Having a prominent tribe's name is something many people envy in Jordan. belonging to a tribe, such as those going back to the years preceding the establishment of the country, is something to be proud of. Tribes in Jordan lend to their members a backing in many occasions and happenings. However, tribalism has been a main drag on the country's development. Wasta is the main qualification of those ascending the government, parliament, and even the judicial ladders in a country with a dire need for reform on all fronts. Worse it becomes if the king does not practice what he preaches, evident by the tribal make up of the cabinet and the senate. It goes without saying, in Jordan, that the offsprings of current ministers, members of parliament, and the high ranks of the armed forces are the future ministers, memebrs of parliament and leaders of the armed forces.
The question that begs to be asked: If tribal affliation is hampering Jordanian chances of becoming a nation of laws and institutions, is it time to shed that fourth name off offical documents?
The question that begs to be asked: If tribal affliation is hampering Jordanian chances of becoming a nation of laws and institutions, is it time to shed that fourth name off offical documents?
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5 comments:
I am totally with this suggestion! I have suggested it before on my blog a year or so ago, and face with many objections! People don't seem to be ready to let go of what they feel is a major part of their identity! Hope there is away to do so!
Can Jordanians Live Without Family Names? that would mean modernity has arrived in Jordan. this is not happening anytime soon. besides, since you don't live in an achievement-based society (meritocracy) like the ones in advanced Western or Asian societies, all we have is our tribal names to carry us through life. So why work hard for our individual achievements when we can exploit the legacy of our gun-totting, village pillaging ancestors :) to scare off Jordanians from smaller tribes. but that's why Jordan is Jordan and France is France. I hope that will change one day. I really love Jordan but I am deeply troubled by how the powerful tribes keep pulling it back in the mud.
I think there is hope that the newer generations are more open to the concept of meritocracy. Once there is a role model in the country's leadership, I think people will give more importance to qualifications rather than the mere names of fulan.
What is wrong with you people? What difference dose it make if they have family names or not, what makes a difference is their performance, don’t be prejudice.
Anon,
do you think Qualifications are an important aspect when forming a government? If you do, then you probably don't know much about Jordanian politics.
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