Monday, July 30, 2012

Out of sight, out of mind.

I have been in Libya for a month now and as far as I can tell, the vast majority of physical traces of Gaddafi's regime are gone. All the pictures that once plastered the country have now been removed and of course his fortress Bab AlAzizya crushed. Gaddafi is irrelevant here. Its so refreshing that there is a consensus amongst everyone to move forward and think only of the future. Very rarely do I hear people even discussing him. Conversations are filled with debates about the new governments composition or what the new Libya requires to thrive. No better way to put something behind you then to put it out of sight, thus making it out of mind. That is just what Libyans have done here with any remaining traces of Gaddafi.

Drive behind any car in Libya and you'll find one of two things: a license plate completely missing (which bothers me but I'll leave that for another post) or a license plate that has the words ''Jamahariya'' blacked out.





It may seem insignificant to everyone outside of Libya, but this small 4inch by 2 inch word on the back of their licenses plates ''gots to go.'' Libyans, ever creative, have done a few things to cover up the   phrase of the former regime. Most widely used is the spray paint like above, others have used stickers with the independence flag.


The third variation is one that I dont really understand. Apparently (accuracy may be debated but multiple sources have told me) some go to Tunisia or other places and have plates made that just say ''Libya.'' 


 As far as I understand, I may be wrong, but they aren't government issued. Its not that big of a deal as license plates aren't really important in Libya. Half the cars dont even have them and its not like they collect an annual registration fee for a decal. This will segway into a bigger conversation Im not having but the defaced license plates serve, at least for me, as a lasting sign of rebellion. 



5 comments:

  1. Dear lady
    l would like to say frist how are you second l have to say when l read all you writing l underastand all you read but the biggest point what did you mean all you writing ......

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dear anon
    you make no sense

    Regards another anon

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am also curious to know the answer to the original Anonymous' question - what DID you mean all you writing ......

    ReplyDelete
  4. The writing is clear and very well put together. Thank you for sharing ....and for the previous comment poster, are you lacking in the brain department or just plan stupid!?!?!

    Thanks for sharing & keep them coming <3

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  5. I can't believe I am also thinking about the answer... please, I beseech you, do not leave me hanging like this... Isn't Ramadan meant to teach you mercy and whatnot? I await your reply with baited breath.

    ReplyDelete