Our problems, and our self censorship

Self censorship isn't abstaining from using foul language or steering away from thorny issues. If I was asked to define it I would say, it's issues that people stay away from on fears of harming one's own existence, livelihood or family. Sadly, when people fear for their lives for stating their opinion (or perhaps, standing out for the truth or justice). When that happens, people usually pick the lesser of two evils and keep their mouths shut. Or, self censor!

It's not a trivial matter...

Thorny issues in the Arab world in general, and Jordan in particular are usually simple. Interracial marriages, Homosexual rights, and religion. Issues that take the back burner usually are Women's rights, Domestic violence, and foreigner rights. Issues that matter mostly to the public but not the states are Religion. Those that matter to the state but mostly not the public include terrorism and personal freedoms.

But there are issues that are REAL double red tape with extra extra red eyes watching them. Issues that deal with governmental corruption, revision of the government hierarchy, and the forms of governance. As in electing heads of states, or crowning them.

It's no secret, the rulers in their own countries are gods. Their rule is absolute, and we know what absolute power does. (And if you happen to have never read a comic book, it is absolute power corrupts absolutely). These gods/rulers have the vision, the direction, and the power to enforce it. Basically, they coerce the three branches of government (Legislative, executive, and judicial) into their absolute will. With vast control over the "fourth" branch (Media/journalism) their control becomes absolute.

People of these countries become conditioned in a form of idol worship. Worshipping their rulers in ways that include, but are not limited to, self censorship.

Religion, if viewed as a method of control, ultimately hopes to achieve things like "Doing good when no one is watching". This translates directly to self censorship, as in, never bad mouthing your government/ruler even when no one is listening (because normally, there's someone who's listening, paying attention, and recording everything you're staying to be used against you at some distant point in the future)

It's not cowardice to avoid putting one's self in a losing compromising position with the "security" forces. Just like it's not cowardice to avoid dark allies at night if you're a single girl. Because, getting raped isn't really bravery. And that goes for both cases...

So people choose to self censor...

But the time will come, when all these bubbling issues will erupt. You can't imagine how ugly it will be then.