From time to time I like to provoke myself by different methods: reading official newspapers, watching stupid music videos, visiting websites and blogs that promote extremist thought.. etc. I don't do that out of a desire for self-torture, but I believe I have to stay in touch with things happening around me, even those I don't approve of.
Last night I got engaged into one of those episodes as I decided to watch the finale of Miss Pantene (ex-Miss Egypt) 2007. I don't know how much money it cost Pantene to have its name on the contest, but I never saw this done with any sponsor in the world, no matter how generous the amount they poured in. Anyway, I had seen a promo for the event where all the contestants were trying to gather votes (just for the sake of nourishing the SMS business in Egypt, as the votes don't count in deciding who really wins the title.) The majority of the contestants were as far from beauty as Egypt winning the World Cup kedda. However, this was not a problem if there had been any kind of charisma or intelligence to balance that. After all, I'm against beauty contests altogether. Yet, I like Egypt to have a representative at any international event, even if it was Miss Universe. Better have any kind of presence than none.
Anyway, I didn't have the nerves to watch the contest from the start, so I watched Al 3ashera Masa2an while I kept switching to see how far they've gone. I started watching when it was time to ask questions to the 5 finalists. The girls' eyes could tell that I would be the loser if I expected anything from them (even below average), so I kept my expectations low, but couldn't still to make them as low as the answers which were enough to make me jump off my seat with disbelief. One of those finalists had pure European features (she sure has got European origins) and couldn't even speak Arabic, so she gave her answers in English!
The organizers announced that this year the prize for Miss Egypt will be making her wildest dream come true. They had asked all the contestants about their wildest dreams and the answers of the finalists were as follows: "I wish to visit a Perfume Factory in Paris," "I wish to spend a day in Paris," "I wish to travel to Italy," I wish take part in an international fashion show," "I wishto spend a day with my favorite star." (Begad no comment ya3ni) Anyway, the final question that was asked to all 5 was "If you could bring back a great woman from the past, who will she be and why?" Not a bad one, but the answers were so lame. Of course none of the finalists could answer the "why" section. Two of them chose Huda Sha'rawy, one chose Mother Theresa, one chose Princess Diana, and the last one chose Cleopatra.
Up till here I have absolutely no problem. What really enraged me was that the chosen Miss Pantene (supposedly Miss Egypt) was the European girl, Ehsan Hatem! "Oh my God!" Of course she was the one who chose to bring back Princess Diana, for I bet she doesn't know anything about Egyptian women or Egyptian history. Ehsan looks 100% European, you can't even suspect from her name that she might be from the Middle East. In short, everything about her is so not-Egyptian. How can she represent Egypt then?!
Of course it's not her fault. The organizers and judges in this pageant should have known better. However, their choice reveals a shameful trend that is not only spreading in Egypt, but in all the Arab countries. It reveals a sense of inferiority, lack of national pride and a severe identity crisis. They didn't choose a blonde or a green-eyed girl, they chose someone who only holds the Egyptian nationality without the identity; that is without the features or the language.
Egyptian b
eauty used to be the magic that lured the world in ancient times. The ancient Egyptian woman's wide eyes with her dark hair and sun-kissed skin used to be the ultimate measures for beauty. Up till now the biggest cosmetic companies and fashion houses are using this image for inspiration. But those in Miss Pantene have got other thoughts; they may think a girl who looks Egyptian is not good enough to show to the world. They decided, " Let's show the world that we have blonde chicks who look just like Europeans and speak like them."
eauty used to be the magic that lured the world in ancient times. The ancient Egyptian woman's wide eyes with her dark hair and sun-kissed skin used to be the ultimate measures for beauty. Up till now the biggest cosmetic companies and fashion houses are using this image for inspiration. But those in Miss Pantene have got other thoughts; they may think a girl who looks Egyptian is not good enough to show to the world. They decided, " Let's show the world that we have blonde chicks who look just like Europeans and speak like them." Well, I say shame on them. Those folks have got an inferiority complex. If they can't appreciate the real beauty in their country, let this be their choice. But they have no right to make our young girls feel they are not beautiful when they see the European Miss Egypt! The mass audience for such ridiculous shows is young teenage girls, who already have got enough insecurities to deal with. Now, when those girls see that the most beautiful girl in Egypt has got white skin, blonde hair, and green eyes, and doesn't speak their language, what does this teach them? How do we expect them to have self-confidence and carry their Egyptian identity proudly? These guys must know that they are messing with a whole generation who unfortunately follow their crap and form their models out of it. Damn it!
