Looking at what IS known about Irish travelers and how actors like Minnie Driver or Eddie Izzard portray them, no doubt, is a tricky job. But how accurate is the show?
First and foremost, it is important to note that it's a fictional show and the greatest liberty taken is the "great con." That is, the Malloy family takes on the job of stealing the American dream- jobs as a lawyer or dental hygenist, a house with a yard and everyday neighbors, and even going to a private school, with fake names and social security numbers. Those are not elements often found in the Irish traveler lifestyle.
Despite the growing concern for identity theft and even the remote possibility- it is not known to have happened among travelers. What The Riches does show are some of the basic traditions.
The opening episode shows a camp filled with RVs and a close-nit community of families. When Ginny Danngian demands that the Malloys marry off Di Di to her brother as per an agreement- it follows custom of many travelers to arrange marriages for their children.
The religious references along with the superstition are also evident in the show. Cael, during the second season, camps outside the house, believing that their living in Eden Falls is stealing their souls. And Wayne symbolizes the Catholic introduction to prayer when he buries Pete. Most travelers are tied to Roman Catholic beliefs, although because few are nurtured, it becomes more superstition than strict Catholic practice.
Whether it's true that with each funeral there is a marriage, as Ginny proposes in one episode, is unfound. Funerals are held only a couple of times per year for most clans, due to the constant traveling and attempts to allow as many family members possible to attend. Family is very important to the travler lifestyle and immediate family members are more likely to become leaders in their group: fathers, sons, fathers-in-law and sons-in-law. The Riches shows discourse between Dale and Wayne when Dale discovers that his cousin's husband was chosen over him to lead the family. Cousins are typically only chosen when an immediate family member is absent, but in Dale's case, it was because he was incompetent.
As far as identity theft, travelers are often known for such tactics and have even been caught or imprisoned. Toogood was arrested on charges of trying to obtain a false id.
One of the challenges for Wayne and the family is not only be-friending outsiders, but becoming them in an attempt to create a new lifestyle outside family lines. Dmitry Lipkin, the creator of The Riches, I believe does a fine job presenting what little is known about travelers as well as posing a thrilling story-line about a very creative family.
A Few References:
Toogood/CNN/Southcoast Today/Time/Traveler History/The Riches
26 April 2008
25 April 2008
Con Sus Palabras
Bonita del hijo de los otras de los languas de los las de Hablando. Yo gusta la langua de espanol. Muchas de los personajes de Sabe- El discurso de otras idiomas es hermoso. Conozco a mucha gente donde trabajo y alguno he hecho los amigos que son multi linguales. Para alguno, es solamente dos, y otros, tres o cuatro fluido. Hablo español mismo. No soy tan perito como deseo ser, pero con práctica, consigo mejor. Ése es porqué escribo este pedazo. Este verano espero tomar árabe. Es tercera lengua que quisiera agregar a mis habilidades. Es una lengua hermosa que domina mucho del mundo medio-oriental así como partes de Asia y de África. Espero viajar el mundo durante mi tiempo de la vida y ser trilingüe lo haría que mucho más una experiencia gloriosa. Espero que puede ser que escriba, aquí, más a menudo, en otras idiomas y que a le puede animan también que vea el mundo a través de los ojos algún otro las palabras.
20 April 2008
Nuclear Explosion
The world today is genuinely and even legitimately afraid of nuclear power. With terrorist threats more frequent and dangers in various countries around the world vying for power, the word "nuclear" itself is a buzz word for fear.
But what if nuclear power could harnessed and used in improving CO2 emissions? Or perhaps be a useful energy source-for things like heating or electricity?It can and it is. And until a couple of days ago, I would have been skeptical too. I'm not strong in matters of engineering or the science it would take to accomplish something like that. But, I will say it is an interesting idea if it indeed is viable.
The country of France produces 76% of it's electricity through nuclear energy while the United States only uses about 17%. A study from Massachusetts Institute of Technology indidcates that over the next 50 years it is only estimated that nuclear energy worldwide will increase by only 5% whereas it should be increasing by more than 75%, particularly if pollution in the air is a priority.
Burning coal produces pollution and the plants cause a lot of smoke in the areas they're located. Growing up in the mid-west, I was definitely aware of them.
