Algeria is in an interesting phase. It is re-inventing itself by distancing educational institutes from Islamic influence and embracing western standards. But this has left Algerian youth confused. Brought up by Islamic controlled learning in schools in Arabic, now they are forced to switch to English and French. It is not just about languages it is more about cultural identity; youths are confused with extreme contradictory exposure of fundamentalist Islam and Western thought.
This is not the first time Algeria is trying to re-invent its identity. Algeria was ruled by France for 132 years and after French were driven out in 1962, the country took a U turn and went for total Arabization. It went great extent to shun western philosophy and thought. The land adopted Arabic culture and language and conservative Islamic thought. Study of Islamic law and Koran was made compulsory. So was veil for girls and women. It was the time Islam was reviving itself and hence extreme measures were taken to control what students learned. Islam reached the fundamentalist religious extreme and went Jihadi way. So Algeria is consciously and forcefully distancing itself from Islam. It wants to take another U turn and equip its youth with modern western education and increase employment rather than have them meddle with Islamic terrorism.
But children imbibe culture deeply. It is not as easy as changing clothes. So they are rapping for a while and going back to their religious belief at another instant. They hope for a liberal life but they feel Algeria will return to Islamic roots as well. Even style of learning is different. Previously, under Arabic influence they memorized more and now, under western thought they are being forced to be more analytical, critical and research oriented in approach. Students are unable to understand and perform well.
Cultural divide is visible within families too. Generation before 1962 were brought up in French influence, later one brought up in Arabic culture and now youths are going back to western thought. Women are now encouraged to be independent. It is an interesting study for cross culture influence. But it is leaving families and people, their thoughts and lifestyles fragmented and confused. Islam influence will not disappear overnight. With Al-Qaeda backed religious outfits around the past will haunt Algeria.
Algeria must make up its mind fast and adapt an identity and stick to it. Radical change in thought and the way of life will make the country and its citizens suffer identity crisis.
