Egyptian woman: Need for yet another revolution

Feminist revolution, fight for equal rights for women. First wave of the movement experienced in 19^th and early 20^th century and so far it has several overlapping movements and ideologies. A wave that led to  change in status  western women is yet to emerge in many other parts of the world.

 On surface level it seems as a fight against patriarchy or unequal representation of the women. This mass movement brought them out of the four walls of the homes and led to them to the workplaces. Western women are more career-oriented and contribute equally to the running of  house. Gone are the days, when  women were content performing the role of mere home-maker.  What came as an outcome of this movement, woman realize themselves as individual first and then a wife or mother. Though this list is never ending but women in general even today realize and identify themselves only through these set of roles in they perform.

Each individual must realize one’s own individuality first then only one will be able to play other roles assigned by various relationships. Sadly this sense of self is yet to be realized by women in many parts of the world. Statistics have revealed that women perform 66% of the world's work, earn 10% of world's income and own 1% of the world's property.

Recently Egypt has gone through a mass uprising that resulted in oust of more than three decades old rule of former president Mubbarrak. But this revolution will go in vain if a strong foundation is not laid for  equal rights for all. All Egyptians irrespective of gender should be provided with opportunities to grow and expression of their ideas. The development of any society is hard to imagine without these basic rights. An important factor behind the growth of developed nations is equal rights.

There is a lot to be done on this road towards  equal rights. Very few nations have been able to achieve this goal. Women in Scandinavian countries enjoy equal representation in administrative and political life. But there is bigger segment of women  in many other parts of the world that have yet to realize these rights.

In many of the Arabic nations women remain oblivious to their rights as an individual. According to a research in 2000, “legal courts prohibited women for obtaining new passports or travelling outside without permission of their fathers or husbands.” Generally, these women accept everything as part of their culture. An obligation that is usually self-imposed due to their sense of belonging to a particular religion. In most cases transgressors from this path face a harsh punishment. Therefore to avoid any inconvenience most women accept their lot as it is. The question arises how fair it is to let our religious aspirations determine our sense of individual.

From times immemorial we have seen that man and woman both contribute to form a society or civilization. Researchers have proved that societies in which women enjoy equal rights are more progressive and developed. It is not a statement that equality will lead to this specific amount of development. Rather it is an additional factor which contributes to the development of any nation.

Another data regarding the representation of  Egyptian women reveals that in 1998 women constitute 28% of the professional  and technical workforce, 16% of Egypt’s administrative and managers and merely 5% of high government officials. The representation in case of political system is almost zero. Even now when the country is going through reforms there has not been any significant change on this side. Though women participated equally in the uprising but there are hardly any significant voices. Ironically when a BBC reporter asked an Egyptian woman about their not being in politics then she replied as if it is not meant for them. Most women are at ease and not at all bothered by this hard fact.

Above facts reveal there is a lot more to be done for women. A woman lays foundation for child’s early education that decides the fate of future generation. It is well said that “an educated woman can educate an entire generation”. The revolution 2011 should not only focus on political reforms but also reforms in representation of women in various sectors. A country that  had been a capital of culture and science where women had a status in the society needs to realize that in this phase of transition women issues are not to be neglected at any cost. Let this revolution be the beginning of a new era of change not only in the political governance but also in fair representation of women in various sectors.

REVOLUTION 2011 : AWAKENING OF THE ARAB WORLD

  2011  marked as the beginning of not yet another year rather a year no less than 1968 and  1989 leading towards making of history. It is a year of unprecedented events in Arab world. In this part of the world many countries are predominantly ruled by authoritarian regimes. It is like waking up from a deep slumber. Perhaps, it is a curious case to note-nothing could stand in front of people power. If push comes to shove and things go from bad to worse then anything is possible.

          Around the world people have witnessed that the spark initiated in a small country like Tunisia has ignited the flame of freedom sweeping across most of the Arab world. These are the countries with decades of autocratic rule where masses had no say in any matters of public governance. Tunisia faced a mass uprising against their former President Ben Ali as an outcome he has to flee the country. Tunisian example was soon followed by Egypt and some other countries. After dilly-dallying and inciting clashes between Pro-President and Anti-President protesters former Egyptian President Hosni Mubbarrak also resigned. Until the elections both Tunisia and Egypt  will be ruled by their respective interim governments.

