"If you see people making a lot of funny jokes during disasters, know that poverty has taken over them. They are a people surrounded by ignorance, servitude, and humiliation, like someone being led to death while intoxicated." This phrase summarizes the condition of Lebanese people during every crisis they face, revealing a general state that exposes the disdain for their way of life and current reality. It is no secret that Lebanese people have become accustomed to commenting on any event that concerns them or is related to them with sarcasm. Their characteristic has become that they take everything happening around them with jokes and humor, whether to hide their pains or to express what is stirring within them.
The latest chapter of this approach appeared yesterday with the re-publication of the "world index" ranking of the unhappiest countries in the world, which was published last March, placing Lebanon in second place after Afghanistan. Obviously, no two people need to delve deeply to explain the reasons, as they are as clear as day and do not require hypotheses.
What is striking in the comments from Lebanese people is that most of them congratulated themselves on this result and encouraged each other to top the list next year. Claire Shaker wrote: "Come on, let's put in the effort for the top spot!" While Thuraya Khalil agreed, saying: "We need to fight to reach the first place." Ester Boutros responded saying: "We are already first, but it's all about connections." Meanwhile, Bassam Zahid hoped luck would be on their side next year to achieve the top spot.
For his part, Abbas Nahle questioned the source of the unhappiness, saying: "Where's the unhappiness? Come and see the restaurants and pools; you can’t even put your foot in." He was supported by Fouad Shahada and Steve Seraidarian, who said: "Honestly, just browse Instagram and see! Life here is very nice, and there are no crises at all." "It seems they don't see the stories of Lebanese people," and Waad Sakria expressed her disbelief that Afghanistan surpassed Lebanon in unhappiness, while Saba Khoury thanked Lebanese officials for their contributions to this "achievement."
It is not strange nor surprising that Lebanon topped the list of "unhappiness," but the greater fear is that this "unhappiness" could turn into "depression," overshadowing an entire generation and turning its dreams from sky-high aspirations to the depths of hell, where its value and dignity are burned.
