The End.

“If the Arab uprisings have demonstrated nothing else they have made this clear.  The United States and Europe, their governments, and their intellectuals, continue to view the Arab world and Muslim majority societies as former colonies, as historical (and financial) debtor nations, as countries that must be kept in a state of ideological and economic dependence in order to protect the vital interests of the North.” (Ramdan 2012: 133)

While reading these words in Ramdan’s Islam and the Arab Awakening, the image of a dog owner putting his dog in the doghouse or cage after it started to misbehave popped into mind.  The West has this self-perceived superiority over the Muslims and wants to demonstrate its dominance over them by containing it so it will not act up and disobey again.

Well, like Ami mentioned in his post, this “point[s] to a sociological and ideological hubris at the center of colonialism.”  Yes, the West believes its intentions are in the right place but trying to project what it judges to be for the best of the people might just be counterproductive.  Already established beliefs, traditions, and perceptions will end up clashing and producing chaos.  I know that when a person tries to force something upon me, my light and innocent protests begin to grow into pure irritation, and then abrupt annoyance.  Thus, the western countries attempting to inflict its own structure onto the Muslim people in an effort to call order will instead call rise to resistance and a string of frustration.  It’s backwards.

Once again, the West is not trying to cause any trouble – it is making an effort to lend a hand and help the people find a suitable state of authority to abide by.

But sometimes, one size does not fit all.

On a side note: I originally planned on returning tomorrow but my post-surgery infection is taking longer than necessary to clear up so I am uncertain if I will be able to make it.