JEDDAH: Contradictions have become a mark of Saudi life, as the conservative society struggles for a balance between deep-seated tribal and religious values and the demands of modern life.
The Internet and satellite television have exposed the new generation to new ideas and raised their expectations.
Many are growing restless with the existing state of affairs. But few have a clear idea of where they want to go.
“The country has to change. We have no choice. We want to be exposed to foreign cultures and share their good achievements. Young people want to be heard,” said a sociologist, who asked not to be named.
A large middle class that emerged from the oil boom of the 1970s is beginning to feel the pinch of hard times as the country struggles to implement market reforms and ease its traditional dependence on oil revenues. Jobs are scarce and unemployment stands at 15 percent. Many need to take two jobs to maintain the lifestyle they are used to, if not to survive. Some have to accept jobs once reserved for poor immigrants — as cooks, dishwashers or taxi drivers.
The government is taking steps to curb the flow of cheap foreign labour to make room for nationals. But the move, many fear, may lead to even higher costs and greater inefficiency.
CALLS FOR CHANGE: A growing number of young Saudis are calling for political change, although many are wary of Western-style democracy.
“We need change, but not the kind the Americans want. We do not need more democracy, more freedom. We need more jobs, better schools, better hospitals,” said Khaldun, a public employee. Saudi Arabia’s leader Crown Prince Abdullah last month met a group of reformists seeking greater freedoms, in a rare move seen as encouraging debate in the country. But some Saudis say they fear the royal family may be kept in the dark about Saudi Arabia’s problems by overprotective aides.
They say many of the problems emanate from a lack of communication between the young generation and political elders in a patriarchal society.
“First we have to learn to identify our problems, the problems of our youth. We need to create jobs. Our educational system has to be revamped. We have to teach our students the art of critical thinking. We do not want parrots,” said Khaled al-Maeena, editor-in-chief of Arab News.—Reuter
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