Letters to the Editor [Archives:2000/41/Letters to the Editor]

DEAR EDITOR
I read the series of articles on the life of Akhdams published in the Yemen Times. Firstly, I was rather irritated that such a derogatory term is still being used. I consider the word Akhdams cruel and offensive not just to Yemenis of African origin, but to all Yemenis. As a Yemeni and a Muslim I was ashamed and humiliated by the articles and their racist content. Even though the articles may have some validity in regard to the obstacles and difficulties various sects of our society face; yet, the author has failed to address the real issues and what can be done to improve relations and promote harmony and equality amongst the various sects, clans and professions. The author put much emphasis on the effect but not the cause. For example, the author stated that many of the so called Akhdams are beggars and dirty. However, such classification is false, wrong, uncivilized and inhumane. Even though that some Akhdams do beg; so do other Yemenis. We know that begging is directly related to poverty and lack of emolument. Some Akhdams resort to such activities because there are no other opportunities available to them. Isolation and discrimination have prevented them from assimilating to Yemeni ways of life and at the same time prevented them from moving ahead. When you are not given a chance of basic education nor allowed to hold public office or have access to job opportunities other than house keeping and cleaning there is nothing else to do. Im still puzzled by the perseverance and resilience of these people to survive and continue to live in such a hostile environment.
We, Yemenis, claim to be Muslims, but never follow the principles of Islam which promote Justice, and equality for all people. The profit Mohammed (peace be upon him) said {Oh people! Your god is one and your forefather is (Adam ) is One. An Arab is not better than a non-Arab; and a red (I.e. white tinged with red) is not better than a black person and a black person is not better than a red person, except in piety.}
It is true that in the former socialist South Yemen the economic situation for Akhdams was much better than the situation quoted above. Since unification and reintroduction of tribal customs to the south many aspects of life in Yemen have deteriorated not just for Akhdams but also for the barber, the artisan, the drummer, the sewer, the blacksmith and many other professionals that are scorned by the tribal culture.
In conclusion, I see no place in the twenty first century for a society that suppresses creativity, practices discrimination against the people that enrich its culture. Its time to start to honor and respect the barber, the waste technician, the musician, the flute player, the drummer etc.
Our country will be so much better if we appreciate and value the work and service those people provide. Instead of ridiculing those professionals, we should praise them for their invaluable services.
Alas! In Yemen, we tend to respect the well-to-do and the powerful. We respect tribal leaders that want to keep our country entangled in senseless tribal conflicts. We respect politicians that are corrupt and unworthy of their positions.
I think its the responsibility of the State and the media to educate our people. In order to have our country move ahead we must not discriminate. We must accept and tolerate all people and professions. We must tell our people that a waste technician is just as good and valuable as a brigadier, if not better and that a flute player is more dignified than a self-centered Sheikh etc.
Kaleef Hamadan
[email protected]
DEAR KALEEF,
WE are happy to see that you were moved by the issues we published. That is precisely the reason why we try to cover such issues. In fact we tried our best to bring the picture to the readers as close to reality as possible.
As for the name, frankly speaking, we tried to put other names to indicate this particular cast. Yet the truth is that they are known by this name and if we wanted clarity, we had to use it. There is no offense at all in the name. Its in the idea and the thoughts that come with it.. it is deeper than just naming, and we want to make a difference not in names but in realities. Editor
Will It Be A Dream Come True?
ATTURBAH is a small town 70 kms to the south of Taiz. About 50,000 people live here. This small town is gifted with different beauty-spots and tourist attractions. Besides, good civilized facilities are being made available. But we are still in a bad need of a university.
Although there is an alternative in the higher institutes this can not meet the booming demands of the neighborhood. Many students wishing to pursue their higher studies are obliged to travel either to Sanaa or Taiz. Others who can not afford study in major cities feel hopeless and desperate.
However, students have never lost hope. Today, we feel that our long-waited wish is likely to be a dream come true with the establishment of the college of Education. We look at it as the first step to have a university built here.
One fails to describe the happy feelings of students when it was inaugurated 4 years ago. On this occasion, I have the pleasure to present my warmest congratulations to the first batch of its graduates and to everyone who contributed to its existence.
I prey for the completion of this great project in the near future.
Huda Ahmad Mokbel Naji
Atturbah
Dear editor
I would like to correspond with people in your country interested in stamps, coins, and banknotes.
I should very much appreciate if you would be kind enough to write a few lines about this in your paper.
Kind Regards
Arne Hagberg
Fisketorp 26
–450 Hedekas, Sweden
Dear reader,
I am a 7th grader at Placerita Jr. High School in Santa Clarita, California. We are learning about careers and would like to hear about yours.
The purpose of this project is to get an idea of what jobs we want to have when we grow up. It would be great if you could send us the following information about your career on a postcard:
* what the career is
* how long you have been in it
* describe it
* the education it requires
* how much money you make (if that is too personal, we will understand)
Thank you for your information.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Noelle, David and Brett
Flohr
P.O. Box 221135 Newhall, California

 
 
TO THE EDITOR WHO LEFT:
I love you so much, with all my heart
I love you like always from all my heart
this is strange and you think i am nuts
here’s a message from some one with guts
missing you,
Afaf.
 
 

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