Lots of
people quit Lebanon. Since the end of the civil war, the immigration number
just kept rising until now without stopping. Some people were cursing life
abroad while others were praising it. There are three major differences between
living in Lebanon and living abroad on the economical level, social level and
the political level.
One of the
differences between life in Lebanon and life abroad resides in the
economy. When talking economy we can
state for example Jobs. There are fewer jobs in Lebanon than there is for
example in the USA. Studies have shown the jobs opportunity is one of the main
reasons that drive people out of Lebanon. Another economical difference is the
salary. The minimum wage in Lebanon is approximately 700$, while in France, for
example, it is 1500$; more than the double! This will attract people who want a
better salary and a better life quality. The final economical difference
between life in Lebanon and life abroad is the cost of life. In Lebanon food
product are very cheap compared to what we may find abroad. However technological
items are still considered luxury items in Lebanon while abroad they are
everyday life items; thus cheaper.
Another
difference between life in Lebanon and life abroad is on the social level. Social
implies relations. For example, family relations in Lebanon are still strong;
children always care about their parents and grandparents. The same works the
other way, parents always look after their children even though they are grown
up. However, abroad, these relations tend to disappear. Children don’t know who
their grandparents are; parents “kick” their children out of home when they
turn 18… Also there is other people’s attitude. Lebanese tend to be
heartwarming, welcoming and always seem happy. There is always someone asking
about you. On the other hand, people abroad are very cold; they don’t look or
care about the other and tend to forget about their own friends as time passes.
Finally, we can talk about health care. Health care system is weak, messy,
disorganized, chaotic and not even free. On the contrary, in most countries
abroad it is well organized, efficient and free. Everybody needs to have health
care; the fact that not all of the Lebanese people can afford it is what is
what is driving some out of the country.
The final
difference between Lebanon and abroad is the politic. Lebanon is known to be
politically unstable ever since the civil war, and the situation hasn't changed
until now. This is due to massive corruption of the heads of the state.
Meanwhile, most countries abroad are politically stable with a very low
corruption rate. Politics also could be about military. The Lebanese army is
weak. In fact it is so weak that people often have their own weapons and makes
their own justice, some people also hide behind their sectarian party just in
order to have some kind of protection. Also in Lebanon we notice the presence
of heavy armed militia, stronger than the army. Meanwhile abroad, the army is
the defender of the justice and the republic. No one can overthrow it nor even
lift a single finger on it because they are strong, heavily armed and some even
have a nuclear arsenal. Finally politics is about respecting the human rights.
In Lebanon human rights are constantly violated. It could be by people as well
as politicians who are supposed to be the one to defend it. For example when using public transports,
lots of people smoke inside the bus preventing other people to have the right
to breath fresh air. Even though this is the situation in Lebanon, abroad it’s
a different story. People stand for their rights, they overthrow their
government if they feel like it is going astray, or taking away some of their
rights. People abroad respect the law because they know the true meaning of
human rights. “Your freedom ends where the other’s freedom begins”, this is a
saying that people believe in and always respect.
It is up to
each person’s way of life and his vision of reality to judge living where suits
him the most. Living in Lebanon and abroad is different on 3 levels:
Economical, social and political level.
