Cultural differences
As a reporter, I learn and experience a lot of new things every day. Yesterday, I was reminded that the American way of doing things is not the only way -- and that some things transcend cultural and religious lines.A 10-year-old Pakistani girl was killed Wednesday when her bicycle collided with an 18-wheeled big rig. About 24 hours later, she was buried while 200 men from the Muslim community looked on. Across town, women gathered at a home to mourn; they could not attend the funeral, though they may go to the grave after the burial.
At first, I thought this was yet another example of gender discrimination. But then I began to realize that the women themselves don't see it that way. For them, it's the custom, and American funerals are probably viewed as strange and unnatural.
I also realized that I was too quick to judge. Is it discrimination? Perhaps, but I had formed that opinion in about a minute. I hadn't taken the time to delve more deeply into the subject and view it from all angles.
I was able to catch a glimpse of what it's like for the women to grieve. I borrowed a scarf from a co-worker, went to the home where the women had gathered, left my shoes outside the front door and spent a few minutes in the home. After I left, I knew one thing for sure: Grieving is a universal concept that does not change through cultural or religious differences.
(The story can be found here. Scroll down to the sub-heading called "Women gather in grief.")
Posted by Layla at 9:04 AM, November 07, 2003
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