Comments on: Jordan’s Middle Children Of History http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/ A Jordanian Blog Wed, 03 Dec 2008 06:38:17 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.1 By: Ahmad Humeid http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110678 Ahmad Humeid Sat, 12 Jan 2008 22:21:02 +0000 http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110678 Very thoughtful post. Personally, I don't look back much. What I see today is a lot of niches where a new generation of Founders can prosper. I also have seen a good number of 2nd generation rich kids who exhibit a better mentality than the fathers' generation: more open minded, more inclined to deal on the basis of merit (rather than on pure family affiliations). One of the strengths of Jordan is that it continues to offer opportunities to people who decided to strike out on their own, based only on their knowledge and skill. No I am no talking about 'equal opportunities', but rather an 'acceptable' level of opportunities to keep the country 'reasonably creative'. Very thoughtful post.

Personally, I don’t look back much. What I see today is a lot of niches where a new generation of Founders can prosper.

I also have seen a good number of 2nd generation rich kids who exhibit a better mentality than the fathers’ generation: more open minded, more inclined to deal on the basis of merit (rather than on pure family affiliations).

One of the strengths of Jordan is that it continues to offer opportunities to people who decided to strike out on their own, based only on their knowledge and skill.

No I am no talking about ‘equal opportunities’, but rather an ‘acceptable’ level of opportunities to keep the country ‘reasonably creative’.

]]> By: David http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110564 David Tue, 08 Jan 2008 01:26:03 +0000 http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110564 This is not a Jordanian problem, but much more universal then you may realize. If you read "the World is Flat" by Thomas Friedman (look past the American Zionist and at the content) it paints a dismal picture for the lethargic generation. I'm optimistic for Jordanians though I see them filling in the crucial middle class gaps (middle managers, doctors, engineers, technicians, blue collar workers) in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. That's what i liked about Jordanians (at least the ones i met) much more pragmatic and smarter then Gulf and Saudi Counterparts. This is not a Jordanian problem, but much more universal then you may realize. If you read “the World is Flat” by Thomas Friedman (look past the American Zionist and at the content) it paints a dismal picture for the lethargic generation. I’m optimistic for Jordanians though I see them filling in the crucial middle class gaps (middle managers, doctors, engineers, technicians, blue collar workers) in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. That’s what i liked about Jordanians (at least the ones i met) much more pragmatic and smarter then Gulf and Saudi Counterparts.

]]> By: Tambi http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110538 Tambi Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:37:44 +0000 http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110538 Go Go Go bro, You just spill out what we all think. Man the other day i was standing at abdoun circle. And i was watchin the passing cars. And i guess cars worth around 4-5 million pased by, and the average driver was 22 or something. This is definitely wrong. How can they afford it. Go Go Go bro,
You just spill out what we all think. Man the other day i was standing at abdoun circle. And i was watchin the passing cars. And i guess cars worth around 4-5 million pased by, and the average driver was 22 or something.

This is definitely wrong. How can they afford it.

]]> By: Ammar http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110508 Ammar Sat, 05 Jan 2008 15:28:09 +0000 http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110508 Excellent i just loved it!!! Excellent i just loved it!!!

]]> By: fortunateson http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110505 fortunateson Sat, 05 Jan 2008 03:21:54 +0000 http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110505 What a horrible series of cliches and generalizations. And what a shame that someone who claims to want to foster openness and serious dialogue would post a response that is a personal attack on a particular family, especially a family that by all accounts has done much to advance philanthropy and development in the Arab world. Shame shame shame. On you. Although, I suppose jealousy leads people to do all sorts of reprehensible things, primary among them the drive to hypocrisy. What a horrible series of cliches and generalizations. And what a shame that someone who claims to want to foster openness and serious dialogue would post a response that is a personal attack on a particular family, especially a family that by all accounts has done much to advance philanthropy and development in the Arab world. Shame shame shame. On you. Although, I suppose jealousy leads people to do all sorts of reprehensible things, primary among them the drive to hypocrisy.

]]> By: imad http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110503 imad Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:43:06 +0000 http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110503 Nas I do relate to the air of concern in your post, however the mentality you are exuding is prone to the traditional reasoning that "success" and "leadership" are reflected in the ability of the wealthy heirs to steer their dad's business to the next level. This line of thinking disregards the fact that many children do not share the same passions nor talents of their parents; that they would actually excel more in other fields. The "pressure" imposed on the heirs-to-empires often stifles their ability to forge ahead with their own passion because of the existence of a "ready" livelihood. Persuaded to stick to the family business despite not being passionate about it naturally results in disappointing results. Oh and another thing, you give the older generation too much credit. Our levantian parents and grandparents both failed to restore dignity to our heritage and "arabness", vis avis the ever worsening Palestinian situation we inherit, as well as the lovely authoritarian systems that we are born into (Jordan, Egypt, Syria etc...) that baffle political scientists in a world where even impoverished South American and African states have embraced democracy. So in terms of the Fight Club catch phrase "We have no great war", apart from the reference being specific to the American middle class, we in Jordan and the Arab world DO have a great war: to reform ourselves & start contributing to the world. Oh and to free Palestine! Nas I do relate to the air of concern in your post, however the mentality you are exuding is prone to the traditional reasoning that “success” and “leadership” are reflected in the ability of the wealthy heirs to steer their dad’s business to the next level.

