In the world of comic books, superheroes have a dual personality. The exterior is a hero, courageous and unafraid of villains but beneath the cape lives a shy, quiet person, indecisive and usually suffering from an emotional or psychological problem. Sometimes in Kuwait, I think comic heroes are not that far from reality.

Often in my work as a journalist, I find it impossible to find the clear, reliable information needed to write stories. Whether the information is official statements or opinions about a social matter, often the most basic details are not forthcoming. More times that I care to count I've been faced with this scenario. The person being interviewed is readily happy to talk but refuses to give their name. Even when nothing controversial or confidential is being discussed! The same goes for email or telephone calls. At most, people will introduce themselves by their first name, leaving me curious - who's Khalid; Sara who?

This happens so frequently that I've begun to wonder: What is the reason for this reluctance? Is it an ignorance of official messaging etiquette? Or do people feel shy to reveal their family names, worried that they will be judged or classed into a particular social strata? Should I congratulate them for being mysterious in my reply, especially after I ask twice about their family name?!

There might be a much deeper reason. Most Arabs have been brought up in an environment that is judgmental and full of stereotypes, making them reluctant to disclose their identity in order to not link them to preconceived notions about their families, tribes, sects and living standards.

For the same reason, a lot of people who are running home businesses hide their identities to avoid getting mocked by their relatives, despite the fact that they are doing an honest and in some cases, even profitable job. Some people withhold their names out of fear of the evil eye, but this is a different issue. Add to this the fear of going public when they frankly express a personal viewpoint on social, religious and political affairs, which makes it very difficult to write objective stories.

There seem to be many personal reasons and they differ from one person to another. However, like those comic book heroes, they all want to convey what's on their minds and aspire for change, but at the same time, live normally and quietly without stirring up trouble and causing concern.

By Athoob Al-Shuaibi

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