Saturday, March 12, 2016

Could they really one-up themselves?

Day two at Assaad high school.
We started in Karim's 12th grade, 2nd year baccalaureate students and assisted him with a lesson on citizenship. The lesson started with a discussion about stereotypes where we shared or stereotypes of them and theirs of us. Two questions they asked were about racial discrimination and the lack of graciousness and generosity with strangers. We were able to discuss the truths and misperceptions about discrimination; unfortunately I felt that I could not defend our lack of graciousness. There is absolutely NO comparison to between how Moroccans and Americans treat strangers. Here you are immediately a friend until proven otherwise. At home, you are a stranger until proven otherwise.
But on to the "outdoing"....
In the afternoon we returned to the school for a celebration put together by the staff and students.
They arranged a wedding celebration for us to witness!!!
There are not enough words, pictures, or videos to convey what a special experience it was. We were treated like royalty.


14 comments:

  1. It's so comforting to know that at least somewhere they realize that every person shouldn't be judged on appearances but welcomed no matter. I am amazed that even when they know how some stereotype them here in America, they still welcomed you as a friend! I hope this kind of attitude spreads and can soon become a realization all over the world! They truly are beautiful people with a beautiful culture.-Hailey H.

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    1. When I first heard that Mrs. Landry was going to be part of this program, I thought it would be a really cool experience. I had no idea how much I would learn from her blog posts. Isn't it incredible how kindly she was treated. I truly believe that these types of programs will help to change our world for the better as they increase our understanding of one another as human beings rather than stereotypes.

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  2. I can relate this to my life because when I traveled to Peru, we received nothing much graciousness from the citizens. The amount of kindness strangers receive in the United States is no where close to the extreme generosity that I received during my travels in Peru.

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  3. This is fascinating to learn the differences between our two countries. In Spanish class we are learning a little about that too, and I can see the amazing comparison in that too. Everyone from there seems so nice and friendly to complete strangers. Where here we are cold and distant to any stranger we see.

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    1. I also think it is interesting to see the differences and similarities between any two cultures. I would like to think that if the situation had been reversed, we would have treated a teacher from Morocco with the same warmth, respect and hospitality. Unfortunately, I think that you are right that sometimes people seem to be very hesitant to interact with strangers. I suspect that is due to a lack of understanding of those who seem different than us.

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  4. This is very true, I experience this all the time where ever I am. I have always wondered if it was different or better in other countries. It is good to know that some people are still kind and accepting towards others. -Cole M.

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  6. That's very interesting to see the difference between our two cultures in how we treat others. Maybe it's time we took a lesson from the Moroccans on how we treat other people.

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  7. I can relate to this because I am guilty of this myself. I am definitely not friendly enough to strangers and I have had many encounters with strangers who have been extremely hostile for no reason. I think as a community we could learn a thing or two from the Moroccans.

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  8. It is so interesting to see how different cultures handle different situation, like hospitality towards a stranger. I am guilty of not trusting a stranger at first sight. I think the Moroccans are so hospitable and kind, that maybe we should learn a thing or two from them.

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  9. Different countries definitely treat strangers differently. The cultures between two countries are just so different its hard to imagine what it would be like to live there. We are learning about different cultures of countries in Spanish class and it is just crazy!

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  10. Its truly good to hear that the students at Assaad high school are still very loving and caring towards others. We need more students like this in the U.S. It's amazing how differently people treat each other from one country to the next.

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  11. I would much rather live in a society that treats strangers as well as they do! It seems like a better place for everyone when these things are valued by everyone in their society!

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  12. I know that I try to be the same kind of person as the Moroccan's are. I try to be nice to everyone I meet no matter who they are. I don't like to sit back and be a stranger to people. This is how I felt when I went to PVHS. I came to PV and only knew one other person. I felt like an outsider, but as time went on, I made many friendships and connections to other people. I am intrigued to know that other countries are like this too, and aren't scared to be your friend. In Spanish we learned greetings, so that we can try to make friendships with Spanish speaking people.

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