Brennainafrica’s Weblog

Through the last 4 months I have learned more than I think I had in the lifetime before I came to Africa. There are lessons to be learned every day, but I think that when You make yourself vulnerable, open your mind and create a world where you have no other option BUT to learn, there are things…unexplainable feelings that happen during that time that are invaluable and extremely motivating.

Through my time here not only have I gained a broader perspective on culture, tradition and life in another country, but I have learned what it means to respect in each culture I encounter, what it means to be a part of something, to feel included or rejected because of your race, beliefs or actions.

We as American’s are scared of a culture where men seem to dominate and control. A culture where in the name of a god we do not recognize these men make deadly rash actions that destroy life. Though there is no excuse for this…we lack the understanding of the culture as a whole…The intimate parts of Islam and the people, the innocent people, who are not SO different than us. We as Americans see one color, one belief and one outcome. Who are we to judge? just because we are protected and secure because we are one of the leading powers in this world does not give us the right to judge a culture of people who do not even KNOW much about this agressive group of people. It shocks me when I hear Americans who have settled in their way of thinking and who have adapted to the most narrow minded, naive way of thinking.

Where do we go from here? Is there any peace or resolution to this anger Americans feel towards the Arab people? Do we have to ship over Americans groups at a time for them to see how amazing, respectful, and loving this culture really is? Or is it too late and not even worth fighting back for the respect of a people who have more respect/more tradition/more love for family than any other culture I have seen?