But what if nuclear power could harnessed and used in improving CO2 emissions? Or perhaps be a useful energy source-for things like heating or electricity?It can and it is. And until a couple of days ago, I would have been skeptical too. I'm not strong in matters of engineering or the science it would take to accomplish something like that. But, I will say it is an interesting idea if it indeed is viable.
The country of France produces 76% of it's electricity through nuclear energy while the United States only uses about 17%. A study from Massachusetts Institute of Technology indidcates that over the next 50 years it is only estimated that nuclear energy worldwide will increase by only 5% whereas it should be increasing by more than 75%, particularly if pollution in the air is a priority.
Burning coal produces pollution and the plants cause a lot of smoke in the areas they're located. Growing up in the mid-west, I was definitely aware of them.
But using nuclear will clear the air of smoke and CO2. With the technology available today, safety measures could easily be created to ensure that enough radioactive material be released for energy efficient uses and the waste be buried or recycled. In fact, France uses American technology for its nuclear plants. Generating nuclear energy is actually a alot simpler- the nuclear reactor essentially creates fission which provides heat, energy and electricity. Recently someone explained to me that it's like boiling a pot of water rather than say...buring wood.
However, due to over-regulation in the U.S. and a gross amount of misunderstanding about the nuclear process, regulation for it has yet to happen. In the 1970's; California conducted a study to investigate the safety and uses for nuclear chemicals and plants. But after federal hearings that determined the standards for a nuclear plant could not be met, they were prohibited, by law from constructing the facilities.
Using nuclear energy is a creative idea to clean the environment. The research has been done and is positively conclusive. So the question is now; where is govermental support?
19 April 2008
Green Ideas
I have never been an enviromentalist. I admit it: I have scoffed at the tree-hugging crazies or the climate change lunatics. But that does not mean I'm against making our planet a better place to live. Earth Day is approaching and I thought it about time I make my own enviromental endorsement.
The truth is; I am for innovative ideas in bettering the planet. Over the past fews years, I've caught a glimpse at the intelligent initiatives that have been taken and I am very impressed.
My personal favorite is from a company called Mohawk Industries. Their EverStrand carpets are made from polyethylene terephthalate (or PET?) which initially comes from recycled plastic bottles. According to their website; the plastic bottles are are sorted, ground into chips, cleaned, melted, made into fiber and spun into yarn for beautiful squares of carpet. They go on to note that the bottle caps and labels from the bottles are used to make the core around the carpet and last longer than the typical cardboard cores. Cool~
Next- Coke has launched a campaign that is using recycled plastic bottles for t-shirts. They're selling them at Wal-Mart for $7.50. How's that for a worn out t-shirt?
Solar Power is definitely a creative idea. Solar energy derives from the sun, and is harnessed for things like heating or electricity. Companies like GE and Duke Energy in North Carolina are experimenting in creating solar power and looking to make it more affordable.
Now some of you may argue that big companies only want to make a buck and so they create environmentally safe products at lower prices to make more money. But I say, fine, let them do so, as long as they've found an innovative way of doing it. I'd rather tax dollars and donations go to places like that than Al Gore's pocket, which is where most of his ranting money actually ends up.
There are other ideas out there; the ones I listed are just a taste. Conferences, concerts, rallies, threats of the world's end and total destruction are meaningless and very ineffective. A good cause will have a brain behind it, not an emotional parade.
The truth is; I am for innovative ideas in bettering the planet. Over the past fews years, I've caught a glimpse at the intelligent initiatives that have been taken and I am very impressed.
My personal favorite is from a company called Mohawk Industries. Their EverStrand carpets are made from polyethylene terephthalate (or PET?) which initially comes from recycled plastic bottles. According to their website; the plastic bottles are are sorted, ground into chips, cleaned, melted, made into fiber and spun into yarn for beautiful squares of carpet. They go on to note that the bottle caps and labels from the bottles are used to make the core around the carpet and last longer than the typical cardboard cores. Cool~
Next- Coke has launched a campaign that is using recycled plastic bottles for t-shirts. They're selling them at Wal-Mart for $7.50. How's that for a worn out t-shirt?