24 comments:
What's even worse is that its a bunch of pathetic men who run the show... I agree, Ehsan seems to have appeared out of nowhere with her russian looks, but who knows, she may very well be the descendent of some egyptian who was raped by British or French authorities back in the day. Nonetheless I think the whole problem lies within the people who run the damn thing. You and I know darn well that there are even more beautiful and smarter Egyptian girls out there, but they'll enter a facebook beauty contest instead cuz well---cuz Yousef Spahi and his little entourage of idiots don't know diddly squat...
Alalal! malhom el masreeen ely shaklohom agaaneb?!!!!!!
aho ana keda afasht :)
Some of them are more Egyptian that the "Shadoof" ya 7aga!
what is all this fuss about? For heaven's sake, define Egyptian?! Is is all about the looks!!! Oh my God, i think this isn't fair ... i mean Ehsan doesnt deserve all that criticism only cuz she carries some foreign looks ...or is half russian or whatever ...
Didnt u ask urself why in the first place she chose to participate in Miss EGYPT AND NOT in any of the foreign beauty pagents? I think because of her sense of belonging which really defines the egyptian character NOT the looks ..
About she saying tht she'd choose to bring Lady Diana back ...that's gr8!!! YES it is great! .... what's wrong with tha??? Diana was a great lady who has done a lot to the world! so there is no problem!
Congats to Ehsan !
Mariposa:
Yeah, I hope that everybody can see that I'm against the organizers and not Ehsan. I had said in my post that she it is not her fault. They chose her from 22 contestants, all of them can speak Arabic BTW. And of course Egypt is full beautiful and smart girls who really carry the Egyptian identity and culture and I think that's what matters most in choosing Miss Egypt.
Fadfadation:
Are you still against reading the full post? lol
Ya 3am those who have foreign looks 3ala 3eeny wrasy, bas ykoono ye3rafo 3araby 7ata. In Ehsan's case the thing goes further than the looks. How can she represent a country that she can't even speak its tongue!! Not to mention anything about the culture kaman.
She:
I will ask you the same question you posed: "Define Egyptian."
I would be disappointed if your answer was "anyone who holds an Egyptian passport".
Again I say I am not against Ehsan as a person. I didn't criticise her at all. I said it was not her fault to be chosen as Miss Egypt. I was just hoping to see a Miss Egypt who speaks our language and who could respresent the Egyptian culture. Is this too much to ask?
I hate that kinda of contests , it's like miss Egypt is the only good looking girl nd the rest go to hell.
el mosiba en that most of them is ignorant living fel tarawah y3ni
all they care about is makeup fashion , going up , modeling
oh god they spend that sum of money on these contests nd there many people out there starving all that so they say that Egypt like other civilized countries huv beauty contests
So ya'll agree that we're air heads huh?!? Nice.... I just, love the way our people constantly criticize us, it's always a source of inspiration… and you say it's the organizers fault?!? Seriously, I believe it's our fault for not caring enough to know the full story and to dig deeper in finding a way to participate in the decision making as most of us are only interested in the crowning moment and beyond and not what goes on before that. after reading a few other blogs tonight I now know that this is far beyond a personal opinion, it's our people's way of thinking, they can't be bothered, and yet they complain when one they see unfit is crowned miss Egypt. Meh Ehsan is a lovely person and I'm happy for her, I feel sorry for all the harsh comments she's getting though, but then again can't say much for the ones the rest of us are getting" the other contestants" as we have been viewed as oh wait we're not even pretty AND we're ignorant "fil tarawa ya3ni" lol (God I hate saying we when I say ignorant)! anyway, Just wanted to say that there IS brain activity out there and despite my efforts it unfortunately went unnoticed! once again I congratulate Ehsan for winning , and i ask you people to give her a chance, she's a great person once you get to know her & about the look, again i agree it's not her fault she was chosen!
