Here's what I remember from my Ethics course at AUB (the same university from which the seven members graduated):
The Deontological current (championed by Kant): To do the right thing for the right reason. Meaning: Mashrou3 Leila decided not to open for the RHCP because they sympathize and believe in the BDS.
The Utilitarian current (see John Stewart Mill): Bringing the highest amount of happiness to the largest number of people. Mashrou3 Leila thought: Hey, it seems there's a great number of our fans who are being vocal about this boycott, let's please them and not do the opening act.
The Aristotelian current (Chiefly the Nicomachean ethics): Moderation in all things. Mashrou3 Leila finding themselves in a situation which was much more than a storm in a cup of tea eventually said, hey, let's focus on our upcoming Parisian concerts and get on with it.
But you see, the issue for me is this: If seven people (as they say in French "adultes et vaccinés") and who are graduates from a prestigious university no less, make a knowing, mature and responsible decision (regardless if we agree with it or not) and we do not respect it, then next time these seven people (who are more concerned about the future of their musical careers than we are, I am sure of that) vote in the upcoming elections, we shall not respect whatever their vote was. Multiply this by the number of people who are able to vote, and - bingo - let's not respect the outcome of the next electoral process.
My deductions do not make ethical sense according to all three major ethical currents, but, as long as we allow ourselves to make decisions on behalf of Mashrou3 Leila, we should be happy. Shouldn't we be?
To say this in Arabic about the band "chou bi fahhemon" (what the hell do they know?).
Quite a bit, I am afraid.
4 comments:
This is the first original comment I read about the Mashrou3 Leila story. And a good one. Thanks.
Pity you chose not to reveal your name, but yes, this is how I feel now that the dust has settled and so many words have been said. They know better what they are doing than all of us combined.
Tarek, although our opinions rarely coincide, I'm finding myself agreeing with you a lot lately. I think Mashrou3 Leila are entitled to their own political views. Just because they don't share your or are more enthusiastic about the Palestinian cause than you are, it doesn't mean they're stupid and doesn't justify the hate campaign. Where's freedom of speech?
Once more, someone leaves a comment "anonymously" - even if our opinions "rarely coincide", there's no shame in saying who you are. Thanks for agreeing though, it's a pity these guys found themselves in a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation. But they took their decision and we should just respect it.
Post a Comment