Solar Power is definitely a creative idea. Solar energy derives from the sun, and is harnessed for things like heating or electricity. Companies like GE and Duke Energy in North Carolina are experimenting in creating solar power and looking to make it more affordable.
Now some of you may argue that big companies only want to make a buck and so they create environmentally safe products at lower prices to make more money. But I say, fine, let them do so, as long as they've found an innovative way of doing it. I'd rather tax dollars and donations go to places like that than Al Gore's pocket, which is where most of his ranting money actually ends up.
There are other ideas out there; the ones I listed are just a taste. Conferences, concerts, rallies, threats of the world's end and total destruction are meaningless and very ineffective. A good cause will have a brain behind it, not an emotional parade.
10 April 2008
"Please don't make any violence!"
One of the things that the Dalai Lama recognizes is that while people have the right to protest, there is truly no need for a riot.Very early this morning, the revered Monk gave a press conference in Japan concerning his position on the Olympics. He was quite clear that he supports the Olympics being held in China. Being and "ancient nation," he said, "it is really deserving for the Chinese." But he also understands the position of the Tibetan people and feels they should be able to raise concern, even as demostrators. But he admitted, "no one has the right to say shut up."
But when riots broke out in London and in France, he wanted to send a message to the people of San Francisco not to act violently against the games.
Sadly, the Chinese government sees the Dalai Lama as a rebel, the one stirring all the trouble. It is doubtful that he will recieve an invitation to the opening ceremony of the games, though most countries are encouraging talks with the Monk.
The human rights practices in China should be investigated, but there is no need to stop the games. Let China have their day on the field.
09 April 2008
Stealing the American Dream P2
Madelyne Gorman Toogood did raise concern among other groups of Irish travelers in 2002. In fact; a group in South Carolina came out long enough to clear their reputation. They had never met Mrs. Toogood and did not know her family, but because she too was a traveler, they thought they ought to clear up any misunderstandings.
The Washington Post and Time Magazine both revealed a group of travelers that claimed goodwill and stepped up for an interview. Rose Kathy Sherlock sat down with one reporter and opened up about her life. She mentioned that she never went to school past the eighth grade, as is common among the group. She married into an arranged marriage at the age of 17 and with the community being mostly family, it's not uncommon for cousins to marry cousins. Large sums of money are often exchanged as dowries by the woman's family. But according to World Culture Encyclopedia; the couple still has a say in the finalization of the marriage and among groups of smaller status- more and more women are marrying outside the group, often because they have no dowry to offer.
But it's more than just marriage practices that come into play for such a secretive group. Sherlock's husband, Mike, told another reporter that child abuse doesn't happen there. Most local enforcement will agree, but Mike Sherlock will also say that he knows not all in his community are good citizens.
Travelers such as these come from a long line of Irish that came to the United States in the early to mid-1800's. It is believed they came to the States in order to escape the potato famine in Ireland. It seems they started out in the Northeast as horse and
mule traders and only marrying into similar families with similar ethnicity and occupation. But their business becomes more necessary in the Southern States because of the demand for land maintenance. Today they spread across South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. Home repairs are the typical trade. But many claim that travelers are just petty con artists who will do a poor job for an expensive rate.
From horse wagons to tents to trucks and trailers the travelers on North America make their way across the country, but always return home to a family, one that integrated in each other's lives and with little contact to regular society.
But whatever the reality; the fact remains that this culture is soaked in tradition and very rarely ventures outside of it. The Riches, on the other hand, draw attention to it. And with its growing popularity; just a little more might be seen about a hidden people.
But just how true does a fictional family stay to what facts ARE known? To be continued...
The Washington Post and Time Magazine both revealed a group of travelers that claimed goodwill and stepped up for an interview. Rose Kathy Sherlock sat down with one reporter and opened up about her life. She mentioned that she never went to school past the eighth grade, as is common among the group. She married into an arranged marriage at the age of 17 and with the community being mostly family, it's not uncommon for cousins to marry cousins. Large sums of money are often exchanged as dowries by the woman's family. But according to World Culture Encyclopedia; the couple still has a say in the finalization of the marriage and among groups of smaller status- more and more women are marrying outside the group, often because they have no dowry to offer.