Btw she's not half Russian she's half american.and another thing I speak for my self when i say not all my cares are about modeling and shopping and stuff lol I now care about World peace too!
Ya Om luji,
Seems that previous anon is one of the contestants.
Ooooo, you seem to have tipped her off!
Miss Anon, just a question. What do you want to achive through competing in such a contest?
Note: i am really asking, no sarcazm!
I found your blog through Asrar Al Banat's blog. What a brilliant post and blog! You have a wonderful and articulate way of examining issues critically and fairly. I'll definitely be a regular :)
Ma-3lina:
I share the same feelings you have about these contests, not only in Egypt but worldwide.
Omal law shofty Mr Egypt ba2a konty ht2ooly eih?.. lol
Anon:
First of all I don't know why you didn't tell us your name. I think it is something to be proud of that you are a Miss Egypt contestant.
Now, believe me I was watching the contest with the hope of being disappointed. Instead I ended up having the regular meal with a cherry on top (I mean the cherry of the results).
You are saying there was brain activity there, where? if I may ask. I wrote the answers of the finalists, where they would supposedly make there most in showing whatever brain they've got. What kind of person will have a life dream of visiting a Parisian perfume factory? For God's sake, I'm not supposed to consider her May Zyada ya3ni.
Again, you had nothing to say concerning Ehsan's ignorance of her mother tongue, if she's Egyptian. With all respect to her, she may be the most beautiful person alive, but she definitely isn't a represtative of Egyptian girls. Who are we showing to the world?
Tayeb ana radya zemetek ya sheikha. Can a contestant who can't speak English apply for a Miss USA pageant? Even if she was accepted in the most imaginary situation, does she have any chance in making it to the first round even? Of course not. And it's not because she's not a good person, but simply because Miss USA must be an American who speaks English.
We're not being mean. This is the constructive criticism that the stars are asking for in al their interviews. So, you really got a chance to make a point if you want to.
Fadfadation:
Enty gy t3akes wala eih? lol
Just kidding :)
I certainly hope I didn't annoy her, cause after all I don't know any of them.
Arima:
Asraralbanat has surely done me a great favour. Thanks for all the nice things you said about this blog. Hope to always be up to your expectations. You have one of the most wonderful blogs, I sure am a fan. Will always be happy to receive your comments.
Well .. It seems we have a hot spot here .. Allow me to participate:
1. It is not shame for one to have a dual nationality. Ahmed Zowel is an Egyptian/American citizen. Magdi Ya'cub is an Egyptian/British "Sir!" .. But both of them has the Egyptian IDENTITY running in blood. Both of of them is doing his utmost to help this country although they are not going to gain anything out of it more than they have already got from the USA, UK and the whole world. And there are mant other examples of course.
2. I will propose an answer for the roaming question here: Define Egyptian.
An Egyptian is a person who is interested and indulged in Egypt's history, culture, problems, and spirit. Whose disteny (even in psychological terms) is correlated with Egypt's disteny. In that sense, even some people who don't carry Egyptian passports are considered to be Egyptians (regardless of the fact that they cannot participate officilly under the name of Egypt).
3. I don't know Miss Ehsan. I don't know whether she carries the Egyptian identity (which is much more important than the Egyptian passport) or not. She seemed to me alien to the Egyptian spirit. Not because she has some foreign looks! Hussien Fahmy is 200% Egyptian in spite of his looks (shwayyet 7asad b2a!). Not because she speaks English better than Arabic. Many do so, as a result of living abroad. Not, of course, because she chose Diana as her favorite personality. It is simply because she hasn't showed, during the period I have seen, what may reinforce her Egyptian identity.
Sorry for prolixity and my regards to all of you.
Salama:
I liked so much what you said about identity. You are absolutely right and this is exactly why I think the choice of Miss Egypt this year was wrong.
