Are American Students Embracing Arab Culture More Than Arabs Themselves?

 

A thriving democracy is characterized by the freedom of expression and the ability to demonstrate. People frequently walk to the streets in nations like the US and Europe to express their thoughts without worrying about facing harsh consequences. However, in other regions of the world, this isn't always the case. Authorities attempt to put an end to protests occasionally, as demonstrated by recent events at Columbia University in the United States and in several European nations, but their methods are typically less severe and punishing than those used in regions such as the Arab world.

There can be disastrous outcomes from protests in several Arab nations. Human rights advocates frequently face jail time, women's rights are frequently severely restricted, and the right to free speech is prohibited. I recently came across an article about a Saudi Arabian female fitness trainer who was given an 11-year prison sentence for simply going shopping without wearing a headscarf. Democracy, or even the appearance of it, seems nonexistent in these locations. However, what makes this so dissimilar from Western nations?

A historical basis could be one of the causes. America and Europe created legal and democratic systems following horrific conflicts. In contrast, there haven't been any comparable democratic struggles in the Arab world. Because of this, a lot of Arab regimes are less accepting of protests or public criticism because they worry that these kinds of movements could threaten their authority. These authorities typically suppress protests with severe fines because they see protests as a danger to stability.

In Arab nations, protesting frequently has a heavy price, sometimes even at the expense of one's own life. Protesters who survive run the risk of receiving lengthy prison terms or perhaps the death penalty if they come into contact with the military or police. Arab youngsters who participate in protests are brave because they are aware of the dangers.

In contrast, protestors and students in America are free to demonstrate without fear of dire repercussions, such as long-term jail or death. Because of this, there are significant differences in protests between the two locations. The West has a stronger protest culture because American students are not likely to face the same risks as their Arab counterparts.

It's important to note, though, that some Arab students are beginning to express their disapproval. Recent anti-Israel demonstrations in Lebanon, for example, show that everyone wants freedom of speech and expression, even though the price is far higher in other places. The course of these protests may influence how we perceive the emergence of democratic values in contexts that are more oppressive.

Though it may seem like a far-off ideal, Arab independence fighters are indeed courageous. Their demonstrations offer optimism because they demonstrate that some people are still prepared to defend their convictions in the face of extreme repression. The question is whether this attitude can live on with greater respect for the right to express dissent and without further bloodshed.