         The modern revolutions have been brought about with the help of new media tools like ‘Facebook’ and ‘Twitter’. Facebook  played a decisive role in spreading the idea among the masses. People in Egypt thanked facebook for the success of the revolution and one man even named his daughter facebook. In Egypt more than 20 % of  the population  have access  to internet  which  paved way for easier exchange of ideas.

          Another interesting aspect of this revolution is that it is the revolution of young generation as majority of the population in these countries is young and around 50% are unemployed. Despite all the hurdles on the path to freedom nowhere we come across people giving up on their demands. Many have sacrificed their lives to realize one dream of free-Tunisia or free-Egypt. The respective autocrats have tried to suppress the popular uprising through different measures which led to bloodshed and chaos on the streets but  one thing remained unchanged is people’s demand for freedom.

           There have been reports on the media regarding the similar uprisings in Yemen, Libya, Morocco, Algeria and even Iran. Most of the Arab world is slowly making its way towards  regime change  and gaining long awaited freedom. But this cannot be summed up as an easy journey leading to success. Along came a lot of casualties and  each country bore the brunt bravely. ‘No gains without pains’ has proved true as common masses suffered the pain of losing their loved ones to gain freedom.

          If we go back to the roots of this revolution then there is one boy named Mohamed Bouazizi, the fruit vendor whose death is perhaps the reason behind Tunisian uprising.   This  boy’s voice went unheard by the authorities when he tried to complain against the corruption that did not allow him to earn his living. The video of Mohamed Bouazizi setting himself ablaze added fuel to the fire.  This humdrum fruit vendor living a nondescript life has started a massive wave  and chain reaction is still going on.

         What seemed like a tough road to tread on for the Egyptians  has turned out to be even hundred times tougher for Libyans.  Libya is going through the worst of times as their ruler Gaddafi is not ready to yield to the demands of the people. There have been massive casualties as he ordered gunfire and execution of  anyone that  protests against the state. His act has been condemned as genocide by the International Human Rights Watch. In his address he said, “I am not going to leave Libya. It is my country.”  What kind of ruler  is he who loves Libya and hates Libyans ?  How could one feel differently for  one’s country and countrymen? The awakening of the Arab world  also stands as a testimony to  the weird and wicked ways of the autocrats to suppress the uprisings. 

         The unrest in the Arab world is affecting the world business and result is soaring oil prices. Majority of the oil comes from this region and the countries around the world are adversely affected with the rise in oil prices. The international community is concerned about the events happening in this part of the world and some countries are even raising their voice to support the people in general.

          Each individual living in any  part of the world has the right to decide and democratically elect their President. In this age of modern day technology everybody needs equal opportunities to grow and succeed. Anyone who denies these basic rights has no right to be a ruler. The sooner such a leader comes out of power the better it is for everyone. There are media reports on huge demonstrations held in Egypt, Yemen and Iraq. “We want a good life like human beings, not like animals” said Khalil Ibrahim, 44, one of about 3,000 protesters in Baghdad.

 After a long walk towards freedom the Arab world must realize that their struggles are not going to end here -rather revolution 2011 marks the beginning of yet another journey on a road leading towards reconstruction and restoration of peace and prosperity.

       

Music and Indian Mainstream Cinema: A Negligible Factor but Hard to Neglect

             India produces more than 1000 films each year and Indian film industry is considered as largest film industry. Music plays the most significant role in the melodramatic mainstream cinema. Mira Nair, a renowned film maker has once said that “my intense, not so guilty, Bollywood pleasures these days are associated almost exclusively with songs.” Her most critically acclaimed film ‘Monsoon Wedding’ is a testimony to this statement. Apart from good direction and script the film is also famous for its music.

          From the beginnings of sound film production in 1931 through mid-1940s, Mumbai film studios and their employees dominated the film industry and its music. ‘one of the remarkable thing about Bollywood sound is the longevity of its dominance in Indian popular culture, and its ongoing importance to the culture even after actual and specific processes of production have changed completely’. Right from the arrival of sound in Indian cinema and progressing through various stages growth viz. the studio era, the post independence era, the golden era of 50s and 60s, the angry young man phase of 70s and post satellite era of 90s till now one factor which has grown in matter of importance is music. It is a significant factor which at times even determines the success and failure of a film.

