The term narrative has recently become popular, with people talking about a Jordanian narrative, indeed multiple narratives; there's a narrative designed by the State of Abu Issam, a narrative by the Ministry of Culture, a narrative by Muhannad Mubaideen, a narrative by Ahmad Salamah, and perhaps many other narratives we do not know. I will try to introduce some features of these narratives.
(1)
The Rawabdeh Narrative
A narrative that is quintessentially national, narrating the history of the Jordanian society's movement and its struggles, away from any official sources. It discusses the state, its origins, its message, and the comprehensive Jordanian national identity. Remarkably, it's an individual narrative whose creator endeavors to "spread it" as historical facts!
This narrative has been popularized by the efforts of Abu Issam, his activities, and his enthusiasm, to the extent that he tours with it as if it’s a personal mission or national message! Abu Issam is everywhere; defending, attacking, and countering many stray arrows.
What distinguishes this narrative is that it is national,
with pure national motives! And generally, it is the only complete narrative!
(2)
Ministry of Culture Narrative!
An active ministry, and a concerned minister, managing a vast operation to establish a national narrative with dozens of tools and experts! All we hope for is that this narrative is not "politicized," or as it is said: tailored! People doubt every official narrative, which may highlight the demand for the strict scientific objectivity that may not be available in any political official work.
(3)
Muhannad Mubaideen Narrative
I greatly admired the scientific approach of Dr. Mubaideen, who followed the methods of anthropologists and sociologists who study society through the observation of a phenomenon, whether it's the behavior of drivers, the presentations of vendors, the price of bread, or through jokes … etc.
In my opinion, Muhannad Mubaideen was an objective researcher, and he creatively spoke yesterday at Ahmad Salamah's seminar!
He discussed the ethics of the Jordanian society by observing cafes and their role in the cultural and political vitality of the community! Therefore, I named it: "an attempt" at building a scientific narrative. I hope Mubaideen continues this effort and establishes a scientific approach to rescue the rest of the narratives.
(4)
Ahmad Salamah Narrative
A narrative based on love and belonging to Amman! He excelled in his narrative titled "Ahel Amman." Despite being a personal narrative, it raises important questions, such as:
Why doesn't Amman grant an identity to the Ahel Amman? There is a Kerak identity, a Salt identity, an Irbid identity, and even identities for Hartha, Sarih, and Badiyah, but there is no Amman identity!! No one is heard saying: he is from Amman!! Abu Rafa'at's narrative is an emotional one focused on the moment and the present!
By the way: Arabs before Islam were culturally and morally advanced, and therefore they thrived with Islam!
(5)
And what next?
It is said: A living narrative arises and grows with life, and is written moment by moment, and it should not be written retrospectively! Nor should it be written defensively, or offensively! And it should not be written fawningly or biasedly! Rather, there are deeper questions:
-Is it possible to write a scientific narrative; upon an official request?
-Is it possible to build an objective narrative under dozens of prohibitions?
-And is it possible to write a historical narrative amidst the flourishing of the national carrier of hypocrisy?
Got me?!!
