Ahmad Al Charif

On a cold Wednesday evening, as i walk around my childhood neighborhood, reminiscing on older memories, and childhood days i suddenly hear a loud noise. Instinctively, i listen closely as i try to figure out the source of the sound.

Walking closer towards the commotion, as i try to unravel the mystery of the situation, i am confronted with a small crowd of people yelling and screaming, some in joy, others in pain and disbelief. I look closely, to what now in plain sight appears to be two teenage boys, beating each other to a pulp.

The source of conflict? I reluctantly ask the bystanders, who care very little for my nosiness, but give great concern towards the outcome of the live ongoing spectator sports match taking place right infront of them. Finally, and after some excellent detective work from my part, the picture is clear. The boys follow different political parties, a heated argument grew intense, one of them landed a first blow, and here we are now: both boys desperately fighting for absolution.

People are always looking for a role model, someone to look up to. As if there is this compelling need, that forces us to look at others for inspiration. That is all fine and dandy, except for the fact that very few people deserve to be role models. And even fewer people than that, actually go for the right idol.

So what happens next? Who wins the fight? In my naive attempt to break the kids apart, i get a stray punch in the face, a kick to the family jewels, and the laughter of the crowd as my consolation prize. I stagger away in pain, dazed and confused.

I dream of a day, when people, go back to being people. And inspiration, is found in the hearts of those who believe they can. Those who dare defy all odds, and actually succeed.

Looking back, i wish i had the chance to talk to the boys, maybe i could’ve gotten through to them. Maybe i could have shown them that they were merely puppets, being manipulated and abused, with no actual winners regardless who wins that street fight. I wish for many things, but i also try to act. to make my wishes come true.

To those two boys, and the mass of identical boys following in their footsteps i would like to send out a message: Believe in yourself. No matter who you are, no matter what your past. Stop devoting your life blindly to people, who have proved themselves being unworthy, over and over again. You, with your unique identity , set of skills and efforts, are capable of doing anything you put your mind to.

Problem is, nobody puts their mind to anything these days…