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Overview
In The Arab Cocoon, Tarek Heggy explores the reasons behind the absolute refusal of Arabic-speaking societies to join in the march towards modernity and progress. The refusal, according to Heggy, is due to three constraints, namely (1) the constraint of a widespread anti-modernity and anti-integration religious Islamic movement; (2) the constraint of out-dated educational systems; and (3) the constraint of the unhealthy hatred of the 'other'. Heggy suggests that the systematic rejection of modernity and progress which has resulted from these three constraints is the direct cause for the confrontation between most of the Arabic-speaking peoples and the West. It ensures that Arab culture, people and their mentality are unable to integrate in the march of civilization, based on progress and modernity.
Heggy cleverly tackles this widespread Arab complex from a number of different standpoints. He first defines civilization and progress, and describes the obstacles that impede on mankind's modern march. After specifying the nature of these impediments in the context of Arabic-speaking societies, he proceeds to find solutions which would enable these societies to progress towards modern civilization, by becoming accustomed to receiving criticism and acting upon it.
The Arab Cocoon fulfills the growing need in North America, Europe and elsewhere to understand the Arab culture and mind which are increasingly becoming the prime cause for concern for the western world, but on which very little - if anything - has been written in depth. Writing in an informative and accessible style, Tarek Heggy offers the depth needed to understand and deal with this expanding anti-modernity culture, and consequently reduce clashes between the Arab and Western worlds.