IT is certainly true that to write, one has to be well-read. It is also true that one has to be an astute observer of human behavior. A knowledge of foreign cultures, languages and the ability to grasp news and views is another essential skill the writer must possess or acquire. This observational tool kit helps him to draw meaningful comparisons between events and places.
One such event and place that intrudes on our consciousness is the Jeddah Festival 22 which is now in full swing. Every day there are events that cater to the needs of people who have flocked from other parts of the Kingdom to participate in the festivities. From music to skydiving, lectures and games, the visitor will find that he has to organize himself and plan ahead to savor the many and varied treats of the festival.
The weather has been kind so far. While days are warm, the last few nights have not exhibited their usual humid character. The humidity test for me is when I go out of the door; if my glasses don’t steam up, it is a sign that all is well!
However, having said all that, one does also get to experience irritation at this time of the year. The number of vehicles increases, most especially the big GMCs. Many of them look very ominous. Some zoom in on your car giving you the fright of your life. Others squeeze in, scratching and denting your car and woe betide you if you utter so much as a murmur.
Roundabouts are danger zones. Please forget about the right of way for those in the circle. You panic as you see these mountainous vehicles bearing down on you. It reminds me of the Japanese ZERO warplanes flown by Kamikaze pilots as they headed toward American warships in the Pacific in World War II.
Throwing garbage into public places is also an ugly sight. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that last Wednesday I saw empty cans and food being thrown out of a car. What do you do in a situation like this?
Fret, fume or boil inside. I remember a relative of mine who pointed out to someone that this is an uncivilized act. He almost got beaten.
And speaking of beatings: A colleague of mine saw a man beating a woman, presumably his wife and pulling her hair oblivious to other people’s stares. This was in a luxurious car in a busy street.
What prompts a man to hit a defenseless woman at 8:30 in the morning? Was she late in preparing breakfast for him? Or was he upset because she woke him up to drive her to work? Whatever the case maybe, there is no justification for a man to hit a woman whether in public or in private. I felt sad. There was nothing I could do. All I ask is all of you pray to God to alleviate her suffering together with that of thousands of other women who are victims of abuse. May God hear our prayers.
I will end by telling you how equally distressed I was on being told that a dirty water truck was dumping waste near Obhur while people were walking nearby. This is a crime. Many of us are now polluting land and sea. When will this criminal activity stop? Isn’t it the right of the citizen to guard against such violations in a civil society? Such a society is one characterized by the dignity of the person and the equality of the individual. Emancipating, protecting and expanding the idea of civil society is the need of the hour. — [email protected]
