why do egyptian elites resist liberal values
Last Updated : GMT 09:07:40
Egypt Today, egypt today
Egypt Today, egypt today
Last Updated : GMT 09:07:40
Egypt Today, egypt today

Why do Egyptian elites resist liberal values?

Egypt Today, egypt today

why do egyptian elites resist liberal values

Mohammed Nosseir

Why should I have an equal vote when I pay substantially more taxes than most Egyptian citizens? This is the famous argument made by wealthy Egyptians who believe that citizenship status is all about financial contribution to the state.
Egyptians generally, and the elites in particular, tend to assess and value our country’s economic and political development based on the single and narrow perspective of their personal interests. They work to undermine any change that could benefit society if it comes, however slightly, at their expense.
Many intellectual Egyptians, who often talk about freedom and equality, practice the opposite of what they preach in their daily lives. They tend to pay lip service to these democratic values, simply because this complements the good standing they enjoy in society. But in reality, conformity dominates their lives and inequality serves them best. Even less fortunate Egyptians, who have been truly suffering from the absence of these values, would adopt the same behavior if they were elevated to a better status.
Recognition and exclusivity play a significant role in the life of Egyptians. Being ahead of other citizens pleases the tiny elite, even if the entire society is living in murky waters. The elites often want the state to privilege them and protect them from the masses, which it does with pleasure but at a price. However, the elites are probably not aware that their lives revolve mostly around unethical acts and behaviors.
Are the Egyptian elites, who drive society economically and define the norms that the rest follow, honorable? Many of them will not agree that the wealth and power that they enjoy today, and that intuitively and instantly open many government doors wide, do not stem from their superior qualities.
Ordinary citizens have been knocking on the same doors for years without any luck. This state of affairs enables our elites to compete only with one another, leaving no room for ordinary citizens to even learn where those doors are located.
Naturally, people who have more tend to work harder to protect their power and wealth. Unfortunately, during this process many tend to behave immorally, and often illegally, to defend what they have. This is especially true in a country such as Egypt, where the rule of law is not functioning that well.
People whose wealth was realized unethically will expend the same effort to protect it, with the support of the government. The elites’ wealth and status are realized at the expense of our economy generally, and of ordinary citizens. This argument remains valid even if we apply the full-fledged laws of a free-market economy.
Observing the sharp curve in the lives of some Egyptian elites, and their sudden and harsh downfall, should have prompted them to consider a different life path. But apparently, elite status comes with many illusions.
The application of liberal democracy, along with offering business opportunities equally to all citizens, will better stabilize and protect the elites, enabling them to enjoy their lives without threat while abiding by better moral values — an argument that most elites in Egypt do not endorse and work hard to resist.
Uplifting the entire society by properly applying the rule of law will secure the lives of the elite better than the current ambiguous state does. Giving the masses a fair stake in our country will empower them to defend it more than the current policy of marginalizing them, which only leaves the masses worrying about exacting revenge. Liberal democratic values are meant to help all segments of society to better progress. 

 

Name *

E-mail *

Comment Title*

Comment *

: Characters Left

Mandatory *

Terms of use

Publishing Terms: Not to offend the author, or to persons or sanctities or attacking religions or divine self. And stay away from sectarian and racial incitement and insults.

I agree with the Terms of Use

Security Code*

why do egyptian elites resist liberal values why do egyptian elites resist liberal values



GMT 13:04 2017 Wednesday ,27 December

Egypt’s economy is a special case

GMT 08:13 2017 Monday ,20 November

Arabs unanimously agree on rejecting Iranian approach

GMT 20:48 2017 Wednesday ,22 February

Dividend announcements drive Muscat bourse

GMT 04:13 2016 Tuesday ,06 December

EgyptAir offers 50% discounts on tickets this month

GMT 18:48 2017 Sunday ,13 August

Crown Prince condoles with Egyptian President

GMT 06:44 2017 Friday ,17 March

Bowling, table tennis achievements lauded

GMT 13:34 2017 Wednesday ,22 November

paObama climate envoy slams Trump's rejection

GMT 09:32 2017 Monday ,08 May

Trump's travel ban faces new test

GMT 21:39 2013 Monday ,04 February

Bruce Willis to support saving Sobieski Vodka

GMT 17:44 2012 Saturday ,31 March

Honda reopens flood-hit Thailand plant

GMT 09:12 2013 Saturday ,16 February

Dina Abdel Fattah: Promoting Egypt\'s activists

GMT 14:59 2013 Tuesday ,12 November

Modern interior design ideas for apartments

GMT 17:56 2012 Monday ,13 February

Dr Mirza Opens “Corrosion” conference

GMT 15:30 2015 Friday ,24 April

Greek-style roast fish

GMT 00:08 2017 Sunday ,12 March

Serving people is my duty, says Indian lawyer

GMT 13:06 2017 Tuesday ,13 June

Actress Nelly Karim reveals message

GMT 11:22 2017 Sunday ,05 November

Deputy PM opens Bahraini Women in Conference

GMT 07:31 2017 Sunday ,13 August

Zidane confirms to extend Real Madrid contract
 
 Egypt Today Facebook,egypt today facebook  Egypt Today Twitter,egypt today twitter Egypt Today Rss,egypt today rss  Egypt Today Youtube,egypt today youtube  Egypt Today Youtube,egypt today youtube

Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©

Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©

egypttoday egypttoday egypttoday egypttoday
egypttoday egypttoday egypttoday
egypttoday
بناية النخيل - رأس النبع _ خلف السفارة الفرنسية _بيروت - لبنان
egypttoday, Egypttoday, Egypttoday