In this rich conversation, Tarek Khawaji talks about his deep experience with reading and the arts, and how these activities have been shaped by his personal experience and cultural diversity. Tarek addresses the topic of reading specifically in the Saudi and Gulf context, noting that there are exaggerated romantic expressions about reading, where some consider reading as a deep personal process that does not require genius. He highlights the importance of understanding texts from multiple perspectives and how reading can be a bridge to understanding diverse cultures and ideas.
He also discusses the influence of music and films on shaping his cultural identity, noting that his preferences in art and music reflect part of his experience as a human being. He presents some challenges he faced while studying doctrine and how it affected others’ perceptions of him, especially in his academic environment. He touches on his view of books as a means of communication and interaction between people, and how some view reading as a collective act that loses its authenticity over time.
This conversation provides a glimpse into how cultural identities are formed through literature and the arts, and how an individual can find themselves in an environment rich in diversity and challenges.
The Romance of Reading and Its Impact
Reading is considered a profoundly personal process, where the reader creates their own experience from the texts they read. However, recently, there has been a kind of annoying romance surrounding the idea of reading, where some boast about being readers without there truly being creativity or genuine understanding of what is being read. This phenomenon manifests in behaviors like showcasing massive books that their owners try to market as reading books in a record time, whereas they actually require a long time to understand and absorb. This false pride in reading sometimes transforms into certain rituals, such as the need to drink black coffee or listen to specific music while reading, making reading a process filled with rituals more than an immersive and interactive experience.
On the other hand, many express their reading experiences in an extremely romantic style, raising questions about the authenticity of these experiences. Can reading really be considered just a romantic act? Or does the actual act of reading go far beyond that? We must understand that reading is not just consuming books, but a deep process that requires critical and analytical thinking. Boasting about being a reader may just be a superficial cover that does not reflect the inner truth, where some prefer to truly immerse themselves in reading experiences rather than pretend to have them.
Personal Stories and Cultural Formation
Reading experiences manifest in each individual’s life, influencing the formation of their cultural identity and orientations. In this regard, personal stories are an important part of understanding how reading affects people. The stories told about individuals and their experiences with books reflect how some texts can have profound impacts. For example, a person may read a certain book multiple times, and with each reading, finds new meanings, opening new horizons of understanding and thought. These experiences indicate the extent to which literary texts can bring about transformation in individuals’ lives.
Literature, art, and popular culture such as anime and cinema represent rich fields that reflect deep human experiences. The relationship between reading and shaping individual identity is not limited to books alone, but extends to include films and music, as these arts are also ways to explore oneself and understand the world. Reading is not just for acquiring information, but is an embodiment of the desire to learn something new and reflect on life, and that is what makes it a unique experience for each person.
Influences
The Social Impact on Reading
Reading is greatly influenced by the social and cultural environment to which an individual belongs. In some societies, reading is considered desirable, while in others it may be seen as a rare hobby. In Saudi Arabia and the Gulf in general, reading is marketed as a collective act, where people are encouraged to read through cultural events and exhibitions. However, we must ask ourselves: Do these people really read, or do they simply buy books just to be part of this trend?
The social pressure to be a reader may lead to incorrect behaviors, where some feel they must present themselves as voracious readers, while in reality, they have not read the books they carry. This phenomenon shows how reading can be subjected to excessive marketing, losing its essence as a cultural and intellectual act.
Ultimately, reading should be considered a purely personal experience, where the reader should enjoy what they read without social pressure or preconceived expectations. Pride in the act of reading should be based on genuine experiences and knowledge gained, rather than appearing as a reader who boasts of managing a vast library of unread books.
Challenges of Reading in the Modern Era
With the emergence of technology and social changes, the act of reading faces many challenges. Social media, smartphone applications, and tablets all distract readers and reduce their opportunities to immerse in texts. Additionally, the time pressures on people are increasing, making it difficult for them to dedicate time to reading. These challenges negatively impact individuals’ ability to continue reading regularly.
In this context, public libraries can play a significant role in promoting a reading culture by providing a comfortable and suitable environment for reading. Libraries are not just repositories of books; they are also social spaces that help build a reading community. Therefore, encouraging individuals to visit libraries and participate in cultural events can contribute to reinforcing reading as a sustainable habit.
Moreover, there should be efforts to promote reading through educational curricula, where fun reading activities can be introduced in schools to motivate students to read. Using techniques such as group reading or discussions about books can help spark students’ interest and increase their knowledge.
The Importance of Serious Reading and Its Impact on Writing
Serious reading is considered one of the essential elements that influence a writer’s experience and creative practices. This type of reading is not just about flipping through pages; it is an interactive process that requires deep thinking and reflection on the presented ideas. Serious reading gives individuals the ability to resist engaging in superficial practices, such as reading tweets or fast content, which enhances cultural and intellectual understanding. When we talk about books seriously, we open new horizons for our literary experiences and deepen our understanding of ideas. For instance, an experienced reader can sense the nuances in style and character in novels, which can, in turn, reflect on their writing. Furthermore, reading enhances our ability to express our thoughts clearly, contributing to crafting deeper and more creative texts.
Tweets and Books: Can They Be Considered Real Books?
When we discuss the idea of transforming tweets into books, we find that this topic sparks considerable debate. Some critics argue that this practice does not reflect traditional writing but is merely a freezing of available content on social media. In other words, can a book that consists of a collection of tweets be considered a real book, or is it just a digital archive transformed into a physical form? This question reflects the gap between reflective writing and the rapid writing characteristic of social media. While tweets can carry intriguing ideas, presenting them as a book requires reevaluation and development, contributing to the creation of a more cohesive and profound text. In the end, it depends on the writer’s intention and their belief in the importance of the content of their work within the context of literature.
Challenges
Reading Gifted Books and How to Handle Them
The process of reading gifted books is one of the challenges many readers face. These books may be gifts from friends or acquaintances, putting pressure on the reader to consume these works. Sometimes, one may find that the book does not match their interests or did not meet their expectations, leading to a feeling of frustration. Therefore, it is important to remember that reading should be an enjoyable and inspiring experience. We should learn how to choose what we read based on our personal interests, not just based on the desires of others. In this case, reading can be a selective process that encourages us to explore new areas and broaden our horizons, without feeling pressured by the commitment to read everything that is gifted to us.
Reading Experiences and Public Libraries: The Necessity of Cultural Efficiency
Public libraries play a vital role in promoting a reading culture within the community. Libraries should be considered more than just a place to store books; they should become active cultural centers offering a variety of events and programs that encourage reading and community engagement. By creating specialized programs such as book signings or cultural workshops, libraries can become a preferred destination for families and individuals. This type of activity helps attract visitors and encourages them to explore literature and thought. For example, libraries could organize reading sessions for children, contributing to the formation of a new generation of readers. Ultimately, it requires investment in the operation of libraries and the development of cultural programs to ensure the continued growth of a reading culture.
The Future of Writing and Literary Production in the Arab World
Writing and literary production in the Arab world are experiencing a notable transformation in recent years. With the growing interest in literature and translation, we can see the emergence of new names in the fields of literature and thought. This movement reflects a greater desire to express individual feelings and experiences, contributing to the enrichment of the literary scene. Additionally, literary fairs held annually are solidly supporting this trend. By providing a platform for writers and readers, these fairs contribute to enhancing communication between artists and the audience. However, the biggest challenge remains how to address the market demands and the increasing needs of readers. Writers must develop their skills and continue seeking new ways to convey their ideas in a manner that resonates with readers’ hearts, which requires ongoing effort and dedication to their work.
The episode was summarized using artificial intelligence ezycontent
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