for the cars. Bottom line is, if a guy drives an Aston Martin, has a thing going with a woman as beautiful as Eva Green, and happens to be a MI6 agent who has a “license to kill” and manages to stop people who go by names like Dr. No, Le Chiffre, Gold Finger, and Dr. Kananga from pulling off their usual shit, like invading countries using a death ray satellite, extorting the world with viruses that destroy crops and livestock, and staging coups in 3rd world countries, then he ought to be one of the coolest people ever.
9 John McClane
Bruce Willis set a new benchmark for being a bad-ass by portraying detective John McClane in the Die Hard series, make no mistake, this man is the real deal. He single-handedly took out dozens of bad guys, blew up stuff (including an airplane), and he’s been shot at, blown up, and been in a couple of really nasty car accidents, but he always manages to survive. And he survived using no fancy 6 digit CIA trainings crap, like the one in Bourne Identity (now that’s old school). All this guy ever used was a gun, a lighter and the “yippee-ki-yay, mother*cker” attitude. If anyone ever wanted to be a cop, it’s definitely because of people like John McClane.
65
SCREENS & SPEAKERS
By Passand El Hammami
• • • • • • • • • • • •
All to All – Broken Social Scene This Room – Fat Freddy’s Drop Beautiful Tango – Hindi Zahra Night Air – Jamie Woon Bombay – El Guincho Freedom Hangs Like Heaven – Iron & Wine Bad Street – Twin Sister Guns and Cigarettes – Atmosphere Lata D’agua – Mamukueno Tira Sapato – Dimba Diangola Rolling In the Deep (Jamia XX Remix) - Adele Beaches & Friends (Hey Champ Remix) – Database vs. French Horn Rebellion • A Taste of Honey – Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass • Let the Drums Speak – Bah Samba • Doo Woop (That Thing) – Lauryn Hill
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