             Indian mainstream cinema is often referred to as bollywood. This term is more prevalent these days but there are some filmmakers like Subhash Ghai who believe that it is a wrong term to use. “We are not trying to copy Hollywood” he further adds “we are making films for audience of billion people. Over 80% of these people don’t have enough food in their bellies. Our country does not provide its people with pool halls, basketball courts and video parlours, so we make films for them that will let them forget their lives for 3 hours. We create total fantasy, not the polished reality that Hollywood portrays”. Music and song are very important part of day to day Indian life. The film songs provide an escape from the worries of daily life. It is fantasy land where you dance with your dream girl and feel good. The ‘make believe world’ serves as a feel good to the audiences and gives them a reason to forget the harsh realities of life. Another successful film director of 70’s, Manmohan Desai said, “I want people to forget their misery. I want to take them into dream world where there is no poverty, where there are no beggars, where fate is  kind and God is busy looking after his flock”.  This take us back to a relevant point made by Marshal Mc Luhan who wrote, “the movie is not only a supreme expression of mechanism, but paradoxically it offers as a product the –the most magical of consumer commodities, namely dreams”. A film is not merely a film rather a package for entertainment. The audiences are, generally, perceived as individuals looking forward to watch a spectacle which will make them feel good about life. This spectacle needs to be larger than life and characters just like us, yet different in many ways which makes easier for a viewer to relate to.  

Music: The most original element

Most viewers around the world find Indian films as a melodrama with stock themes and stereotypes but there is one element which has always been truly original as ever since the inception of film production in India that is music. Traditional Indian plays and dramas all had songs of one sort or another. This method was carried over to the cinema, where each film includes about half a dozen songs, sung off screen by a voice not the actor’s, who merely lip-synchs the sung words. Indian audiences are ‘resigned to stock characters and predictable dialogue’. Along with they believe that ‘tired old stories’ can yet ‘be brought back to life by good stars and six or eight great songs’. These audiences ‘can accept repetition of story lines’ but ‘they will reject a film’s music if it has no originality’.

             Music as a sub-industry has thrived with the growth of film industry. Even today, film music constitutes a major part in overall music production. Until the early 1980s, these film songs were the only form of popular music in India that was produced, distributed and consumed on a mass, and even today film music accounts for majority-nearly 80 percent-of music sales in India. Good singers and music composers are always in demand. Film song competition based programs like ‘Antakshari’ on Zee TV have run successfully over a decade. The longest ever running film ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (1995) which completed 15 years of non-stop running in 2009, has an equally popular music. The music itself made record sales of 12.5 million units.

Songs are perceived as the quintessential “commercial” item in a film. To those unfamiliar with popular Hindi cinema, song sequence seems to be ruptures in the continuity and verisimilitude. However, rather than being an extraneous feature, music and song in popular cinema define and propel plot development. Many films would lose their narrative coherence if the songs were removed. Some scholars have described the popular film as operatic where the dramatic moments “are often those where all action stops and song takes over, expressing every shade of emotional reverberation and doing far more effectively than the spoken word or studied gesture”. For instance there is usually a song for introduction of hero/heroine, celebration of festival, a turning point in life of the main character, declaration of a requited or unrequited love or climax.

            With the proliferation of film song based programs on television by late 1990s,  producers, distributors and exhibitors see songs as the main way of enticing audiences into theatres, and producers have been spending inordinate amount of money in visualization of songs. Some of them are shot on the French Riviera, in the Swiss Alps, the South African Coast, with its characters wearing clothes not worn in India and driving cars never seen before. The pre dominant function of the song is to display love, fantasy, desire or passion and in this case it is overwhelmingly related to love. The general belief in the film industry is that love and romance are best expressed musically.

Film audiences and flight of fantasy

            14 million Indians go to watch movies on a daily basis (about 1.4 % of a population of one billion) and pay equivalent to average Indian’s day’ wages (US $2-4) to see film. What makes these films of stock characters popular along with certain other factors is music. Audiences enjoy viewing a film more if it is accompanied with good song and dance sequences. This is a ‘wholly voyeuristic cinema, where the object of desire could be anything from Dutch tulips to fancy telephones instruments’ and through which the viewer ‘lived at second hand a lifestyle lived elsewhere’.  Indian film viewers ‘went to the movies for the same reason as back in the nineteenth century, a newly literate working class in Britain chose to read stories of the rich and the famous’.  As a character in George Gissing novel remarks, ‘nothing can induce working men and women to read stories that treat of their own world. They are the most consummate idealists in creation, especially the women... the working class detest anything that tries to represent their daily life.’

