The Cairo International Book Fair used to be something important – 50 or 60 years ago. At that stage Cairo had writers, newspapers, printing companies people in the region read and some standards of culture. Its now a joke overtaken by other cultural and publishing activities in the region and Cairo publishes little, does not have a literary journal and publishers have gone broke.
No one with an international standing comes, no books worth reading are promoted, young people stay away and the government funds the bussing in of school students to fill the hall. Some silly old idiots run it as a fading light of an intelligent past.
However recent developments reveal a radical collapse of mirage standards.
The Army is promoting itself as the communicator of culture in Egypt and showcasing its cultural achievements.
Here is a small part of their expensive stand at the book fair:
Anyone can see that its tackiness and bad taste communicates all you need to know. They should fire the designer now.
For me the issue is the arrogance/hubris/misunderstanding of role. It also shows propaganda aspirations to change opinion. The slogan is “Army and People”. There is a song blaring called “God Protect the Army’s Hands” (does that mean no godly protection for its Navy and Airforce?) The song thanks the army for protection from religious fascism – but not ordinary everyday fascism that is so prevalent in some places I can think of.
Another section is called “October War Heroes” and includes books about the Egyptian army’s accomplishments in the October 1973 war with Israel. There weren’t any accomplishments – except those believed (in a mystical religious sense) in Egypt.
Claimed military achievements include one film actor – 2nd rate and never worked for any 1st rate directors.
The Army also claims credit for one writer – mass produced novels, low class and never even won low rent Egyptian literary prizes.
The entry to the stand has many statues and murals depicting the heroic acts of Egyptian soldiers throughout history (name one in the past 2,500 years).
The bulk of the Army is barely literate kids from poorer backgrounds (if you are rich or near rich you can buy your way out) so the Army's major 'assets' hardly support the Army's claim to contribute to culture. In addition some Middle East media has been graphic about the physical abuse of these poor kids and how they are used on military money making enterprises - hardly cultural just plain mercenary. If the army invested in educating these kids I might be more positive.
The creature managing the ‘display’ said this: ““let them (Egyptians) know about the danger of foreign conspiracies plotted by evil powers and foreign forces targeting the army and state.” (why is it that ranters in 3rd world countries always use general fear mongering and never specify who is the claimed, urgent, threat/enemy - in the West we always identify those who work against us)
There is more to this crazy story so read the measured and uncritical article below.
Read more: http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/origina ... z582JSlXmD
Its more and more like a disorganized version of Uncle Joe’s Russia every day. Maybe its more like Pol Pot’s complete madness.
