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April 9, 2005
In Response to Josh
Although Josh will probably never visit this site again, I thought I would take a minute to explain why I am in Jordan in the first place and what this experience means to me.
I am a junior at Brandeis University studying Politics and History and took up the Arabic language because I was tired of French. I quickly realized that Arabic is really a strategic language in today's world and that I had a great opportunity to study politics from a different perspective. I really believe that the only way we will ever have peace in the Middle East is if we understand, hands-on, the culture and traditions that abound in this region.
Not only am I here to understand the culture that surrounds me in Jordan, I am also here to better understand my own culture and why I am an American. If I criticize America it is only because I know that criticizm is the only way to make our country a better place. I know, from my studies as a politics and history double major that it is my responsibility to make the changes I want to see. I appreciate the opportunities that being an American has given me but it would be a waste of time and money if I just took this education and experience and gave up on my country. Unlike some people, I do not think that America is headed in the right direction and I would stick by that no matter who was in power. But I am in no way ready to renounce my citizenship.
I also feel that I have a very unique perspective. For the last three years I, as a Christian, have been studying at Brandeis University which is about 65% Jewish. I have had the wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in the Jewish culture and am in no way anti-semetic. If I have said anything offensive on this blog, I am truly sorry but most likey it was made in jest. Now, while in Jordan, I have the opportunity to use this perspective to promote greater understanding. Something I believe can only have positive results. I also must remind you that I have no fear of persecution here because of my religious beliefs. Obviously the country is mostly Muslim but that does not mean that there is no religious freedom in Jordan.
I really do believe that Americans need to start treating other with more respect. I understand that it is sometimes advantageous to move to the U.S. but that does not mean that these people wouldn't rather stay in their own country. I know that most Jordanians love Jordan and that if the U.S. started paying attention to the real need of our foreign allies then these people would never have to leave their country to support their families.
Jordan has its problems and is not a perfectly open society but that does not mean that we should give up on the people here. America has its problems also and yet no one is ready to give up on us. Although Josh may think that I am the naive one, I encourage him to take advantage of the world around him and learn to appreciate what God has given us no matter who your god is.
Posted by rcollins at April 9, 2005 6:58 AM
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Comments
Nice job, Becca. Respect, communication and understanding are what it's all about, the path to peace. And this path is more difficult than one might expect.
Posted by: Beth at April 9, 2005 5:57 PM
Good Job Becca, you responded in such an elequante and adult manner. I was aggrevated with this mr. josh and I felt like teaching him some lessons about our culture and beliefs so that he wouldn't sound as dumb and ignorant next time he decides to join this blog. But I wouldn't have been able to respond as nice and gentle as you did. You see that is the problem with jews, they are very deffensive, and always explain things as anti-semetic. not realizing that in the process they insult and all other cultures and beliefs. If I were to say I hate Israel, then I would most probably be labelled anti-semetic. But the truth of the matter is that I have nothing against Jews and Judiasm, cause as muslims we are imposed to respect and believe in the religions of the book. But I might have everything against Israel and its foriegn policy. But that is still viewed as a sin. Becca I have tremendous respect for your views, and I love the argument that you put down: critisizm is a sort of affection. good job
Posted by: zaid at April 10, 2005 5:02 AM