But it's more than just marriage practices that come into play for such a secretive group. Sherlock's husband, Mike, told another reporter that child abuse doesn't happen there. Most local enforcement will agree, but Mike Sherlock will also say that he knows not all in his community are good citizens.
Travelers such as these come from a long line of Irish that came to the United States in the early to mid-1800's. It is believed they came to the States in order to escape the potato famine in Ireland. It seems they started out in the Northeast as horse and
mule traders and only marrying into similar families with similar ethnicity and occupation. But their business becomes more necessary in the Southern States because of the demand for land maintenance. Today they spread across South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. Home repairs are the typical trade. But many claim that travelers are just petty con artists who will do a poor job for an expensive rate. 
From horse wagons to tents to trucks and trailers the travelers on North America make their way across the country, but always return home to a family, one that integrated in each other's lives and with little contact to regular society.
But whatever the reality; the fact remains that this culture is soaked in tradition and very rarely ventures outside of it. The Riches, on the other hand, draw attention to it. And with its growing popularity; just a little more might be seen about a hidden people.
But just how true does a fictional family stay to what facts ARE known? To be continued...
03 April 2008
Stealing the American Dream P1
For the past year, I have paid special attention to FX channel series, The Riches. It is a fascinating show about a family of Irish Travelers trying to stay one step ahead of the clan they left behind. What is most moving about that show is there is really no good guy-bad guy scenario, rather, everyone is complicated. The characters you love make devastating choices, and the ones you hate can still be heartfelt.
The show has prompted me to do some research on the actual Irish Travelers in the United States.
It seems that the writers of the show did a fine job researching the Irish Traveler’s traditions- but oddly enough, seldom is known about them. The most well known case is of Madelyne Gorman Toogood, who was caught on video-tape, beating her child.
She had turned herself in when a warrant went out for her arrest. She admitted that it was indeed her and her daughter in the video tape and expressed regret when interviewed by CNN in 2002.
Toogood did not say much concerning her lifestyle or family. She had hoped that child services would give her daughter to one of her 200-300 family members rather than a stranger, that is, foster care. And she also admitted that she comes from a group that often travels looking "for types of work." But like the custom of most travelers; she was very closed-mouthed about the details.
Toogood plead guilty to child endangerment in 2002 and was sentenced to a year of probation, a fine, and a suspended sentence of one year in prison. She was then caught two months later giving a false name for a driver's license in Michigan.
But questions still remain. Who are the Irish Travelers? Did Madelyne give them a bad name? And do the Riches portray travelers efficiently?
To be continued...
The show has prompted me to do some research on the actual Irish Travelers in the United States.
It seems that the writers of the show did a fine job researching the Irish Traveler’s traditions- but oddly enough, seldom is known about them. The most well known case is of Madelyne Gorman Toogood, who was caught on video-tape, beating her child.
She had turned herself in when a warrant went out for her arrest. She admitted that it was indeed her and her daughter in the video tape and expressed regret when interviewed by CNN in 2002.
Toogood did not say much concerning her lifestyle or family. She had hoped that child services would give her daughter to one of her 200-300 family members rather than a stranger, that is, foster care. And she also admitted that she comes from a group that often travels looking "for types of work." But like the custom of most travelers; she was very closed-mouthed about the details.
Toogood plead guilty to child endangerment in 2002 and was sentenced to a year of probation, a fine, and a suspended sentence of one year in prison. She was then caught two months later giving a false name for a driver's license in Michigan.
But questions still remain. Who are the Irish Travelers? Did Madelyne give them a bad name? And do the Riches portray travelers efficiently?
To be continued...
27 March 2008
Traveling Any Road to Find You
It took all of his strength to visit that shack again. It was the source of his deepest wound, his pain, his failure. But the note promised of something that he could not put his finger on. Little did Mack realize his entire life and perspective would be changed forever.
The Shack is a beautiful piece in explaining the nature of God. The moment Mack walks from the battered shack; the world around him changes from winter to spring. As he turns around and smells the sweet aroma from the chimney, he notices the shack itself has changed from battered to beautiful. Bewildered; Mack approaches the door to be welcomed by Elousia, Yeshua and Sarayu: a tri-une God in relationship.
