The other day I work, I began to talk with my managers about schoolwork. When I mentioned the Middle East, some very negative opinions on the region came up. My one manager, a former Marine, had deployed to Afghanistan twice and Iraq once. He had an extremely negative view on the region, referring to it as a “sh*thole” of a place. I was understanding of his feelings, as he had lost a few friends while serving there.
My other manager agreed with him, although he had never served. Curious as to why he thought this, I asked him if he had ever been to the region. He explained to me that while he had never been to the region, his grandparents had once lived in Syria. After talking with him further, it appears that they likely lived in modern day Lebanon, part of Greater Syria before the creation of the modern states that exist today. According to what he told me, his grandparents were forced to leave the area in the early 1900’s, as they were forced out by Muslims due to the fact that they were practicing Christians.
While his feelings were understandable, I couldn’t help but marvel at the fact that events over a century ago still mare people’s perception of different cultures and regions within the world. The conversation gave me an appreciation for courses such as this. I would be lying if I didn’t have a similar view to both of these men a few years ago due to many similar conversations with family friends, several of whom deployed with the military to the MENA region, as well as the common perception of Orientalism. However, classes such as this have showed me the region in a different light, so much so that I plan to study abroad within Jordan in order to gain a first hand experience into the culture and history of MENA.
25 replies on “Perception of Cultures”
I’m glad you have context to bring to these kinds of conversations. I very much hope you get to study in Jordan, a country I’ve visited many times and am very attached to. There is no substitute for first-hand exposure to a place and a culture!
If you’re a loyal customer of Home Depot from the USA, make sure to visit the official survey portal at https://homedepotsurvey.org/ and enter your valid survey code. Share your shopping experience in the survey for a chance to win a $5000 survey prize.
Hi Drew,
I really like this post as I appreciate the way you acknowledge how you shared the same views as your coworkers in the past. But you have allowed yourself to become more educated on the region by actively seeking out opportunities to do so and create your own perception of MENA.
Before you go ahead, we make sure to aware you about our terms and policies. You can only move towards sexual pleasure and fun with Satna Escort , if you are comfortable with all terms & conditions of our service.
Uncover the academic treasures at osh state university, with a spotlight on the prestigious osuimf. As you traverse the campus, feel the pulse of intellectual energy emanating from Osh State University’s diverse academic programs.
The First Pillar of Islam, known as the Shahada, underpins a Muslim’s confidence. It addresses the statement of faith in the unity of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH). This support point is vital to Islamic practice and character, helping Muslims remember their obligation to confidence. By maintaining the First Pillar of Islam, devotees certify their commitment to carrying on with a daily existence directed by the standards of Islam, beginning with this significant statement of confidence.
Thanks for sharing such great information, I highly appreciate your hard-working skills as the post you published have some great information which is quite beneficial for me, I hope you will post more like that in the future
When it comes to boosting energy and stamina, Nitric Boost Ultra provides the best results by improving blood flow and endurance. Visit Nitric Boost Ultra to see how it works!
For those aiming to shed extra pounds, Java Burn is a trusted solution. It helps accelerate metabolism and supports weight loss effectively. Check out more details at Java Burn Official Website.
The Genius Wave is a revolutionary product that enhances mental clarity through its innovative theta wave technology. If you’re looking to boost cognitive performance, you can learn more about it The Genius Wave and download it today.
This post highlights how personal and historical experiences shape perceptions of cultures, which is true for any region. In Italia, for example, the gaming industry, especially online, has evolved significantly, with many Italians engaging in various platforms beyond the traditional regulated systems. Despite external skepticism, the gaming culture in Italy continues to thrive and adapt. Just as first-hand experience helps in understanding different cultures, exploring Italy’s gaming trends offers a unique perspective on how modern society interacts with entertainment and regulations.
Kudos to the author for Slope Run the engaging and thought-provoking read.
I love how simple yet addictive the Dino Game is—perfect for quick breaks.
I appreciate the depth of research and clarity in your writing.
This is such an insightful reflection! It’s fascinating how personal experiences and historical events can shape our perceptions of an entire region. It’s a reminder of the importance of education and open dialogue in challenging stereotypes. Your decision to study abroad in Jordan is commendable—firsthand experiences can truly broaden our understanding and appreciation of different cultures. I hope your journey offers you the chance to see the richness of the MENA region beyond the negative narratives. Looking forward to hearing more about your experiences!
Discover the best of North India with Dharmik Paryatan, the leading travel agency in Haridwar. Renowned for exceptional travel services, we offer culturally rich and spiritually fulfilling experiences across Uttarakhand and beyond. Plan your next journey with one of India’s top tour operators!
What a thought-provoking reflection! It’s interesting how personal experiences and historical contexts can shape our views on entire regions. Your story highlights the importance of education and open conversations in overcoming stereotypes. It’s inspiring that you’re planning to study abroad in Jordan; firsthand experiences can really deepen our understanding and appreciation of different cultures. I can’t wait to hear about your journey and the insights you gain along the way! kerala recipes
Very interesting article, I read it with pleasure! Congratulations on the blog.
It’s always eye-opening to realize how deeply personal experiences and historical narratives can shape perceptions of a region. Conversations like these remind me why it’s so important to explore new perspectives, as I’ve done in courses focused on understanding diverse cultures. Just as learning about the Middle East changed my view, immersing myself in the language and culture of places like Germany has been equally transformative. For those interested in languages, studying at the best german language institute in kerala can open doors to a broader global understanding.
That’s true but afterall, i use 123movies free
The ability to save my compositions in Sprunked is a game-changer! I can preserve my favorite pieces for future enjoyment and share them with friends. It’s satisfying to look back at my progress and see how my skills have evolved over time. I love having a musical archive!
Best Ausbildung Courses in Germany for Indian Students in 2024-2025 – The pursuit of higher education has always been a significant endeavor for individuals seeking to advance their careers and explore new opportunities. In recent years, Germany has emerged as a leading destination for international students, offering a wide range of courses tailored to meet the demands of today’s competitive job market. Among these, Ausbildung courses stand out for their unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical training, making them an attractive option for Indian students looking to kickstart their careers in Germany.
I appreciate the depth of research and clarity in your writing.
Conversations like these highlight the complexity of personal experiences and perspectives when discussing regions like the Middle East. Your managers’ viewpoints, shaped by direct experiences and familial history, underscore how deeply personal and historical contexts can influence opinions. While the former Marine’s negative outlook is rooted in the trauma of war and loss, the other manager’s perspective reflects generational narratives of displacement and religious conflict. These conversations, though challenging, can be an opportunity to deepen understanding and recognize the multifaceted history and cultures of the Middle East. By approaching such discussions with curiosity and empathy, it’s possible to acknowledge individual experiences while also exploring broader, more nuanced views of the region.
Reliance Recruit serves all the sectors with employee demand. We also specialize in providing tailored HR solutions across the sectors. Our expertise as a Recruitment Agency in Ireland extends on tailored HR solutions that address the unique demands of each industry, from healthcare to technology, finance, and more. By understanding the specific requirements of our clients, we ensure that businesses across Ireland are equipped with the right professionals to drive their success and growth.
This was such a great post! Your writing is so clear and engaging, and I loved how you broke everything down into easily digestible sections. The topic was really interesting, and I appreciated how you made it both accessible and thought-provoking. I also loved the personal touch you added—it made the post feel even more relatable. I’m excited to see what you’ll write about next. Keep up the excellent work, and thank you for sharing such a thoughtful and well-crafted piece of writing. I’ll definitely be coming back for more in the future!