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Images – Columnists – For Demonstration Purposes Only!

For Sunday September 29^th 2013

 Between Us Only!

The Omani Columnists!

• I have given you good advice; but you like not good advisers – Prophet Saleh RA 7:73 – 79
• I am thankful for all those difficult people in my life; they have shown me exactly who I do not want to be – Anon
• If some of the Officials were to be at the Pearly Gates; simply no one will enter into heaven – My Late Father

This week I was very sad and disheartened in reading this column – in the other newspaper – of a famous Omani Lady Columnist from Salalah – who had decided to stop continuing with her column. She does not give explicit and clear reasons for ending the column – but one can be forgiven by reading between the lines – that it was more of her decision to do so! I can associate with her feelings – having gone through the motions myself before!

This lady I admire her very much by being able to handle taboo subjects – especially from an angle of a woman – where in the conservativeness and inward looking at things – it is expected (required?) for the woman to go to a corner – and shut up! The poor ladies in another place are ‘still not allowed to drive’ – and if they do – their ‘guardians’ are charged hefty fines for allowing people under their control – to ‘drive without licenses’!

Even though the young dynamic Emir of Qatar in his UN Speech had said – It is clear that things will not revert (to the old ways of doing things) in the Arab world and that the Arab peoples have now become more aware of their rights and are more involved in the public domain.

It is true that there are many people – including Omanis for that matter – that would prefer that there are no Omani Columnists that especially write in English – though I would imagine that there would be more time and compassion – for those that write in Arabic!

The problem is that in the many cases and in many of the English Newspapers especially here – you may find The Top Management being run by The Locals themselves – but the many of the Editorial and Media Staff are Expatriates! Trust me in saying that many of them they really do have more time, patience and support for the local writers – in many cases anyway! But there are still a group of the die-hards Old Guards that are determined to bring our lots down – and not even to be outdone.

With due respects and apologies – this is the sad and bitter truth. Even if some may deny and do not want to accept this! Woe to you if they are in control – or have ‘the ears of the top (local) bosses’ – and that they are very good Actors, Impersonators and Impressionists. Schemers and Plotters! They also have long elephant memories – and do not ever forget – or forgive easily. Once you have crossed them – you are doomed for life!

Even if Ghandi himself had said – The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong – Mahatma Ghandi – Few of them listen to him.  Even Dr. Abdul Kalaam – It is very easy to defeat someone, but it is very hard to win someone! And Shakespeare too – Never play with the feelings of others because you may win the game but the risk is that you will surely lose the person for a life time!

 Bite the hand that feeds you – and then end to lick the boot that kicks you! – Anon

Images – Columnists – For Demonstration Purposes Only!

People need to realise that things have now changed with the advent of time and development – and in Change! Change – before Changes change you! The old games and gimmicks do not work anymore. Personally, I do feel that those in The Senior Positions in The Media too need to change with The Times – and sitting back in the offices whilst the expatriates under them do all the works – and they then take credit and control – need to change too – and very fast too!

There is simply no time for ‘foot dragging’ – and in not in giving more chances and opportunities to the younger ones – especially those that have the Media qualifications and knowledge – even if not that much experience and exposures. Even The Expert Expatriate had made many mistakes – before he became now capable and competent. If the chances and breaks were given to them before – why not to our own too?

As a Writer and Columnist too – I have met many people who like what I write! But there are some elements – some powerful too – that wish for the dirt to be pushed under the carpet – or as some of them say to me – ‘not to wash our dirty linen’ in public! Especially as you write in English! Even if in writing the payments are just peanuts – or as it is said – that there is simply no money in writing! As Jules Renard had said – Writing is the only profession where no one considers you ridiculous if you earn no money!

For me personally, I am very happy to see so many youngsters coming up to in writing columns – especially in English! They should be encouraged and be supported! Like I had told The Editor – Anytime that you have found a good writer cum columnist – and have no space for more – just let me know to quit gracefully – whilst still being read and respected. One of The Young Columnist – whom I am seeing doing very well – has even called me The Guru – because of my support to him in the past!

We need to be more open and flexible – and more receptive! We owe this to the younger generation – to our future, destiny and legacy. History will judge us unkindly and mercilessly – if we do not come to do of that is required and expected for to do and perform! Time is of the essence too! No time to waste here!

And Yes – Those like us that still like to ‘open our mouth and speak’? Let us! You never know! One day we may have nothing more to say! Or may have said it already!

Take Care!

By: Majid Al-Suleimany

Words, once they are printed, have a life of their own. Carol Burnett