What is most controversial about this book IS God. What is most interesting about the book is that God appears to Mack as black woman, full of love and grace. Sarayu, the wind, shows herself meticulous and Asian. And Yeshua is the middle eastern male. But it is this concept of God being neither male, nor female that challenges our typical perception.
The author, William P. Young; seems to vanish theology, religion and politics. Mack discovers that there is no hiegharchy in having both relationship with God nor should there be in relationships with other people.
What comes out of the encounter is Mack's reconciliation with his dark past and peace from the nightmares of lost daughter.
The adventure begins....
The Shack is a beautiful piece in explaining the nature of God. The moment Mack walks from the battered shack; the world around him changes from winter to spring. As he turns around and smells the sweet aroma from the chimney, he notices the shack itself has changed from battered to beautiful. Bewildered; Mack approaches the door to be welcomed by Elousia, Yeshua and Sarayu: a tri-une God in relationship.
What is most controversial about this book IS God. What is most interesting about the book is that God appears to Mack as black woman, full of love and grace. Sarayu, the wind, shows herself meticulous and Asian. And Yeshua is the middle eastern male. But it is this concept of God being neither male, nor female that challenges our typical perception.
The author, William P. Young; seems to vanish theology, religion and politics. Mack discovers that there is no hiegharchy in having both relationship with God nor should there be in relationships with other people.
What comes out of the encounter is Mack's reconciliation with his dark past and peace from the nightmares of lost daughter.
The adventure begins....
14 September 2007
Add to the Booklist
I have been reading quite a bit lately and I have read some extraordinary works. So for those of you looking to pick up a good read- here are a few I've been impressed with:
1) Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez- NF
It's the story of a woman who visits Afghanistan shortly after 9/11 on a humanitarian trip. Being the only non-doctor/medical person on the trip; she struggles to find out how she can be of much use. As she falls in love with the women she meets, she decides that she wants to come back and open a beauty school, her speciality, and teach the women a trade. Rodriguez, an all American woman, describes beautifully, the stories of the women that have impacted her and how her own story took a turn for the better.
2) A Mighty Heart by Marianne Pearl
I'm sure you've heard about the film- but the book is fascinating. I haven't actually seen the film yet. Pearl describes the events following her husband, Daniel's, disappearence in January 2002. Daniel Pearl, a writer for the Wall Street Journal, was kidnapped while on assignment in Pakistan. Marianne explains the process she went through in attempting to find him while staying close to officials in Pakistan and carrying what would their only child. I am amazed at the strength Pearl held during the entire process and even how she handled bombarding media. It's a fantastic read. Pearl consistently keeps you looped into the story and sharing the hope she had.
3) The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Ironically, I'm still reading this. When a friend told me it wasn't a warm fuzzy book, I wasn't sure what to think- but now I know what she meant. In it- the state of America has become ashes and thugs. There is nothing. It is all burned down. And as stated, w/ the exception of a few thugs, there are no people. Food is scarce and everything has been destroyed. But in the midst of it all- there is a man and his small son trekking the country to get to the coast. They don't know if there is any hope to strive for, but they press on anyway and learn to survive. The book is an endless story line w/o chapters or interuptions, nevertheless, beautifully written.
1) Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez- NF
It's the story of a woman who visits Afghanistan shortly after 9/11 on a humanitarian trip. Being the only non-doctor/medical person on the trip; she struggles to find out how she can be of much use. As she falls in love with the women she meets, she decides that she wants to come back and open a beauty school, her speciality, and teach the women a trade. Rodriguez, an all American woman, describes beautifully, the stories of the women that have impacted her and how her own story took a turn for the better.
2) A Mighty Heart by Marianne Pearl
I'm sure you've heard about the film- but the book is fascinating. I haven't actually seen the film yet. Pearl describes the events following her husband, Daniel's, disappearence in January 2002. Daniel Pearl, a writer for the Wall Street Journal, was kidnapped while on assignment in Pakistan. Marianne explains the process she went through in attempting to find him while staying close to officials in Pakistan and carrying what would their only child. I am amazed at the strength Pearl held during the entire process and even how she handled bombarding media. It's a fantastic read. Pearl consistently keeps you looped into the story and sharing the hope she had.
