When one thinks of Egypt, what typically springs to mind are pyramids, pharaohs and the Nile River. Many people tend to focus on its early history, but lately it seems scholars and researchers are tending to look more at its later history, particularly when it was under the rule of the Greeks and the Romans. From Justin Pollard's book, "The Rise and Fall of Alexandria: Birthplace of the Modern World," (2006) to a recent CNN article on St. Anthony's Monastery in Egypt, many scholars are showing how Egypt transformed from an isolationist power to the center of culture and intellect in the ancient world.
The Greek Ptolemy family settled in Alexandria in order to establish a city of the mind, where philosophers, scientists and religious leaders all could gather. When the Greeks came, and then later, the Romans, they ruled with a strong military — at times committing horrendous acts. It was the harmony between a strong military force and good laws that maintained law and order in Egypt, so civilization could continue to flourish.
This is the real point; beyond political, regional and even national issues is the need to preserve and strengthen civilization. "What does civilization mean to you?" may seem like an eighth−grade essay contest question, and to others the word "civilization" is some 19th−century Victorian concept used to further the imperial ambitions of white males. But that is simply because such people cannot fathom what it would be like to live in a place without the rule of law, without civilization.
Unfortunately, the Greek and Roman city officials lost control in Alexandria too often; the various religious and political factions grew intolerant of one another, and the entire city occasionally erupted into fits of madness. The murder of the Greek philosopher Hypatia by religious fanatics exemplifies the fierce intolerance that infected the city. The sad fact is that sometimes large groups of people get caught up in their emotions and convictions — the exact opposite of what the original Ptolemy intended for his city.
These have been the thoughts running through my head during the wake of the Tucson shooting, as well as the remarks by Gov. Robert Bentley (R−Ala.) made last week, in which he said non−Christians were not his brothers and sisters. It is encouraging that more leaders seem to be acknowledging how powerful words and ideas can be. Even Pope Benedict XVI, who had a tendency of making irresponsible, immature comments as a cardinal, has become more understanding and respectable through the gravitas of his current position.
Of course, leaders of governments and churches are not the only ones who must be held accountable for their words. When average citizens exchange thoughts — be it in the classroom or on the internet — some people think it acceptable to trash−talk and bully others with their inane, barbaric comments. When the chips are down, when it matters most, it is just sad that some people cannot control themselves and act like adults. That is when civilizations truly become endangered.
Even in Egypt today, the spirit of its ancient scientists and philosophers seems long gone. Between the attacks against Coptic Egyptians, the government's lack of protection and authority concerning these attacks and the government's fears of Tunisia−like protests, which have led to a number of arrests and bullying by police, it is at best ironic and at least disgraceful that the cradle of civilization has become a hot spot for tyrannical, intolerant behavior. These events prove once again that a government with a strong military force that is lacking good laws, civility and culture always fails in the end. The 2002 rebuilding of the ancient Library of Alexandria would have been celebrated more around the world if it had been accompanied by a rebuilding of the open, cosmopolitan society in which it originally had been constructed.
As a student of history, I sincerely believe that people can change, albeit with great and consistent effort. So when leaders such as Governor Bentley apologize, it is nice and proper that most people forgive and let go of any offense that has occurred. On the other hand, apologies mean very little if they are not followed up with measurable actions that prove one has understood why people were offended in the first place. Thus, I hope Bentley goes beyond his apology and remembers that this country was founded on religious tolerance and the refusal to let one religion dominate our political discourse.
The last 20 years of public discourse have been dominated by a fight over political correctness. What many in the media and politics are coming to realize is that it is not always the terms and vocabulary one uses that matters in debate but also the ways and manner in which we debate. We have a strong sense of law and order today; let us not forget to uphold civility and culture as well.
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