This line of thinking disregards the fact that many children do not share the same passions nor talents of their parents; that they would actually excel more in other fields. The “pressure” imposed on the heirs-to-empires often stifles their ability to forge ahead with their own passion because of the existence of a “ready” livelihood. Persuaded to stick to the family business despite not being passionate about it naturally results in disappointing results.

Oh and another thing, you give the older generation too much credit. Our levantian parents and grandparents both failed to restore dignity to our heritage and “arabness”, vis avis the ever worsening Palestinian situation we inherit, as well as the lovely authoritarian systems that we are born into (Jordan, Egypt, Syria etc…) that baffle political scientists in a world where even impoverished South American and African states have embraced democracy.

So in terms of the Fight Club catch phrase “We have no great war”, apart from the reference being specific to the American middle class, we in Jordan and the Arab world DO have a great war: to reform ourselves & start contributing to the world.

Oh and to free Palestine!

]]> By: manal y http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110499 manal y Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:51:24 +0000 http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110499 this is one weird post, where i cant agree or disagree i see the same disapointment in people, but i cant relate it to a certain generation or financial class. being a failure,ignorant or dull is a behaviour, you absorbs it from your surroudings and the perspective you observe life from. i dont see it the same way you do. this is one weird post, where i cant agree or disagree
i see the same disapointment in people, but i cant relate it to a certain generation or financial class.
being a failure,ignorant or dull is a behaviour, you absorbs it from your surroudings and the perspective you observe life from.
i dont see it the same way you do.

]]> By: 3ammania http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110496 3ammania Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:07:07 +0000 http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110496 Maybe it is not a good idea to judge this new generation for how they look like, ya they do look silly but they were not tested yet. after living with a european family a couple of years ago I realised the huge diference between the school person and the University person, I did not believe the way they change in the little months concerning the way they act, wear, eat. The kid I was living with and his colleagues changed from being silly teens into a serious hard working persons. This made me realise that this silly look can hide alot inside. If life was just an economical issue then ya, those children would have had no war, but life has a bigger scope (ethical, scientifical, social, religious). and this coming generation has a harder war than the one I and my generation lived because we simply did NOTHING, so they have to do our "unaccoplished homework" and their work. unless they want their children to hav more and more work to do. Maybe it is not a good idea to judge this new generation for how they look like, ya they do look silly but they were not tested yet. after living with a european family a couple of years ago I realised the huge diference between the school person and the University person, I did not believe the way they change in the little months concerning the way they act, wear, eat. The kid I was living with and his colleagues changed from being silly teens into a serious hard working persons. This made me realise that this silly look can hide alot inside.

If life was just an economical issue then ya, those children would have had no war, but life has a bigger scope (ethical, scientifical, social, religious). and this coming generation has a harder war than the one I and my generation lived because we simply did NOTHING, so they have to do our “unaccoplished homework” and their work. unless they want their children to hav more and more work to do.

]]> By: Izzat Sajdi http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110492 Izzat Sajdi Fri, 04 Jan 2008 02:36:49 +0000 http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110492 You are correct to a certain extent. On the brighter side, the young generation is better educated, more exposed to technology and have outspoken personalities. These are good ingredients for the men and women of tommorrow. On the other side, I agree that the way they behave and dress, in many cases and under certain conditions, is disgusting. It all start with the family which is the real and main mentor. On the issue of family businesses, probably 98% of our companies are family businesses. Statistics indicate the 14% of the family businesses make it to the second generation and 3% make it to the third generation. A family governance and business governonce must be established to ensure that family businesses survive as these are the real asset of Jordan. Izzat Sajdi www.izzat-sajdi.blogspot.com You are correct to a certain extent. On the brighter side, the young generation is better educated, more exposed to technology and have outspoken personalities. These are good ingredients for the men and women of tommorrow.

On the other side, I agree that the way they behave and dress, in many cases and under certain conditions, is disgusting.

It all start with the family which is the real and main mentor.

On the issue of family businesses, probably 98% of our companies are family businesses. Statistics indicate the 14% of the family businesses make it to the second generation and 3% make it to the third generation. A family governance and business governonce must be established to ensure that family businesses survive as these are the real asset of Jordan.

