Embracing Cutural Differences
Embracing Cultural Differences
Anita M Sapp
Brenau University
Abstract
This paper explains my plight to embrace cultural differences. It discusses differences between American and Muslim culture to help avoid cultural misunderstandings which might ruin relationships between Americans and Muslims. This paper covers some difficulties I experienced when my brother started dating a Muslim. In it I discuss the many stereotypes I believed about this other culture; as well as any preconceived notions that I may have had. It explores the prejudices I had toward Muslim women. The paper explains my realization that I actually did not know anything factual about this culture; once I allowed myself to receive this different culture I began to learn many interesting things about the Muslim culture, especially about Muslim women. The knowledge I gained from my relationship with this Muslim women has taught me that in the future I should try to keep an open-mind about others who are different from me. I feel privileged to share my views and experiences with others.
Embracing Cultural Differences
The United States is a melting pot of many different races and ethnicities. Though we are all here in the same country we have a plethora of differences. Some of these differences can be noticed just by looking at a person, while others require looking deeper into a person’s personal history to see their cultural differences. Many people assume that a persons’ race is what completely defines them, but we must keep in mind that cultural differences exist among members of the same race. I learned this lesson several years ago when my brother began dating Hawaa, an African American Muslim.
Over twenty years ago when my brother introduced me to his new girlfriend I assumed she was just another girl like me. By that I mean that I figured she was just another African American girl with the same likes, interest, and even dislikes as mine. I was completely shocked when Hawwa walked in.
Anita M Sapp
Brenau University
Abstract
This paper explains my plight to embrace cultural differences. It discusses differences between American and Muslim culture to help avoid cultural misunderstandings which might ruin relationships between Americans and Muslims. This paper covers some difficulties I experienced when my brother started dating a Muslim. In it I discuss the many stereotypes I believed about this other culture; as well as any preconceived notions that I may have had. It explores the prejudices I had toward Muslim women. The paper explains my realization that I actually did not know anything factual about this culture; once I allowed myself to receive this different culture I began to learn many interesting things about the Muslim culture, especially about Muslim women. The knowledge I gained from my relationship with this Muslim women has taught me that in the future I should try to keep an open-mind about others who are different from me. I feel privileged to share my views and experiences with others.
Embracing Cultural Differences
The United States is a melting pot of many different races and ethnicities. Though we are all here in the same country we have a plethora of differences. Some of these differences can be noticed just by looking at a person, while others require looking deeper into a person’s personal history to see their cultural differences. Many people assume that a persons’ race is what completely defines them, but we must keep in mind that cultural differences exist among members of the same race. I learned this lesson several years ago when my brother began dating Hawaa, an African American Muslim.
Over twenty years ago when my brother introduced me to his new girlfriend I assumed she was just another girl like me. By that I mean that I figured she was just another African American girl with the same likes, interest, and even dislikes as mine. I was completely shocked when Hawwa walked in.
References: Stacey, A. (2009). Even in the face of adversity Muslim women choose to obey God. Why Muslim wear the veil, 2770. Retrieved from http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/2770/