On the other hand, I still have got issues with the foreign looks as long as this is what the competition is about. They judge girls on the looks to represent Egyptian beauty at the Miss Universe pageant. Therefore, I claim that she should at least look Egyptian. And also reinforce the sense of pride and self-confidence in the young girls who need to know that beauty comes in different shapes, not only the European measures.
Hi. Despite the fact that I don't really care who holds the title, I'm leaning towards agreeing with you, I thought she'd be dismissed as a choice when she chose to answer in English!!! What kinda representative of the country doesn't speak Arabic!!!!
Juka:
That's it, you see. I don't give a damn about this whole contest. Yet, as long as the winner will represent Egypt at an international event, I believe the least she could have done was to learn the language of the country she's representing.
Once more I find my self in a position…. like we say "mat7esedshi 3aleeh"
So just to clarify things; first, I had no intention of hiding my identity, it's just easier and I admit to being lazy to sign in and what not, so, on that note, am Nesma Mohsen, and am as proud to have been a contestant of miss Egypt now as when I first started this whole thing. In response to fadfadation's question: I dunno what came over me to be honest, I just thought why not go for it?!? It's sure to have some weird experience in store for me here or there (and weird it had lol ) … hmmm.. And for the sake of adventure I guess...
Mhmm…Back to being caught up between a rock and a hard place, to be completely honest with you, I don't know what to say in defense any more, and because I some what feel inclined to do so, it puts me in a sort of a speechless position that I frankly hate to be in.
Moving on, I undoubtedly agree to some degree with what you are saying about the egyptian identity even though I believe having the egyptian blood run through you is sure enough to make you all that and more but it's always true that we as Egyptians have a lil something something that distinguishes us / makes us stand out from other Arabs and other nationalities. On the other hand About the features of an egyptian being represented in miss universe and about smarter things being said in response to the questions on stage, i couldn't agree with you more. We must not seem as we are ashamed of our true features, or look like we're trying to copy them coz we feel that they hold the features of true beauty and all that, you know coz of the whole"3o2ted el 5awaga" thing… I mean, after all I believe all the real beauties came from Egypt, am I right or am I right eh? Lol Which reminds me… in no way do I see misleading the young generation a matter to be taken lightly, but then again why don't you consider those that ARE in fact Egyptians but don't look it for a second?!? especially those found in the small towns and in the country side meh they look more European than they do egyptian , so does this mean that just because they don't carry the true egyptian features they don't have a chance of representing us, or of feeling/ being as much of an egyptian as one that does carry those features? Are we not being some what unfair to them too? And as you said already, I doubt there are any "pure" Egyptians left any more as we all have one ancestor or another which is Turkish or French or what ever it is, so does that make us any less egyptian (you don't have to answer that last one I know you already said no :P but am just tryin to make a point )
And About Ehsan, All I can say is, she is as much of an Egyptian as you and I, only problem is... features and language… even though she speaks it when she's not under pressure... I must admit though that I, my self, tend to snap in English sometimes, and in some cases find I can get my point across and make a better impact with what I have to say in English than in Arabic. but as your friend already said it's coz we lived abroad and we've grown use to expressing our selves in a language other than ours tis still not something we should be ashamed of at least we can make an impact, with which ever language it is, some, can't even do that, how ever hard they may try and in what ever language they may choose " lol (ok am just being mean now).
Lastly, I truly applaud you and your writings (or at least the ones I read) coz I can see where your coming from and I like the way you express your point of view. And if you don't mind I'd be happy to visit your blog more frequently and read what you have to say about issues that aren't, in my opinion, getting as much attention as I would please. Oh Another thing I apologies for my late response I just have too many things on my hands right now!
Babyangel:
Welcome Nesma. Thanks for all the nice words. Glad you could see that we're on the same camp here.
