Fruitful Discussion

We recently added a Junior Fellow to the ranks named Nadine. She is Jordanian and is therefore in a somewhat different situation than the rest of us but she has offered us wonderful insights into the Jordanian culture. Today Nadine and I were chatting about the difference between Americans assimilating into Middle Eastern culture and vice versa. I mentioned that I have made it my goal to learn about the Muslim faith and that I find the culture very fascinating and very beautiful. I also said that it is unlikely that I will ever truly be a part of it. Nadine acknowledged this and mentioned that it would be much easier for her to live in America because it is comprised of so many backgrounds and beliefs. I think this is also because Americans are often categorized by the rest of the world - for instance some people automatically assume that all Americans are on the Israeli side of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. The word "American" brings to mind a structured set of beliefs that only accurately fits a small percentage of Americans. And while Nadine is right in saying that America is a relatively open-minded place, its media still harbors its own perceptions about the Muslim faith that are often judgmental and unenlightened. In the end, this media reflects poorly back on us.
Today we had the extraordinary privilege of listening to speakers from the Council for the National Interest. The speakers, many of whom are American and all of whom live in the States, outlined the work they do towards progress in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. I found their approach intriguing because they represent a serious commitment to justice rather than partisanship. I think it is important for people in the Middle East to see Americans who demonstrate views different than those of the stereotypical American.

-Kat