Public radio from Western Michigan University 102.1 NPR News | 89.9 Classical WMUK
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Interviews with news makers and discussion of topics important to Southwest Michigan. Subscribe to the podcast through Apple itunes and Google. Segments of interview are heard in WestSouthwest Brief during Morning Edition and All Things Considered

WSW: Young People and Changing Culture in Egypt

The Associated Press

    

Professor Osama Madany says the younger generation in Egypt felt forgotten by older, patriarchal leaders. 

Madany is a Professor of English Literature at Manoufiya University in Egypt. He is conducting research at Western Michigan University under a Fulbright Grant. Madany will speak Thursday night at 6:00 Thursday night in Knauss Hall at WMU. His address, part of the Center for Humanities Changing Climates Series, is called "No Country for Old Men, Shifting Cultural Borders in Egypt." 

osamamadany051314-web.mp3
Extended interview with Osama Madany - web version

Madany says younger Egyptian people felt "invisible" under the regime of Hosni Mubarak. He says that helped lead to the revolution in 2011. But Madany says change has been slow to come to Egypt (NPR story on upcoming presidential election), and he says young people have turned to art as a way to protest. 

Credit Western Michigan University, Center for the Humanities
Osama Madany

When asked about the impact of a vibrant arts culture on politics and society, Madany says the younger generation remains unconvinced about changes in Egyptian society. He says artists will occupy public spaces in Egypt, and then leave quickly for fear of a crackdown. 

But Madany says he has to be optimistic. He says the message from the regime is "if you don't like this country, leave." But he says Egyptians want to stay and make their country better. Madany says he believes the country is changing, and he says the young generation is leading the way. 

Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
Related Content