In respond to speakers from Jordan and Iraq

My first impression on the speaker from Jordan was the aura of self confidence that she exudes as she walked in to the class. Coming from the region where women are known to have lower social status than men, her body language showed that she is very self-assured and open minded. Only later when she explained that she had spent much of her life traveling outside of Jordan and eventually settling in the United States that I confirmed she has somewhat influenced by the western culture, or maybe just because her job as a lecturer requires her to be outspoken. I personally enjoyed her sarcasm and humor.

One thing that surprises me the most is the political stability in Jordan. Muslims and Christians not only live in peace but the Christians are well respected and well protected by the system of the country. In addition to that, when she mentioned that the conversion from Muslim to another religion is not favorable although it is not impossible, it reflected that Jordan has a relative freedom of choice.( In Malaysia, if one is born into a Muslim family, one remains a Muslim till death. It is against the law for conversion from Muslim to non-Muslim) Although granted with freedom of choice, I feel she takes her own religion seriously and is able to strike a balance on the grounds of traditional values and modern influences.

The lady from Iraq seemed to be more introvert but she delivered quite a full coverage of the cultures of Iraq. I like how she showcased their culture in her presentation, mixing traditional stuffs with modernity and pointing out the difference as well as similarity between the Iraqi and American culture.. For example, she explained the difference in the “eating out” culture in America and the one she and her family practice back in Iraq. And also the beauty pageants and the boy band and the music she listens to.

The war on Iraq left the country with thousands of grieving family, plummeting economy, declining living standard and broken dreams. While the rest of the world criticizes the U.S decision to declare war and sympathizes those who lost their lives and family, it is refreshing to hear from her perspective on how the war brought about some positive aspect such as more freedom compared to the time when the autocratic Saddam Hussein was in power. I guess there are always two sides to a story and the lesson here is to keep our minds open and to think in different angles.