   About film industry Justin Hardy writes, “the current finely tuned Bollywood formula has evolved to give audience maximum escapism and minimum reality”. When the lights go down hardy claims, “every member of audience knows what they are going to get” namely “what they want and what they have paid to see”. Further, he adds “These people do not want realism”-“ they want to be transported”. The mass audience is generally, more interested in their flight to the fantasy land and leave the cinema hall with a general feel good factor. The most successful films so far have been dealing with the themes of love and romance usually with happy endings. There are very few which have done well commercially despite not having the former factors. 

People have different opinions on the inclusion of songs into the film. Satyajit Ray once said, “If I were asked to find room for six songs in a story that is not expressly a ‘musical’, I would have to throw up my hands and give up. If I were forced, I would either revolt or go berserk”. His films deal with more serious subjects and depicting the life of characters with a touch of realism.  Further Ray notes, “Six songs per film, per every film is accepted average”. Similarly he calls attention to disjuncture between singing voice and speaking voice. “To one not familiar with the practice (i.e. playback) the change of timbre usually comes as a jolt”. Even then he accepts that he “would not mind songs if they did not go against the grain of a film”.

Hollywood musicals and Bollywood song-dance sequences

Fifty years have passed since the golden era of Hollywood musicals Bollywood is still seen as occupying this ‘older’ space primarily through an invocation of the ‘cultural sphere’ of ‘dung cakes’ by media-ethnographers like Hardy who, though acknowledging the presence of other contingences/audiences. If musical is defined as “a play or movie in which an often simple plot, developed by dialogue is interspersed with songs and sometimes songs” then interspersion becomes “interruption” via Bollywood song and dance.  These dance sequences sometimes act as a show stoppers in the film. The star performer can quite spectacularly stop the show as a proof of his or her extraordinary talent. The Bollywood song and dance comes closer to Homi Bhabha’s concept of “stereotype-as-suture”, which is describes as a “recognition of ambivalence of that authority and those orders of identification”. 

             Steven Cohen writes about Hollywood that an important feature of this cinema is the ability of the ‘female performer’s ability to stop the show (and the story)’ which can be easily applied to Bollywood as well. Basically, this ‘provides the star with a ready excuse to do a number’. A new catch phrase ‘item number’ is in vogue these days which is used to describe a ‘highly sexualized song with racy imagery and suggestive lyrics’. These songs have become USP for most Bollywood films. A trend which was restricted till 70s to be performed only by the vamp usually a cabaret 

dancer or gangster’s moll has been taken over by the lead actresses. Each one of them is trying to outdo the other in their performances.  Laura Mulvey has pointed out, the show setting equates femininity with spectacle; it crystallises her position as a static icon of male desire, differentiating feminine exhibitionism and passivism from masculine voyeurism and agency.  Therefore, ‘to-be-looked-at-ness’ becomes an ingredient of the film package. Some of these dance numbers are so popular that people recall the film not by it title but by the song.

             Hollywood musicals were produced most during 30s, 40s and50s, rather it was taken over by other genres like western and film noir. The audiences, somehow, could not enjoy them as they used to do before. Rather the new genres paved way for new entertainment.  An analyst writes about Hollywood that “It is still a business where the hits make up for all the losses along the way...Everyone wants to reproduce that success even just once”. Gradually, there was less demand for Hollywood musicals. Even after so many years there are filmmakers who come up with musical films now and then under the influence of Bollywood films. It is generally believed that only Bollywood has been able to maintain the trend of musicals and majority of  the films has song and dance till now.

Music: Global influence and Current Practices

            ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, the most successful film of 2008 which won 4 Golden Globes, 7 Bafta and 8 Oscar awards was inspired and influenced by Bollywood films.  This film won the Oscar for best soundtrack which was given by Indian music composer A. R. Rehman. His music has “a style that might be considered truly post modern as well as transnational”, in his reconfiguration of the old sounds of Bollywood via new technologies. Rahman’s songs also formed the  basis of  Andrew Lloyed Webber’s musical ‘Bombay Dreams’, produced in London and New York in 2002 to 2004. Many film makers around the globe are experimenting with use of music to enhance the effect of the film.

