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Mazine,
I am frustrated by your many posts that attempt to educate
those around you. Perhaps you have valid information that can add to class
discussion and eventually to a greater understanding of all cultures.
However, your methodology proves hypocritical over and over again. When
trying to erase stereotypes by describing certain truths regarding the Arab
world (as you see them, by the way), you revert back on the exact stereotyping
that you try to dispel.
I will not counter certain claims that you make concerning the
morality of all Muslim fundamentalists, or even question in depth this idea that
Muslims are "better off." What I will say is that as a woman, I do not
view all aspects of fundamentalist Muslim morality as an environment
dedicated to the betterment of all members of the religion. Apart from
this, though, my argument remains that everything you try to achieve concerning
the education of "Westerners" fails simply because you fail to uphold your own
standards of critique.
Moreover, the tone you take toward members of our class angers
me. How can you claim to know all the beliefs, knowledge and aspirations
of people to whom you have never spoken? As an individual who is less
interested in selling oil someday, but rather, interested in U.S. foreign
relations and how oil production plays a role in this, your comments offend and
belittle what it is I am trying to accomplish. Not all Westerners will
voice the same opinions you hear on TV or otherwise. And what's more, when
you belittle and antagonize those who are attempting to understand and learn,
you hamper your goal of universal acceptance and truth all the
more.
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