3) The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Ironically, I'm still reading this. When a friend told me it wasn't a warm fuzzy book, I wasn't sure what to think- but now I know what she meant. In it- the state of America has become ashes and thugs. There is nothing. It is all burned down. And as stated, w/ the exception of a few thugs, there are no people. Food is scarce and everything has been destroyed. But in the midst of it all- there is a man and his small son trekking the country to get to the coast. They don't know if there is any hope to strive for, but they press on anyway and learn to survive. The book is an endless story line w/o chapters or interuptions, nevertheless, beautifully written.
08 September 2007
Being Cultured
Here I am again. It's certainly has been a busy couple of weeks- but I've also been straining to find a topic that I wanted to tackle and the news, certainly, always seems to give me just that.
One of the stories that fell into the shadows this week was a story from New York, where a new public Jr. High School opened up. What made it so unique? It will be offering Arabic classes as well as classes to introduce Middle Eastern Culture. And ironically, that is what makes up the entire news story- well that and the fact that there are an uprising of people protesting and claiming that it will be a school breeching future terrorists!
My initial reaction was simply, "are you kidding me?!" No; I am not appalled by the classes the school is offering. In fact; I think that it's a splendid idea! I am appalled by the fact that people are protesting. Deborah Howard, one of the curriculum founders happens to be Jewish and stated that she would be far from endorsing a program that gave kids the gateway to terrorism and extreme islamic beliefs. The school itself, the Khalil Gibran International Academy, was named after a Christian Lebonese poet and will be offering classes that will teach skills in technology and multi-cultural appreciation.
One woman stated that she thought it would be a great opportunity for her son, that he would do well in a career, making a good living and be open minded by going to the school, but she soon pulled her son from the school not wanting him to be in the middle of the politics. A woman opposing the school declared it was a "madrassa" being paid with public tax dollars. A madrassa, as I understand it- is the word used to refer to an Islamic Religious School. I am perplexed at the utter ignorance and rejection in a community who would rather hold on to their fears of extreme Islam, and not embrace the simplicity of opening their minds to language and culture.
Granted, New York is the ground zero of 9/11 and Radical Islamists have threatened destruction to the United States, but the religion of Islam itself rejects harm to those that are innocent. In correspondence this past week, I was reminded that leaders of Islam should speak louder to remind the world they are against the terrorism so predominantly featured. But then again, those who have spoken out, I don't think have been heard loud enough. People would rather attach themselves to fear and preconcieved notions. It is sad that my fellow Americans, who live in the freest country in the world, would rather reject a multi-cultural society and refuse to become better educated about the world they often forget is out there.
There are so many misconceptions about the world we live in. I find it interesting that the United States does not truly encourage a multi-lingual society. In European and Asian countries it is expected to know more than one language. Most know anywhere from 2-5 languages. A close friend of mine, who grew up in a Asian based home, in the U.S., is fluent in 4 languages. Another friend from Turkmenistan knows 5 languages. I have another from Guatemala who knows 3 fluently and studies a 4th and 5th. I myself hope to become tri-lingual. Arabic is spoken by much of the Middle East, whether secular or religious. And it is not even the primary language in some our top "enemy" countries.
For example; did you know that in Iran, Arabic is NOT the official language- it is Pharsi, which has eastern influence. In Afghanistan, Dari is a predominant languange. And, Afghanistan along with Pakistan are not "middle eastern countries," but rather more part of the Asian continent. As I continue to educated myself, I am learning that many of these countries are really, just as diverse as the western front. Russian, Mongolian, Chinese, European influence all exist in these Middle Eastern Countries. Is it really that bad to culture our selves as well?
As far as the Arabic Language is concerned- I have learned that "jihad" does not mean "holy war"- as the Al Queda network would have us believe. But rather the word means "to struggle." I heard one American Islamic woman say in an interview that it is her "jihad," her "struggle" to maintain her faith in Allah in a world that rejects her. She means no harm to anyone who disagrees with her. The truth is, in Christianity, there is phrase that follows a similar suite- "carrying our cross" or "my cross to bear." Christianity hasn't always beens shiny either. I wouldn't consider the Inquisition or the Crusades its "glory days." Every religion has nasty extremists. But learning about the cultures those religions exist in does not garuntee a generation raised to impliment terrorism.
