We are all Misunderstood
I wanted to flashback to a blog post I wrote while studying abroad in Morocco last summer. It shares thoughts about becoming culturally aware and also less judgmental of those who are different than you. I hope it inspires you to think differently.
“I wanted to share some thoughts on how cultures, religions, or people in general are being misunderstood. While becoming friends with other who have the same passion on learning about other culture or friends living in another country, my eyes have been opened to the realization of the strong judgment of those who are different from us. I am not trying to offend anyone or start an argument but just sharing my thoughts while being abroad. I am in a country where the religion is 99% Islam. Before leaving for this trip people kept telling me to be careful of the people, make sure you don’t make eye contact with them, don’t talk to the locals, etc. Americans have a certain view of those who are Muslim. They feel unsafe and uncomfortable around those with this religion. Yes, they do dress differently (I think we could actually learn from the respect the women have for themselves). We link them together with the people who have caused harm to others. Christians do terrible things as well or Americans murdering each other or causing harm. Why are we just as scared of those that are a different skin color or have a different religion?
A group of us were sitting on the Mediterranean Sea talking with our new friend Omar. He was born and raised in Morocco and has traveled to many other places. He shared many good thoughts about the judgement others have when is comes to Islam. It is offensive when movies portray a man with darker skin, dark beard, and an Arab heritage to become the villain or terrorist. In movies the “terrorist” will speak in Arabic saying sentences like”As-salamu alaykum”, which others will believe they are saying something horrific because it is a different language but in reality it translates “God have blessings upon you”. This is just an example of how people clump those who are Islamic with the terrible actions small percentage of others have done. In conclusion, it is a beautiful culture and religion that has been perceived to be evil.
I believe I was meant to study in this beautiful country of Morocco and to learn more about the culture/religion. I want to show others to see the beauty hidden in the world that has become captivated by evil or taken over by judgmental Americans. Sharing the truth about how people truly are. The world will consist of harmful people but not harmful cultures."
We are all misunderstood.