In Morocco
the desire of so many young men to go to "the West" leaves on a
visitor an overwhelming impression. Some will never attempt to go,
therefore theirs will remain an unfulfilled desire. If a young
Moroccan is not inclined to meet the expectations of traditional
social roles he will have to face
paternal disappointment and, probably, personal conflict due to the
religious upbringing. In fact it is easy to feel inadequate if one is incapable of meeting these requirements and it is difficult to escape judgement especially if you live in a small town. Moroccans are proud of their beautiful country and, like youth everywhere, would like to be able to travel if they wish to do so. The image of a young man looking back through the iron bars of the cale'che
rightfully remains with me. Those bars are like the invisible ones
that young Moroccan feel are keeping them from getting to the West.
Longings, reality, myths and beauty intertwine in my images of
Moroccan young men. |