A Day at The Jordanian Airport [Archives:2000/37/Viewpoint]

Arriving on Friday in my motherland after a day of waiting was such a relief. I had been on a 5-day visit to Jordan last week, its not my first time, but every time there is more to learn and something more to tell.
It seems that we Yemenis can never approve of order. Being organized is the eighth sin! No matter how rich we become or where ever we go, it still remains that we have a huge mental block regarding order and being organized.
This is not a new complaint. I have spoken to many intellectuals who share the same thought with me. Its that there is a new aspect to it, something I would like to throw some light on. It is true that we are unorganized and so, but could you believe that foreign authority if not forces, encourages us to be this way?! The way Yemeni passengers were treated at the Jordanian airport was obnoxious! Rude answers, cynic comments and the like! If I see that the officer at the check-in desk is not paying attention to line and order, of course I would do more to get my paper done. The way people were at the check-in counter reminded me of how it is like in the Qat market at one oclock in the afternoon in Yemen. Not only there, even during checking and inspecting, the luggage was thrown here and there, in a more vigorous way than normal, an annoying feeling of chaos all around. Its like being rough and rude is the only way Yemenis would understand.
I am not saying that we were top level organized or decent. But this is not done. And being treated that way is very wrong and humiliating. The same passengers of the same flight were much more organized and ordered at the Yemeni airport, what does that mean? On the contrary, I was pushed by an Arab woman out of my turn in the line, and was replied to rudely when I suggested that she should wait behind the yellow line until I am finished.
Its not about nationality, or nation. Its not about where you come from its about who you are. Its about mentality, and the image we create and leave wherever we go. It has become very insulting to say that I have come from Yemen, not only about the impression people from other nations have about us, but whats more is the way Yemenis are treated outside.
I love my country, and it hurts to see all this happening. I truly hope that these lines would reach across to all those who read this, and that they agree with me and decide to make a difference.

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