WHERE EVERYONE WANTS TO BE A “BOSS”
Where everyone is a star in a Land of Showbiz!
Lebanon is the country where everyone wants to be a boss. My late Dad became popular for his saying, “Every rooster crows as loud as he can in this country, while perched on his own pile of rubbish!” Arrogance coupled with haughtiness is inherent in the Lebanese brought up solely in their country.
Those born into wealth are the worst. They are capricious with a short-tempered fuse and nasty tantrums. A typical Lebanese adage applies appropriately, “The world is too small for his ego!” Those of humbler backgrounds would rather survive through debt to keep up appearances, putting on airs and graces — a trap for the gullible.
The greater the show and the tips, the stronger the magnetism. Unfortunately, it attracts the beautiful, the bad, and the ugly opportunists. The spendthrifts obtain demi-god reverential status that soothes their sore egos. The thrifty ones are usually isolated and labeled “he doesn’t know how to enjoy life!”. The modest belongs to the lowly masses. Yes, they are looked down upon.
The beautiful trendy and expensive cars on the streets are only a status symbol. A false status with no symbolism whatsoever. Contrary to the superficial belief that they belong to those who may own mansions, they belong to old houses with hardly enough space to park a motorbike. But there is no denying, that the interior of their homes is impeccably clean, and tastefully decorated however modest they may be. But where is the logic when a car costs more than the whole interior?
This festering mentality makes them rude and intrusive with impunity, despite their education. But it erodes their ancestral culture that was once held in high regard. On the other hand, they do have a good quality at overdoing their generosity. But scratch the surface, and you’ll discover that it is more to impress than it is from the heart.
This glazed attitude goes to their head. They suddenly think they are irreproachable, and even if they are at fault, they believe they are above the law. A Lebanese will never admit being at fault, it exposes their damaged ego. Besides, they will naggingly revisit the subject to ensure that you are convinced they are right.
This brings me to their rusty legal system which further condones this impunity and disoriented concept of justice. Each one has the conviction that force, insults, and threats intimidate and guarantee what they capriciously desire. It confirms their presence and space and affirms a non-existent strong personality to be reckoned with. Rather than submit to that which is legal and justly correct.
Since their Civil War, living under the cloud of political thievery and treachery which is never brought to justice, everyone believes the Law exists cosmetically on paper, and each one makes his own law. No one is familiar with the letter of the Law. One would think the Law existed to remain on paper or, better still, to persuade international donors that they conform with the most civilized societies in the world. After all, Beirut was known to be the seat of the written Roman Law. They gloat over their past culture, create havoc with it in the present, and they are totally oblivious to the repercussions for the future.
The Police in Lebanon is one of the lowest-paid cadres in the civil service. They are attached to the local municipalities with absolutely no authority. Their function is to control traffic. Poorly motivated, when the traffic is intense, they disappear from the street and allow drivers to sort out their problems at the risk of beating each other up. They observe traffic offenses, but do not bother to stop anyone, because everybody pretends to know someone higher in the hierarchy that will eventually deride them at their job.
The Gendarmes are the detainers of law and order. Knowing they are the only link between the population and the executive arm of the law, the courts, they can make or break any case, and that insinuates many interpretations. When listening to the Plaintiff, they dare judge it themselves before investigating it. They attempt to belittle the case being reported, to give themselves less work because they are also poorly paid — unless ‘motivated’ otherwise. That is why it is best to be accompanied by a lawyer which is a double expense. It is another subject of finding an honest and responsible lawyer. The gendarmes more or less follow instructions when a lawyer is on the scene. He represents the eventual course of the file, a judge, and a court. They usually contact the court to appoint a judge to handle the case, before accepting a complaint/statement and proceeding with their investigation. They may invite both parties to make their conclusions before finally sending the file back for final deliberations or judgment.
With such a tense, costly, and lengthy procedure to restrain an Offender, people prefer taking the law into their own hands whatever the outcome. In cases of physical violence, and damage to property, the counter-accusations are falsely and cleverly inserted to weaken the Plaintiff’s case. That is why it is best to have a lawyer. It is even better to be present to ensure that every false counterclaim is supported with a solid defense. Lawyers tend to overlook details by intent or contempt. Their excuse is that they handle too many cases at a time — when they’re handling only one at the moment.
Nothing beats the British system of law and order. The local Police accept a statement and start investigations. In case of serious threats, assault or damages, the Defendant is withheld in custody until the file is sent to Court and the judge determines the outcome.
Another reason there are so many preppies popping, popular “bosses” floating around in abundance, is because they know that every Tom, Dick, or Harry wants to be a bigger “boss”. This usually escalates into assaults and violence. This is one of the aftermaths of their Civil War, indiscipline, and retribution. Since then, it has become the survival of the fittest, perhaps a result of the psychological trauma of the War as well.
I came to Lebanon and perceived unbearable chaos. I surely can’t discipline a population. But on my turf and in my relationships, I can in their style, impose my rules and secure my peace and tranquility. This implies moving against the tide, an uphill battle. After 6 years, I have successfully achieved it. It resulted in a few skirmishes where I had to pull out the law from its dusty shelf, apply it, and execute its consequences upon people. It cost me money and time. But I have succeeded in eliminating the misfits in my life (good riddance to bad rubbish) and developing my peaceful haven of like-minded cream of friends in my entourage/social circle. It may be restricted but highly enjoyable. Offering each of us a quality of life I am not prepared to sacrifice come what may, and a far cry from the surrounding displays of pizazz!
Little wonder with such negatively entrenched attitudes they spiral from one disaster into another. Is it in their genes to drift toward anarchy rather than draw their lessons from the past that only law and order provide stability, progress, security, and prosperity? For all their endurance, tenacity, ambition, and persistence, they can surely build themselves a brighter future.
Why did I choose the Land of Showbiz? Through my ancestral lineage, returning from the Diaspora to reclaim my properties, and as age would have it, create my little world for a peaceful retirement. Discovering the most beautiful jewel of a country amongst shameful beasts who have lost their rich heritage, and the good ones amongst us have to bear the Calvary of their stigma!
Sammy RNAJ — sammy.rnaj.writer@gmail.com — WhatsApp +96170499352
