Religion: a personal matter

A while back, I sat listening to a conversation which was initiated by the fever of the University elections and somehow ended in sectarian prejudice. I observed alarming comments from the people who were involved in the dialogue. They were explaining that for a Kuwait University student, joining a party is all about who constitutes a majority. For example, if the mustaqela (independent party) is a majority of Shiite, they will choose to be a member of, for example, a Democratic party. They elaborated that as Sunni Muslims, they did not want the stigma of a Shiite sympathizer. How shameful!

I view the University Student’s Union election as a training step for the youth to learn about politics, political life and leadership. It is like a mini-trial of what is awaiting them in the future, if they choose to pursue a life in the political arena, or if they wish to exercise their political rights properly. However, some people find it useful to brain-wash the youth in academic institutions to think in an unhealthy manner. They muddle the brains with tribal thoughts. It feels like, this country instituted a political system as a step forward towards being more civilized. However, some would like to push it backwards by promoting standing up for your tribe/religious sect.

I think religion is the root of all evil. Now, you might consider this a very strong statement, but I have my reasons for stating it here. I am not displaying hatred to religion, I am portraying how when the religious institution is the driving force for societies’ desires, civilizations are destined to doom. Just look at the various examples of blood-shed, war and destruction in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Bosnia. All have one thing in common; fighting in the name of religion. Little can they realise, that they are fighting against the core teachings of their religions.

Going back to our subject, Academic institutions, such as Kuwait University, should try to dampen the effect of religious extremism. They should teach their students about religious and sectarian tolerance. They should institute modules that teach them about how to be a good Muslim, rather than how to perfect performing your Islamic rituals. Students should also be taught how to have an opinion and avoid being a conformist. Sigh, I think I'm just day dreaming...!

Consumers lessons in economisation

I am sure a lot of you agree with me that Kuwaitis are renowned for their high consumption. Let's see the examples, they love consuming foods, love to shop 'til they drop, cruise around the coastal road with frequent splurges on gas. These displays of extreme expenditure is an evolution of an old cultural Arab costume: GENEROSITY. Obviously, times have changed and currently the Kuwaiti citizen doesn't fancy being labeled stingy. Therefore we, as a nation, had to explore other avenues to express our extreme urge of showing generosity.

Following the Iraqi invasion, there was a sudden boom in the real estate market (I am not going to discuss the financial side here). This boom meant that every Kuwaiti aspired to having a bigger house, with more rooms and a larger reception area with more lighting involved. Kuwaitis developed a taste for large flasher-lights which showed the tasteful/tasteless exterior of their houses. Other green-oriented individuals, opted for the vast gardens which included exotic vegetation that required extensive maintenance and watering. And with the larger houses, came the increase in the number of man-power, i.e. gardeners, maids and the lot.
The summing result of the evolved Arab costume and the exuberant life-style meant that more water and electric power is needed to keep up with the demand. So guess what we are facing right now?

Who would believe that a wealthy country like Kuwait faces challenges in providing power during the longest season of the year. Not to mention, water supply too when it is most needed. Couldn't they speculate that a crisis like this would happen when they decided to air-condition every possible venue in Kuwait? I am not implying that it is not necessary. Couldn't the government try to clamp down on the aspiration of people who think bigger-is-better? It's a shame that an educated society needs to be taught how to conserve resources in the twenty-first century. Yet again, bad management is kicking in. I'd imagine a crisis like this happening to India, China where there are billions scavenging electric power and water, but not Kuwait.

Looking on the positive side, the 'tarsheed' campaign is taking the better-late-than-never approach. They are working at full force doing their educational bits on TV, billboard advertisements and newspapers. I am proud that the Kuwaiti society is doing well so far, but I could also attribute the reduction in consumption to the fact that half of the country is away on vacation.

Just a note from my Buddha, how come the governmental institutions are not setting an example by switching off lights and air-con in vacant offices during peak-consumption hours?