           Lately we have witnessed beginning of a new phase of Indian mainstream cinema. The cinema of ‘stock characters’ with stereotypical themes is coming up with new significant themes. Post 1990s cinema used to be more obsessed with lives of characters that are super rich and affluent. Last decade has witnessed a shift in the focus of film makers as they are coming up with the stories of real women and men from small towns and the alleyways of big cities, are back on the big screen, and spectators are lining up to watch and applaud them, weep and laugh with them. Recently released films like ‘Do dooni chaar’, ‘Band Baja Baraat’ or ‘Peepli live’ have been a welcome change. What remains unchanged is the role of music. All these like any other bollywood film had nice music, song and dance to entertain audiences.  Films may acquire new forms, new themes, new approach, new stories, new characters but one thing which is eternal is the presence of song and dance in them. This may seem to be a negligible factor but definitely hard to neglect in any bollywood production.

Crisis in Cairo : A long way to freedom

           Egypt is enduring the pain to gain much awaited freedom from authoritarian regime. Past couple of weeks the whole world has witnessed the vast crowds getting together at Tahrir Square. What was started as a peaceful protest soon became a chaotic conflict between Pro-President and Anti-President protesters.

          Following the Tunisian example Egyptians also went ahead to raise their voice against the regime. The demand is simply to let go of the present President Hosni Mubarak. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered at Tahrir Square to raise their voice in unison. It has been more than a couple of weeks since the protest first began. Every day we hear the stories of people gathering at the square. The protesters are not ready to give up on their demands. On the other hand, the President is adamant on his decision to stay till September elections. 

          Many media reports have indicated that the clashes that took place between two groups were unleashed by the president. The pro-Mubarak protesters were arriving in buses and were armed with weapons.   

          The most interesting aspect of this new age revolution is that it is  brought about by young generation and new media tools like Facebook and Twitter  have played a significant role in creating the Tahrir Square  uprising in Egypt. ‘Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive, but to be young was very heaven’ written by Wordsworth aptly defines the vigour of the protesters. A  journalist with New York Times also writes, “The pro-democracy protesters are unarmed and have been peaceful at every step.”

           All the events have brought about a stand still on daily life in Egypt. This has adversely affected the economy. The tourism industry is suffering great losses with each passing day. A country which is dependent on tourism industry as an important source of income this comes as a bad news.

           President Mubarak said, “If I leave now it will lead to a chaos in the country”. But the protesters are not ready to give in till he leaves the country. “This is chaos already, what could be more than this. We are ready to face anything but we want him to leave”, said one of the protesters at the square. The protesters are gaining momentum with each passing day. The Tahrir Square have become the symbol of liberation ground and people are not ready to leave. For most Egyptians it is ‘like being on the hajj in Mecca’.

         The country is going through tough times and mass protest need to be addressed seriously. The transition government is trying for peaceful transformation of power. The real brunt is bore by Egyptian masses and what is needed is a sensible and serious approach by the authorities to resolve the crisis as soon as possible.

            

Meditation- adding a meaning to life !!!

If ever I have experienced any miracle so far in my life, it is mediation. The feeling of trans when you see and feel bliss without opening your eyes. It is that state when we feel a high, generally.

 Within 24 hours of a day we find time to eat( three or four times), sleep(6-8 hours or more) and work(8 hrs or more). The top priority list is the things which benefit us, either financially or otherwise. Life is to be lived each day. Every day poses new challenges and opportunities. As time moves ahead and days turn into week, weeks to a month and months culminate with the end of the year. Yet another year has gone by and 'I have not even begun'.

Each year we set targets for professional and personal lives. In the pursuit of these we face successes and failures. But  we never try to find a means which could make our life a daily celebration. Yes, a state of mind when both success and failure are taken in a same stride. Something to experience happiness and joy even with little nothings.

As Secret says your mind  is magnet attracting thoughts from the universe based on the principle of' like attracts like'. It is important to brush off the negative thoughts daily as we brush our teeth. Have we ever tried to experience the power of silence ? Have we ever experienced a state of mind when we feel so light ? It takes just 20 -30 minutes a day but these magical moments can yield enough happiness and positivity to enrich life.

