Do writers develop problems by simply picking up a pen? Are some of those problems created because the writer fears society’s reactions? I can see very clear indications that this is the case when some writers discuss — or refuse to discuss — sensitive social issues.
Too many writers are only interested in making money so they write about anything without looking at whether the subject deserves to be written about or not. Writers need to have the courage to write about sensitive subjects and should not make excuses to avoid doing so.
We in the Kingdom need to have serious and frank discussions on a number of topics which are obstacles to reform. Some of the topics are:
1. What were the sons of a Muslim society doing taking part in a suicide attack? And why did they involve themselves?
2. Are we seeking any solution to the problem of our young men with nothing to do but dawdle away their time in public places? Why has nothing beneficial been suggested for them to do?
3. Why does the behavior of our citizens change as soon as they are on a plane going abroad?
4. What are we doing to solve the problem of abused women who suffer mistreatment by their husbands or families?
5. Why are we not taking a serious look at our school curriculum and evaluating it? Why are neither our students nor our teachers improving?
6. Why are so many educational institutions and government offices still in rented buildings?
7. What is the role of our businessmen and their millions of riyals? Are they playing a genuine role in the country’s development?
8. Is there any point of making so many things forbidden without a public awareness campaign? In our homes, in public places and on the Internet?
9. What are we going to do about our alarmingly high divorce rates?
10. What kind of education do children receive at home from their parents?
Why is our media so hesitant to address these problems in careful detail? Can we hope for any improvement without open discussion in the media?
As with any people seeking to move forward, we must concentrate on our defects in order to get rid of them and prevent their reappearance. Most unfortunately, our society seems uninterested in solving its problems; rather it prefers to look for someone to blame — usually those in authority. Those at fault should certainly be held responsible but apportioning blame is only the initial step. Devising solutions should then follow. The time has come for us to pull our heads out of the sand and take a real look at the world around us.
Arab News From the Local Press 24 March 2003