I really liked what you had to say. You seem like a very smart girl who knows how to handle a logical discussion. I'm so sorry for this next comment, but I just can't help it. Maybe that's why they didn't choose you. lol
Ma3lesh, but as many here and on other blogs have said, we didn't see any sign of brain in this contest. Which makes me wonder, haven't you felt for a second that you were not in the right company? I know that the title is very tempting and shiny, but I believe the event wasn't up to it. I mean it is ok if they are choosing a Miss Pantene, as I have noted, but certainly unfit for a Miss Egypt.
Anyway, I am glad that this whole thing has resulted in getting us to know you. It shall cause me great pleasure if you frequent this blog and add your thoughts.
Thanks om luji, I will definitely take you up on that offer. funny thing is I DID ask my self the same question a couple of times, and again frankly speaking i did feel outta place on several occasions but there was few that made me feel like its not all going to waste, the title was tempting and the experience was even more luring than the crown, i must say, having met a whole lot of interesting people in that sort of business would have never come any other way, plus it put my patients and nerves to test, and as much as i hate to admit it i think it taught me a thing or two about how to deal with so much estrogen at one go.. lol so all in all i guess it was some what beneficial.
You keep saying there was no sign of brains in the competition! So what was I doing there eh? lol nah there was bout 2 gals, you had to mix with them to see it, i mean stage fright can cause " balaha" and even more, and as for the "Pantene" part i agree they musta paid a good lot o money. Once again i'm glad this whole thing gave me the opportunity to share our opinions and to get to know you too
never thought that I could burst out laughing this way... Miss Egypt el 7mdolellah kol sana bteb2a al3an men ely ableeeha kteeeeeeeeeeeeeeer..
Let's start with Heba el SiSi.. El mozza el oppa!!
Begad so far, I can't figure out why she was chosen. I never saw that she is beautiful 7'alesssssssss. bas ya setty el gamal gamal el 3a2l wel rooo7 msh keda? Heba is sisi barely knows anything about her country.. or about anything that is not related to fashon designs, make up, perfums and those stuff.. (da belnesba legamaal el 3akl) Not only this, but she is terribly proud of herself as if she is the mooooooost beautiful girl on earth. w deeeeny ana 3omry mashoftaha beautiful aslan. di mabte3rafsh tetkalem kelmeteeeen 3ala b3d.
I remember the final question which was the reason why she became Miss Egypt. It was.. like make a wish or something like that.. she said ba en el 7roob te7'las w n3eesh f salam w msh 3aref eh.. 2allak b2a aywannn hwa da el matlooob.. mabrook Miss EgyBt!!
Meriam George was much better.. which gave me hope en heh fi takaddom shwya.. ah sa7ee7 she was very naive and she had no self confidence.. bas she was very cute.. and she was very kind as well..
amma ba2a bel nesba l fawzeyyyaz.. I really dont knw what to say.. ahe di b2a ely la roo7 wala shakl wala 3akl wala ay 7aga fel donya.. ezzzzzzzzzzay tetla3 Miss Egypt? I don't know (mtenseesh tab3an "a7eb ahanny Banteen Miss EgyBt toooo sawsand and sefen" ely a3adet tetdarrab 3aleeha sana kamla.. ya waksety
Last.. bas shaklaha keda not least.. e7saaan.. I think what u said about her is enough.. ely ana mesta3'rabalo en el sana ely fatet tel3et "fawzeyya" wel sanady "e7san".. shakl el sana el gayya hateb2a "3asaker" aw "ensheraa7".. adjeeeena mestanyyeeen:D
ya benty ana haroo7 a2adem aslan bel manzar da momken atla3 Banteen Miss EgyBt. Meen 3aref:D
Ah sa7eeee7.. kalemeeeeny 3n Mr Egypt b2a.. wala mashoftihoosh???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ6t59WRlpg
Yasmine:
OMG, You are really following this competition! You've went through its history and it seems you are so displeased. I agree with you. There is a very big problem with the organization of such event. As many things in our country, it is not done professionally. The choices are moving from bad to worse. And the whole reputation of the event is simply notorious!
ومن المثير للاهتمام جدا للقراءة. أريد أن أقتبس مشاركتك في بلدي بلوق. ويمكن أن؟ وأنت وآخرون حساب على التغريد؟
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