Kids Say The Funniest Things: Regarding What We See On Our Satellite Television Channels
28 January 2013By Mshari Al-Zaydi
I recently read a pleasant news item about an
eight-year-old girl, Hala Hancerkiran, interviewing
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
According to the news report, Hala had travelled to
the Turkish parliament's headquarters accompanied by
her father.
Erdogan, the Turkish prime minister and chief of the
country's ruling party, noticed the young
girl-sporting pig-tails and glasses-in the backstage
area prior to the start of the Justice and Development
party's meeting. Erdogan reportedly told her ?I have a
granddaughter your age. . .do you know my name?" The
little girl answered, whispering his name in his ear,
adding that she had come to Turkey's parliament to
complete her homework and interview a politician.
Whether this cheerful little girl awoke Erdogan's
paternal instincts or his political instincts for a
good story, he promised to give her an interview
following the end of his parliamentary meeting.
This is in fact truly what happened following
Erdogan's political meeting, which—no doubt—is truly
boring and depressing work, full of everything that is
annoying in life.
Erdogan met with Hala who questioned him
enthusiastically, whilst he indulgently and
affectionately listened and answered. Writing slowly
in her notebook, Hala asked the Turkish prime
minister: how do you remain so active? How do you find
time for your children? How did you feel about being
prime minister? She perhaps asked other questions that
did not reach the media, for children do not know when
to stop, or what questions are impolite. Children do
not distinguish between politicians and
circus-performers; indeed they may find a
circus-performer more lovable! It crossed my mind that
it would be a good idea for every politician,
statesman, or public figure-including television
preachers, social theorists, businessmen, and
scholars-to conduct an impromptu interview with a
young child in front of a live audience. This would
represent a test of honesty and spontaneity conducted
by a young child who does not know how to ?play the
game?, either by playing on the ego of the interviewee
or otherwise acting as an adult would.
Children only know how to play on the playground where
they are sincerely and genuinely consumed by ?the
moment? and their toys and games. Children are always
truthful and never false; they do not lie or deceive,
their questions are spontaneous and not subject to any
filtering process or restrictions.
Therefore, adults have no right to suppress children's
inquisitive natures and destroy their love of asking
questions.
Imagine if Arab celebrities had to pass this exam, how
many of these celebrities would fail this test of
truthfulness and credibility.
I will not name a candidate for this treatment at this
juncture but leave this to your imagination. I'm
certain that there will be countless proposals in view
of each lie or falsehood that we are forced to stomach
on a daily basis in the Arab world, particularly
regarding what we see on our satellite television
channels every day and every night.
Therefore, children? please judge us!
A Saudi journalist and expert on Islamic movements
and Islamic fundamentalism as well as Saudi affairs.
Mshari is Asharq Al-Awsat's opinion page Editor, where
he also contributes a weekly column. Has worked for
the local Saudi press occupying several posts at Al -Madina
newspaper amongst others. He has been a guest on
numerous news and current affairs programs as an
expert on Islamic.
©
EsinIslam.Com
Add Comments