The last few weeks were filled with events and accidents that forced me to write such a post especially after a very weird meeting I had with someone who drove me nuts yesterday.

On the 27th of November, it was 10:00pm when passengers were stepping out of the bus at Cairo International Airport to get into Royal Jordanian flight to Amman. I was one of those passengers and I wasn’t shocked at all when someone stopped me in front of the plane’s door for security check, that was the first time ever but it didn’t need a justification; 15 min earlier I passed, with a bag that was full of electronics, through the x-ray machine at the gate for 5 EGP that I have been asked to give as tip to the one who’s supposed to make sure the flight is safe and secured. A Jordanian woman next to me was totally frustrated and wanted a proper justification on why they’re checking our luggage at the plane’s door, she considered it a way of showing off. Usually I don’t interfere in such situations because it’s none of my business.

Friday, the 16th of December, a delayed flight to Beirut from Amman and finally a call for boarding; I stood in the queue for the security check at the gate and heard a Lebanese priest complaining to a Jordanian journalist because he didn’t find it suitable for him to be asked by the security men to take off his shoes and he knows very well that his “Ecco” shoes has some sort of metal, this actually happened again when he reached the next security check in front of me. I think everyone is familiar with such a procedure nowadays and it never annoyed me as long as it’s for security purposes but the priest was offended because he was wearing his vestments, I was wondering what would be his reaction if the security men allowed a muslim clerk with a beard to pass without taking off his shoes. That Jordanian journalist started to apologize to the priest on behalf of the security men and said: “It’s ok, we know they’re rude and lack the basic communication skills in addition to their frown”. I bet you, both of them would take off their underwear if the American security forces asked them to do so when they fly to USA.

Yesterday, a meeting with a girl who claimed being a proactive citizen and wants to help youth overcome their issues and decided that she doesn’t want to work with one of Nakhweh’s partners because they are corrupted and racist based on an article she read ages ago.

From the above I reached a conclusion, Jordanians love showing off, security men lack basic communication skills, Jordanians are well-known with their frown and one of the most respectful organizations in Jordan is corrupted and racist. Seriously people? how do you give yourself the right to label those who are serving us? Who on earth told you that stereotyping, rumors and labeling are hobbies to adopt? Can’t we find something of more value to do?

If you can’t find a hobby, I’m giving you some suggestions and I’m not going to say swim and play chess, I will make it different:

1. Positivity: it’s a very nice hobby and helps you to overcome your day-to-day problems in a very simple way without taking them to another level. Always look at the full half of the glass and take it from there and see how your life will become easier and smoother.
2. Curiosity (in a good way): if you see, read or hear something for the first time from someone, try to ask around to double check on the information you got. Google helps you a lot, communicate before you believe because we’re living in a virtual space where information flow from everywhere and we can’t verify what’s right and what’s wrong unless we make some effort.
3. Pride: this is another hobby that makes you proud of your country, I don’t think Lebanese would do the same if it was the other way around between the priest and the journalist. You have to cover up for your citizens, and don’t stab anyone in the back.

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