762) Being Egyptian 2.0: The Egyptian Democracy !

Since Mubarak's second speech, I have been watching -and experieicing myself- numerous debates between people for and against one issue or another (Mubarak ends his term or not, people leave the streets or not, and the famous debate about Shafik that wasted a lot of precious time and effort). Having different opinion is something needed and very healthy if we want to have a democratic system on all levels, I remember a Japanese proverb saying: "The day we stop discussing different opinions, they day we stop producing". However, what I didn't like is the immature culture of not understanding what debates and discussions are all about. I have seen friends un-friending each other on facebook, I have seen friends insulting and cursing each other...FOR WHAT, for having different Opinions!!



Honestly I was afraid that this will be the Egyptian Version of Democracy, and for a minute I was afraid that what Omar Soliman said about democracy in Egypt was right. But I quickly got these negative thoughts out of my mind, and decided to be more positive through getting engaged in all the discussions and keeping the highest level of tolerance and acceptance till I oblige the other party to respect the conversation without turning it into personal debate or fight.

That is why I decided to write about democracy and how can we have our own positive understanding of democracy in Egypt keeping into consideration our culture and norms. I do believe that there are certain rules about democracy that is common everywhere, but there are some other that have to consider the culture of each country.. So how do I see Egyptian Democracy?

Common Rules:
- Freedom of expression: Listening to each other, and respecting others opinions evern if we disagree.
- Tolerance: Entering any debate with the intention of changing your mind if it makes sense.
- Acceptance: of the opinion of the majority, and the rigths of the minority.
- Faith: Knowing that your voice count even if you are a minority.
Egyptian Flavour:
- Charisma and Kindness: It is part of the culture here that at least 50% of the discussion will be based on the charisma and how kind is your opposition.. We are emotional, and we have to take that into consideration.
- Sarcasm: Ability to mock different parties but within the limits of not insulting them.
- Fazlaka: We may expect too much talking and lengthy introduction to the point, and knowing everything.

What was happening for those for and anti Shafik, and now between Muslims and Christians, Men, Women, black and white lists...etc is not right... I mean everyone has the right to express his opinion but without attacking or fighting others. Your opinion is right but may be wrong, and my opinion is right but may be wrong. We have to realize and differentiate between having different opinions, and those who want us to be always on fire leading to Chaos. We need to reach a win win situation. We can't afford any party losing in such critical time.

(c) Olemdia

How to Turn REVOLUTION to EVOLUTION?
Educate people about Democracy and its values.
Volunteer time to help People understand and share.
Optimism will never let you give up, specially during hard times.
Love will help you not to hate people who have different opinions. 
Unity of different backgrounds and ideologies into one big vision.
Trust is essential for people to cooperate even if they have different beliefs.
Integrity leads to credibility and trust.
Organization of people who share the same values and thoughts.
Non-Violence is the tool of the powerful people (we were a great example for the world).

We have impressed the world with our Egyptian Revolution, and we need to continue impressing them with our Egyptian Democracy.

Mohaly