|
|
|
|
Noley
AZhat
|
|
|
Joined: 16 Aug 2003
Posts: 10494
|
| Back to top
|
|
 Posted: 03/15/05 - 15:26 Post subject: My new neighbors...
My new neighbors are from Palestine. I've only met the women, but they are married to three brothers and all live in three separate houses all next to each other. Between them, they are raising 9 children and the children are all beautiful, polite kids. I'm gaining so much just from living next to them this past month and getting to know them. I hope my children do as well. These are a few of the things I'm just learning from them:
1) They cannot speak to men unless they are completely covered with their scarves, attire, etc.
2) They have to ask their husbands for permission at all times to do things, purchase things, drive places, etc.
3) It's encouraged that their children are right handed (I noticed that a little one was throwing with his left hand the other day and the mother said that he'd have to be taught with his right).
4) The children are all attending a Muslum school and learning several languages.
5) Their marriages were arranged in Palestine.
6) They would not get to have any/much contact with their children if they were ever to divorce their husbands.
7) They can wear western clothing in front of women like me (neighbors, people that they know, etc.).
8, The children do not wear bathing suits. They are covered. (I had to explain this to my children about this and how it's a way to stay modest. My kids seemed to get this).
These are just some of the things I've learned. This is not the norm for all Muslums, but it is for this/these families. They are such nice, wonderful people. I think I'm going to learn a lot from them. One is not to be prejudice to other peoples' ways, customs, beliefs, etc. I'm not predjudice in general, but there's always something to learn about other people in life.
I think it's great to have this experience. Not only is is great for me, but my children as well. I'm nearly 38 years old and have so much to learn.
Just felt like sharing.
I wanted to add that I don't know if I could ever live the life they have, but I understand why they are the way they are. I have to respect what they believe in, just as they should me.
|
|
|
|
|
JACKED UP
PRESIDENT
|
|
|
Joined: 06 Jun 2003
Posts: 21238
Location: www.johnnydu.com
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 03/15/05 - 15:43 Post subject:
Wow interesting. I couldn't live like that as you said either. But I respect them for it though.
|
|
|
|
|
rolling rock
The Pinball
|
|
|
Joined: 15 May 2002
Posts: 16218
Location: unknown zone
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 03/15/05 - 15:57 Post subject:
wow, some fairly hard rules to live by...
are you kidding? i'd last a day.
i have a neighbor from indonesia. she has told me a few REALITY CHECK stories.
|
|
|
|
|
Cappy
Excelent
|
|
|
Joined: 16 May 2002
Posts: 27368
Location: Spreadsheetylvania
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 03/15/05 - 16:10 Post subject:
These are the rules at my house
|
|
|
|
|
gretriever
Hipster Doofus
|
|
|
Joined: 16 Jul 2003
Posts: 19385
Location: A moving target in a firing range.
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 03/15/05 - 16:12 Post subject:
| Cappy wrote: | | These are the rules at my house... |
Those kids going through Dad's briefcase looking for some adult beverages? 
|
|
|
|
|
RangerG
Bounty Hunter
|
|
|
Joined: 13 Mar 2003
Posts: 7301
Location: Gmail Server Number 126
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 03/15/05 - 16:18 Post subject:
| gretriever wrote: | | Those kids going through Dad's briefcase looking for some adult beverages? |
If I had those rules in my home...those kids wouldn't have been lookin for somethin in the briefcase..they'd have been puttin somethin in...like a fragmintation grenade.. 
Last edited by RangerG on 03/15/05 - 16:19; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
jrjo
Gone Fishin
|
|
|
Joined: 15 May 2002
Posts: 16451
Location: Lake Wobegon, MN
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 03/15/05 - 16:18 Post subject: Re: My new neighbors...
| nolefan85 wrote: | | I have to respect what they believe in, just as they should me. |
You're a good egg there Noley. I imagine many people couldn't bite their tongue on this one...
| nolefan85 wrote: | | 2) They have to ask their husbands for permission at all times to do things, purchase things, drive places, etc. |
Heck, even for the husbands, this must get old.
|
|
|
|
|
Noley
AZhat
|
|
|
Joined: 16 Aug 2003
Posts: 10494
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 03/15/05 - 16:30 Post subject:
Thanks jrjo. I think that they do respect me and my situation. They were in such admiration that I'm trying to make a good life and support my children as best as I can. They do not frown upon my divorce, nor do they judge me for my clothing...tattoos...ability to have freedom that they certainly do not have. It almost seemed like they were a bit envious of me. They commented on how great it was that I was college educated and strong enough to be an independant woman.
What I guess I wanted to say by starting this thread was I've not only learned about other people from other cultures, but I've learned a lot about myself. I can achieve great things. I can work hard to live a good life. I can support myself. I do not have to rely on another person to be productive and self-sufficient in life. I fortunately have the freedom to make things happen and do not have to fall into "cultural norms and customs" where I don't have much of a choice. I hope my children learn this as they grow older and see how lucky they are.
Note: In the next year, two of the daughters will have to start wearing the scarves and covering their bodies like their mothers. My kids will see and learn.
I've gained so much in just a few talks with them.
I do respect their lives, but have to say I like mine all the same.
|
|
|
|
|
robp
Pyromaniac
|
|
|
Joined: 26 Jul 2002
Posts: 16242
Location: Waiting in line at the beer store...
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 03/15/05 - 16:37 Post subject:
I'd have them converted to beer swilling fart lighting rednecks within two years..... 
|
|
|
|
|
genie
Master of Prissface
|
|
|
Joined: 14 May 2002
Posts: 16194
Location: Finding serenity one day at a time
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 03/15/05 - 17:14 Post subject:
| robp wrote: | | I'd have them converted to beer swilling fart lighting rednecks within two years..... |
 Speaking of which, whatever happened to Bernard? I was digging up some old Weasel Boy posts today and I came across the one about Bernard wanting to borrow 4 quarts of oil and a filter for his old lawnmower or something....classic stuff.
Not half as funny as your post on WB's last day though, how he wasn't going to miss the constant farting
|
|
|
|
|
Cappy
Excelent
|
|
|
Joined: 16 May 2002
Posts: 27368
Location: Spreadsheetylvania
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 03/15/05 - 17:38 Post subject:
| robp wrote: | | I'd have them converted to beer swilling fart lighting rednecks within two years..... |
hehe, I am sure you would
and driving a pick em up truck too?
|
|
|
|
|
andydp
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 23 Sep 2003
Posts: 8122
Location: Upstate NY near Albany
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 03/15/05 - 18:26 Post subject:
The unfortuante thing about many Americans is they cannot even fathom that other cultures could be happy and productive. Many Americans feel the US way is the only and best way.
Having lived in Europe for a few years while I was young, taught me to appreciate and respect all cultures, religions and nationalities. I hope you and the kids keep on learning from your neighbors.
|
|
|
|
|
gretriever
Hipster Doofus
|
|
|
Joined: 16 Jul 2003
Posts: 19385
Location: A moving target in a firing range.
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 03/15/05 - 21:04 Post subject:
| andydp wrote: | | I hope you and the kids keep on learning from your neighbors. |
You learn from them, and they can learn from you. That's the risk involved. And the reward.
Give us an update from time to time, Noley.
|
|
|
|
