"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty." - Mahatma Gandhi

I’ve just had one of the most intense conversations since I’ve been here. We were discussing my integration into Egyptian culture and some of the culture shock I’ve experienced.

My culture shock has been very minimal and I believe for the most part it’s because of my background and preparation for Egypt. I’ve been learning certain things about my personality that contributes to my Americaness or my Arabness. It’s been easier for me to understand my personality traits while being here in Egypt. Many people helped in my cultural preparation before arriving here and they really contributed to making my experience what has been so far. I also can not forget to mention the amazing Egyptians and Aiesecers who made me feel so welcome and as one friend put it, this “sense of belonging” that I have. Sometimes, I wonder why I have this “sense of belonging.” I question if it’s because of my personality and who I am, being Arab, or being an Aiesecer. Maybe it’s something entirely different or maybe it’s everything combined. I don’t know. I feel a connection with the Egyptians. Maybe it’s the Arab commonality, maybe it’s because of their hospitality, friendliness, and generosity. I’m not quite sure.

So, I was discussing all of these things with a colleague as well as some of the culture shock I’ve experienced. I was really shocked by this person’s viewpoint. I thought he was more open minded than a lot of people I know both here and in the U.S. I completely understand where he’s coming from.

The only thing I was really surprised about is the extent of the lack of tolerance. I expected there to be no tolerance or fair treatment of homosexuals. I completely understand why it is the way it is here. It’s not a part of Islam or any of the other two main religions of the world, because of religion it’s not deemed acceptable. I didn’t expect people to deny the fact that homosexuality exists in Egypt. I also expected there to be hatred towards Israelis and maybe somewhat towards Jews in Egypt. But I didn’t expect Jews not to have any rights whatsoever or to be treated as if they were Israeli. I understand why that sentiment exists here and in other parts of the Arab World. Israel hasn’t been the greatest neighbor to have.

I was really shocked when my colleague told me he hated Jews and would never befriend someone who is Jewish. Coming from him it was shocking. He is so open about so many different things. He was also educated in the U.S. and lived in a country and city filled with so much diversity. He also compared treatment of Jews here in Egypt to treatment of Muslims and Arabs in the U.S. It’s not even like comparing apples to oranges. It’s more like comparing a slab of beef to an orange. I’m not going to sugarcoat things and say discrimination and racism doesn’t exist in the U.S. I’m not going to flat out lie about it. It does happen in the U.S. and to all groups of people from African Americans, to the Irish, the Italians, to the Arabs and/or Muslims, and Jewish, etc. I feel people in the U.S. embrace diversity more. They are more likely to be open minded and tolerant. It’s not just tolerance but equality. If a hate crime were to occur, the chances of the police doing something in the U.S. is greater than it would be here, at least that’s the feeling I get. The chance of there being justice in the U.S. is higher. Also in the U.S. , it doesn't matter what your religion, ethnicity, your race, sexuality, gender, or political beliefs are, everyone has the right to employment, education, healthcare, and to be treated fairly. Does someone who is Jewish living in Egypt have the right to practice their religion, get a job, go to school, or get healthcare? I just feel like you can’t compare the treatment of Arabs and/or Muslims living in the U.S. to Jews living in Egypt.

I can understand why lack of tolerance and so many stereotypes exist in the world. But this doesn’t mean that I will simply accept it. I will do what I can to break these stereotypes and build understanding. I would never want to be discriminated or someone choose not to be my friend simply based on the fact that I’m “different” or because I’m an American, an Arab, a Muslim, a woman, a young adult, etc. I would never discriminate towards someone based on who they are and what makes them unique. I belong to the human race. You belong to the human race. We all belong to one race and that is the human race.


“You must be the change you want to see in the world.”
- Mahatma Gandhi

It is up to us to make this world a better place. We must open our hearts and embrace the human race.