In returning the orginally mentioned school- I don't think it's a bad idea for it's curriculum to include Arabic and I don't think it's a bad idea at all for Americans to educate themselves on the cultural differences of "the world out there."
One of the stories that fell into the shadows this week was a story from New York, where a new public Jr. High School opened up. What made it so unique? It will be offering Arabic classes as well as classes to introduce Middle Eastern Culture. And ironically, that is what makes up the entire news story- well that and the fact that there are an uprising of people protesting and claiming that it will be a school breeching future terrorists!
My initial reaction was simply, "are you kidding me?!" No; I am not appalled by the classes the school is offering. In fact; I think that it's a splendid idea! I am appalled by the fact that people are protesting. Deborah Howard, one of the curriculum founders happens to be Jewish and stated that she would be far from endorsing a program that gave kids the gateway to terrorism and extreme islamic beliefs. The school itself, the Khalil Gibran International Academy, was named after a Christian Lebonese poet and will be offering classes that will teach skills in technology and multi-cultural appreciation.
One woman stated that she thought it would be a great opportunity for her son, that he would do well in a career, making a good living and be open minded by going to the school, but she soon pulled her son from the school not wanting him to be in the middle of the politics. A woman opposing the school declared it was a "madrassa" being paid with public tax dollars. A madrassa, as I understand it- is the word used to refer to an Islamic Religious School. I am perplexed at the utter ignorance and rejection in a community who would rather hold on to their fears of extreme Islam, and not embrace the simplicity of opening their minds to language and culture.
Granted, New York is the ground zero of 9/11 and Radical Islamists have threatened destruction to the United States, but the religion of Islam itself rejects harm to those that are innocent. In correspondence this past week, I was reminded that leaders of Islam should speak louder to remind the world they are against the terrorism so predominantly featured. But then again, those who have spoken out, I don't think have been heard loud enough. People would rather attach themselves to fear and preconcieved notions. It is sad that my fellow Americans, who live in the freest country in the world, would rather reject a multi-cultural society and refuse to become better educated about the world they often forget is out there.
There are so many misconceptions about the world we live in. I find it interesting that the United States does not truly encourage a multi-lingual society. In European and Asian countries it is expected to know more than one language. Most know anywhere from 2-5 languages. A close friend of mine, who grew up in a Asian based home, in the U.S., is fluent in 4 languages. Another friend from Turkmenistan knows 5 languages. I have another from Guatemala who knows 3 fluently and studies a 4th and 5th. I myself hope to become tri-lingual. Arabic is spoken by much of the Middle East, whether secular or religious. And it is not even the primary language in some our top "enemy" countries.
For example; did you know that in Iran, Arabic is NOT the official language- it is Pharsi, which has eastern influence. In Afghanistan, Dari is a predominant languange. And, Afghanistan along with Pakistan are not "middle eastern countries," but rather more part of the Asian continent. As I continue to educated myself, I am learning that many of these countries are really, just as diverse as the western front. Russian, Mongolian, Chinese, European influence all exist in these Middle Eastern Countries. Is it really that bad to culture our selves as well?
As far as the Arabic Language is concerned- I have learned that "jihad" does not mean "holy war"- as the Al Queda network would have us believe. But rather the word means "to struggle." I heard one American Islamic woman say in an interview that it is her "jihad," her "struggle" to maintain her faith in Allah in a world that rejects her. She means no harm to anyone who disagrees with her. The truth is, in Christianity, there is phrase that follows a similar suite- "carrying our cross" or "my cross to bear." Christianity hasn't always beens shiny either. I wouldn't consider the Inquisition or the Crusades its "glory days." Every religion has nasty extremists. But learning about the cultures those religions exist in does not garuntee a generation raised to impliment terrorism.
In returning the orginally mentioned school- I don't think it's a bad idea for it's curriculum to include Arabic and I don't think it's a bad idea at all for Americans to educate themselves on the cultural differences of "the world out there."
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