Izzat Sajdi
www.izzat-sajdi.blogspot.com

]]> By: AlurduniAlhurr http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110488 AlurduniAlhurr Thu, 03 Jan 2008 21:33:16 +0000 http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110488 Nassem,,,I must say this is one of the best post you wrote in your blog,but the same time, I have lots of reservations and disagreement with it For example,you wrote "I look at the wealthiest people in this country, the people who, like it or not, have helped build this country. They represent the industry and business leaders, the factories, the companies, the mini-empires in this resource-barren country of ours. From manufacturers to sellers, many are self-made; most are first generation; most are now ‘old’ money. All of them have a story to tell." I disagree with your observations about "rich and wealthy" ,it is the the hard labor of mostly poor and Middle class and I might add the poor and exploited the Egyptian and Asian work force who built this country,while the "rich" became rich not because they poses extraordinary traits or skills but high level of corruptions and power through the allegiance with the regime and the whole sale of thievery of our national resources, and there are plenty of examples that prove my point. Nassem,,,I must say this is one of the best post you wrote in your blog,but the same time, I have lots of reservations and disagreement with it
For example,you wrote “I look at the wealthiest people in this country, the people who, like it or not, have helped build this country. They represent the industry and business leaders, the factories, the companies, the mini-empires in this resource-barren country of ours. From manufacturers to sellers, many are self-made; most are first generation; most are now ‘old’ money. All of them have a story to tell.”
I disagree with your observations about “rich and wealthy” ,it is the the hard labor of mostly poor and Middle class and I might add the poor and exploited the Egyptian and Asian work force who built this country,while the “rich” became rich not because they poses extraordinary traits or skills but high level of corruptions and power through the allegiance with the regime and the whole sale of thievery of our national resources, and there are plenty of examples that prove my point.

]]> By: Um Omar http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110486 Um Omar Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:35:01 +0000 http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110486 I think West Ammanites should be forced off the dole of their parents unending 'masroof' and get part-time jobs. Learning to live off your own earnings will jump start initiative in even the laziest kids. I think West Ammanites should be forced off the dole of their parents unending ‘masroof’ and get part-time jobs. Learning to live off your own earnings will jump start initiative in even the laziest kids.

]]> By: Awartany http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110480 Awartany Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:38:02 +0000 http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110480 Ok. I'll tell you in brief my future image. I think most of us, the generation who were born in 70’s and early 80’s especially males, are suffering from what they are living, and they are not accepting how backward our society is heading. As a result, and that’s an opinion, we are going to raise a better generation at the future. We are under huge pressure, and one day when we will have the ability and the responsibility, everything will change… Ok. I’ll tell you in brief my future image. I think most of us, the generation who were born in 70’s and early 80’s especially males, are suffering from what they are living, and they are not accepting how backward our society is heading. As a result, and that’s an opinion, we are going to raise a better generation at the future. We are under huge pressure, and one day when we will have the ability and the responsibility, everything will change…

]]> By: Nani http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110479 Nani Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:23:46 +0000 http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110479 Slam alikm I come from the other side where dad wants us to do everything regardless of the financial statues, by our hands on anything even in PLUMBING! His words are: ''yaba you never know what life hiding for you, so learn as you are at it يابا الواحد بدريش الدنيا شو مخبيتلو فتعلمو هسا احسنلكو'' I hated it but it did come very handy many times I love my dad for every lesson he gave. What makes me afraid that many don't understand that their action effects on years to come. We become number one consuming community more than ever. This is the problem but what is the solution? Any suggestions? Slam alikm
I come from the other side where dad wants us to do everything regardless of the financial statues, by our hands on anything even in PLUMBING!
His words are: ”yaba you never know what life hiding for you, so learn as you are at it
يابا الواحد بدريش الدنيا شو مخبيتلو فتعلمو هسا احسنلكو”
I hated it but it did come very handy many times
I love my dad for every lesson he gave.

What makes me afraid that many don’t understand that their action effects on years to come.
We become number one consuming community more than ever.
This is the problem but what is the solution?
Any suggestions?

]]> By: Awartany http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110478 Awartany Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:02:58 +0000 http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110478 Lol @ <blockquote> Thank God my father isn’t Abd Al-Hameed Shoman… </blockquote> ola: There are some facts, those if you know, I'm sure you will change your mind ;-) BTW Shoman's family story is one of the most successful ever at the domain of Middle East; at least it lasted for 70 years!!! Lol @
Thank God my father isn’t Abd Al-Hameed Shoman…

ola: There are some facts, those if you know, I’m sure you will change your mind ;-) BTW Shoman’s family story is one of the most successful ever at the domain of Middle East; at least it lasted for 70 years!!!

]]> By: Awartany http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110477 Awartany Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:57:46 +0000 http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110477 This is really critical; however, I have seen it from inside! I have relationships with family members of those who own a major business in Jordan; a group of youth (25 Dubai, 23 and 22 in Jordan) are running their family business. Their father still alive (may god give him health), he only monitor them without interfering their main decisions, it’s all going well. Another group of their cousins are managing a similar business and they are doing well too. I think when it comes to business –neither ethics, personality, nor behavior; the testator can really handle the process of transferring his legacy! This is really critical; however, I have seen it from inside! I have relationships with family members of those who own a major business in Jordan; a group of youth (25 Dubai, 23 and 22 in Jordan) are running their family business. Their father still alive (may god give him health), he only monitor them without interfering their main decisions, it’s all going well. Another group of their cousins are managing a similar business and they are doing well too. I think when it comes to business –neither ethics, personality, nor behavior; the testator can really handle the process of transferring his legacy!

]]> By: ola http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110476 ola Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:56:16 +0000 http://www.black-iris.com/2008/01/03/jordans-middle-children-of-history/#comment-110476 Thank God my father isn't Abd Al-Hameed Shoman... Thank God my father isn’t Abd Al-Hameed Shoman…

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