The Transformation of Being ‘Wanted’ in Syria: From Fear to Honor

In Syria, being listed as wanted has shifted from a source of fear to a badge of honor. Individuals who were once terrified of the regime are now proudly inquiring about their status on these lists. This cultural transformation symbolizes a collective pride in resisting oppression under the Assad dictatorship.

In Syria, the perception of being wanted has transformed drastically. Previously a source of fear under the Assad dictatorship, having one’s name on a list of wanted individuals is now seen as a mark of honor. This significant change reflects a societal shift wherein Syrians formerly terrorized by the regime are now openly inquiring about their status on these lists, sharing their experiences with pride.

Kazem Togan illustrates this shift; upon returning to Syria after 12 years, he asked a passport control agent if he was on the wanted list and was delighted to learn he was. He states, “Today, every Syrian asks as a matter of routine, ‘Was I wanted?’” This highlights the growing acceptance among the populace of their past experiences with the regime as sources of pride rather than humiliation.

Under the Assad regime, being labeled as wanted was synonymous with the threat of torture or imprisonment. For over fifty years, the government used fear as control, maintaining lists that could be accessed at borders and police stations. However, those once haunted by the fear of these lists have now turned their narratives into powerful testimonies of resistance against tyranny.

Consequently, it is now commonplace for individuals to express pride in their status as wanted persons, viewing it as evidence of their courage and opposition to oppression. What once represented danger and anxiety has transitioned to a symbol of honor in the new social context, reflecting profound changes in the Syrian experience post-dictatorship.

In conclusion, the evolving perception of being wanted in Syria signifies a remarkable cultural transformation. Formerly a cause of immense fear, having one’s name on a regime’s list is now embraced as a mark of honor and resilience against oppression. This shift highlights the changing dynamics in Syrian society as citizens reclaim their narratives and bond over shared experiences of resistance.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com