So Queen Rania of Jordan decided to become a Vlogger addressing the problem of stereotypes, in an attempt to reach out to the west and break down these stereotypes.

I believe it’s not unusual for the Queen to come up with such smart and creative initiatives of a huge impact. I personally think that stereotyping is one of the biggest problems and there’s no better way to solve the problem than getting the feedback directly from the ones who either create them or who fall for them. And technology never fails in such missions. It helps reach as much people as possible in a glimpse.

Now what I find interesting is that the replies to the video, are coming from people of different cultural, religious and educational backgrounds. So the opinions will vary and the interaction will hopefully be fruitful. What I find upsetting on the other hand is the fact that some of the replies are being offensive, attacking the idea and urging the Queen to address Jordanians rather than the west! to the ones who think this way I say: you seem to have no idea about the activities of the Queen and have no clue about what she’s already accomplished and what she’s still doing in this regard. And addressing the west is, in my humble opinion,  courageous, smart and promising. Civilization works inside out, it’s never a one-way thing. It’s never enough to address problems within a country, since the ones coming from outside do affect it and its people as well.

Another annoying thing I’ve noticed in the replies submitted, is that many of the repliers are trying to steer the whole debate towards Islam and the fact that it doesn’t respect or welcome an opinion that contradicts its teachings, leaving no room for debate; which is so untrue, and there’s a difference between a free debate that respects all opinions as long as they are within the circle of respect and understanding, and an offensive debate that has no goal but to attack and show disrespect and intolerance towards the debaters. Islam always encourages debates as long as they aim at understanding, respecting and tolerating each other.

I just wish that the video will open the door for a positive interaction. No matter how much one talks, if the other person is not willing to listen, there will be no point of arguing in the first place. Therefore I really hope that only interested individuals who are willing to argue politely and who are willing to give a chance to be replied to and discussed with, will participate in the debate. If you’re just looking for trouble and fights, please save the Queen your cyber violence.