Ghinwa Yateem's article "No matter how perfect, I cannot marry a Christian man" (April 14)
Very interesting article to say the least, and the author raises a very important issue that we are living now, even though she only scratched the surface.
The author did not go in depth of why such a marriage doesn't and wouldn't work.
She contradicts herself in the article - first she implies that there are cultural and traditional differences that would lead to the failure of the marriage but on the other hand she claims that people at her university were shocked to know that she was a Muslim.
So what does she mean by cultural and traditional difference if her Christian peers at university did not know, from her behavior or attitude, that she was Muslim? Either she is afraid of bringing those differences to surface, and thus raising the spectre of comparing the Christian culture and Muslim culture, or she lives a cultural and religious identity crisis.
Then again, I salute the author for her audacity to bring such a problem to the surface.
Gerard Moawad
Alexandria, Virginia, USA
This article really contains a very well structured argument, . "How can a memorial day be spoken of when simple sports events between different sectarian groups and peaceful demonstrations turn into insults and violence?" How true!
By the way, from what I know, Sarah Khoury is a student at the Lebanese American University - not the American University of Beirut. Cheers.
Faisal Abbas
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
That is completely true. I will add: If Lebanese live abroad, they will praise the order and law in foreign countries and they live the way it should be. However, they will return to the Lebanese habits and way of life in two situations: When they are among other Lebanese abroad and when they are back in Lebanon. One incidence I will never forget: I was on my way back to Lebanon three years ago from the US. In Paris, we had to take MEA to Beirut. The moment the Lebanese passengers started to board, they started fighting with the hostess for a smoking area. In Beirut International airport, some of them were smoking when the non-smoking sign was behind them! Do you know that these same people don't dare to do these things in foreign airports and airlines? It is a sick mentality.
Saleh Ismail
Shaker Heights, Ohio, USA
I just finished reading your article on Lebanese women. I currently live in the United Sates, and here it is the same thing. Lebanese women have the same stereotype. I currently work in a mall and have Lebanese men asking me out for coffee after the fact that I have told them that I am married and have children. But for some reason that does not seem to bother them. Some Lebanese women are so caught up in the media, television and fashion - wanting to live a life of independence so badly that they forgot the meaning of being a lady. What I also wanted to say is there is this stereotyping within our own society. With divorce rates so high here the meaning of morals and values really have no meaning any more. It is a shame to say that we have to be stereotyped that way.
Amira Elzayat
Dearborn, Michigan, USA
I think that the same kind of "double standard" described in the article is applied from many Arab people to Western culture. It is easy to see the same people, who protest against "indecent" or "immoral" Westerners, coming to Europe just to enjoy the same lifestyle, drinking alcohol and looking for sexual adventures.
Stefano Mavilli
Siena, Italy
Encouraging reading is very important, but books and magazines are still priced prohibitively. Importers should seek lower profits to allow the greatest number of people to read with this difficult economic situation. Books shouldn't be considered a luxury only the rich can afford.
Elisa Chaiban
Beirut, Lebanon
Great article, I liked the historical background stated by the author before coming up with the main idea of the article.
Dan Ruhan
Seattle, WA, USA
Needless to say, I was very surprised to see an article as such being displayed on The Daily Star's Web site. Very good contribution. Keep up the excellent work.
Rima Rahme
Sydney, Australia
I read the article that seemed to have caused all this response from various people, and all I have to say is that everyone has a right to express his or her views regardless of what others may think. Journalists (and journalism students) should never have to be censored. Keep up the good work.
Ali Fadlallah
Beirut, Lebanon
I myself commented on the "ironic" reactions, that I came across, in response to Yateem's article. I highly applaud your concluding piece to this episode. You have gained my utter respect and admiration.
Hana Sakkat
Toronto, Canada
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