Lawrence of Arabia Syndrome

[homais]

Someone here in Cairo taught me a really useful term: "Lawrence of Arabia Syndrome". Usually, it refers to Westerners who think that they can swoop in with romantic ideas and solve the Arabs' problems for them, but around here I've heard people using the term differently. It describes those guys - and they're usually guys - who come to an Arab

Comments

[altamira16]

I love the colors in the second picture.

[purejuice]

so happy to hear from you. keeping my legs crossed for further developments!

[bdouville]

One could argue that those ex-pats who seek out the back-alley Sufi concerts in the poor part of town are preferable to their opposite number (which you have written about in the past, while you were in Damascus, I think): the ex-pat who pines for "home" and whines about how unfamiliar everything is. (I think about four years ago, you did use the term "ugly American" to allude to this stereotype, which really does exist, does it not?)

Undoubtedly, the guy who attended that back-alley concert probably feels a little bit superior. (Hence, my icon.) But maybe that isn't altogether unwarranted. And a few years from now (heck, maybe even a few months), he may look back on his smug attitude and cringe.

Anyways, I look forward to Part Two. And any other forthcoming posts, with or without Cairo pictures.

Cheers,

Bruce

[john1082]

Can't wait to visit - when is a good time to do so

sigh.

[tomato39]

fucking hipsters.