There are numerous ways to meditate. The simplest way is to sit in a peaceful corner of your home and close your eyes to a journey within by leaving without. It is important to take your mind away from the daily stresses for a while and let it recuperate its energy.

It has been a proven fact that meditation could further help the men's stress levels. There are some meditation programs which have been proven successful in some prisons in India and US. One such program(Vipassana meditation course of 10 days) held in complete silence -at Donaldson.  This experiment has brought about a tremendous change in the behavior of the prisoners. “We were finding that after this 10-day course, inmates were better able to control their anger and better able to conduct themselves,” said Dr. Ron Cavanaugh, director of treatment at the Alabama Department of Corrections, who worked with others to bring Vipassana meditation to Donaldson.“It appears that it was a miracle that this happened in the Deep South in one of the worst prisons in the country in the first place,” said Mr. Stewart, the Vipassana teacher. 

Meditation can lead to miracles for sure. It is a miracle to feel bliss. It is important to relax and look back with pride at all you have achieved and appreciate yourself. All it takes is a sincere and dedicated effort  just for yourself . If you make up your mind on it then the joy has -No limits! No limits! No limits!

Social network-- Real or Virtual !!!!

How important is social networking? This phenomenon has gained more importance these days than ever before. People go out of the way to enlarge their social circle. Whether it is a meeting or get together or dinner or lunch or anything. It seems like a never ending to do list. What I find interesting is that as kids we never paid importance to who or where is someone invited or not? But as we grow up this seems like an important aspect which is hard to neglect.

As human beings we are not born to survive in isolation, all of us need someone to connect with. Perhaps, the biggest punishment for anyone is to remain isolated from the outside world. It is the interaction or small little conversation with other human beings which makes our day. Dialogue is certainly preferred more than a monologue.

The question is  how far it is viable to get along with it. Should we have a specific target of meeting a particular number of people per week or per month. Do we ever try to move out of our social circle or remain glued to one? How many of us try to connect with new people easily? In fact very few look forward to meet up people outside their social circle.

Modern paced times has given way to so many different social groups we associate with. On an average a person keeps up with a - work group( all those people who are your colleagues at work), peer group( all old friends you have grown up with), neighbors group( people living in and around your area), couple group( your spouse's friend and family), parent group(your child's friend's parents).

When I posed this question on my facebook page regarding the importance of social networking online or otherwise I got two differerent replies." It creates a sort of virtual world all around you and lets you live in a self-centric world. You are also able to present the good and positive aspects of your personality, whereas the negative part of you doesn't appear as such. It also acts as an ego booster as well" writes Atul who is a student. While Ravee G Kaushal who works for a television production company believes in giving only a bit of importance to social networking on FB.


On  the other hand Liz who is working for an Insurance Company is not active on FB but she certainly has a big circle of friends. "I am busy working during the week but weekends are mostly going out or inviting people at my place. There is hardly any weekend when I am not meeting someone"she said.


Everyone has a different approach to social networking be it virtual or real. For youngsters FB is the rage of the age. But  as we age we realise that there is so much more to be socially active than a mere exchange of posts on some site.

Nothing like Canadian Summer !!!!

The moment we come up with the word summer we Indians relate to a hot, humid and unbearable heat during the months of June, July and August. I mean my definition of summer was this till now.

Summer in Canada an incredible experience.Ever since my arrival(March 2010) here I wake up every morning to see a change in color. Summer is the time of splendid sights, sounds and smells all around. Beauty of nature at its best. A walk around the street and I see beautiful flowers and gardens . Even the busy market places also have their own charm. Eating out has never been so lovely. There is nothing like having your favorite food or coffee while sitting in a patio surrounded by flowers of different colors.

Each day a walk through all this reminds me to make most of it. As it is short lived and very soon long harsh winter will be on its way. I believe mere memory of these bright long days will sustain me for a long period of time.

Few days ago I read on my fortune cookie , "those who endure the most are rewarded the most". I know that winter is going to be tough time for me because I am more used to summers. Honestly, if there is a reward in form of the summer after the winter endurance, I would gladly accept it.

If someone is making a bucket list then do add on the experience of Canadian summer. It is worth it.