My last adventure here in Morocco was a weekend trip to the mountainous town of Ifrane, which is about a one hour trip by taxi from Meknes. Our group of 4 cadets and one British English professor at Al-Akhawayn University was surprised to find the cleanliness and all-around European style of Ifrane's infrastructure. All of the buildings had the same brick-red roofs like something you might find in America's north-east. Taken as a whole, Ifrane looked like a ski resort reminiscent of my winters spent in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Al-Akhawayn University was sprawling and pristine, the exact opposite of Moulay Ismail University in Meknes. In the past, USAFA had sent its cadets to Al-Akhawayn for Arabic semester abroad, but we all agreed that we wouldn't trade our earthy experiences living in the heart of Meknes for the posh life of an Al-Akhawayn student.
Compared to the dynamic nature of American culture, Morocco has always been very stagnant and steeped in tradition. Women wear the same styles of kuftans and jalabas that their great great great grandmothers wore. Moroccan wedding celebrations last all week and the final party continues all through the night, just as it did centuries before. The same topics are taboo just as they were 100 years ago. Moroccans prefer not to talk about unpleasant things, and so many negative or inappropriate words that we have in American English simply to not exist in Moroccan Arabic. Moroccans in general prefer to foster good social skills over anything else. Moroccans are a very emotional people whose emotions will change on a dime if they feel like the social situation is not going their way. And more than anything, they are kind and hospitable almost to a fault. There is no end to the acts of kindness a Moroccan will do for their friends and family members, or often even for a complete stranger. Morocco is a convoluted and perplexing beast, but it certainly is a pleasant place to live, at least for a short while.
The differences between Morocco and America could not possibly be more stark. Many of these major differences and moments of culture shock I have attempted to chronicle in previous blog posts, but they are innumerable and all-encompassing. But as a result of my discovery of these numerous differences, I have reaffirmed and solidified my own patriotism for America. I learned a lot regarding the Moroccan military, which exists to serve the King and will stand loyal only to him in the event of a national crisis. I am so proud and honored to have the opportunity to serve in the American military--a military that serves the American people. What cause could be more worthy than to serve the American people and to protect the existence of the only country on the planet that was founded to defend the freedom of the people? And this fact could not be made more evident than when I see how virtually every Moroccan youth I have met in these 4 months has only the dream to travel to and live in America. And I get to not only be a citizen of this great country, but I also get to defend it as a uniformed member of the Armed Forces. Blessings upon blessings.
I also learned a lot about gender relations here in Morocco and the way women's roles are viewed. And in this case, I do not want to say I am so blessed to have been given the rights I have in America as a woman, because I believe these rights are inalienable and should be granted just by being born into this world. So instead, I will say I am glad to live in a country that has not unjustly taken these inborn rights away from me as a human being, and not just as a woman. I believe I have become more of a staunch feminist than before I arrived in Morocco, but only in the sense that I believe in true equality between the sexes. I believe if men are compelled to sign up for the draft, women should be too. After all, America is all of our country to protect, and that isn't just the duty of men for we all benefit from America's continued existence.
Now it is true that I have dealt with quite a few frustrations regarding every aspect of Moroccan culture. However, I will acknowledge that every part of the world has its own culture, and that culture often suits the people who live within it. But I do believe it is invaluable to learn about the myriad cultures of our fellow man, since that is how we attain the wisdom to know what is truly the best path for our own lives and for our posterity. And so out of these frustrations with Moroccan culture I have grown even closer and more fond of the American way of life. The American way of life is definitely what is best for me, although it may not be for many Moroccans and other Arabs. Therefore, I will not say that one way of life is better than another. Rather, every culture is valuable in and of itself and we must respect all cultures and traditions. There is no better way of doing this then to walk in our neighbors' shoes.
I have filled many different roles here in Morocco. I have been a student, a teacher, a friend, an "intriguing" foreigner, an American, an ex-pat, a celebrity, an idiot, and sometimes even a mushaghib (troublemaker) in class. I have felt and experienced the full range of human emotions since I have arrived in this country, ranging from euphoric happiness to the depths of heartbreak and betrayal. I have been disappointed, mildly amused, and I have laughed to the point of my body going into convulsions. I have become extremely fond of my little group of fellow cadets here in Meknes and I almost feel like Morocco is a second home to me. I have met people from all over the world and have been part of a very close-knit group of ex-pats living in a city that isn't used to seeing foreigners at all. But the most important hat I have worn here in Morocco is one I hope to wear for the rest of my life- and that is the role of student. I want to always be learning, always to be developing who I am as a person. I love Morocco, but I know that my heart will always beat with the dynamic spirit of an American. And with this American heart, I will always seek new perspectives and new experiences. I am proud to be a woman, I am grateful to be an Airman, and I am blessed to be an American.
Maa salama, Maghrib.
حظ سعيد اصدقاء, للمرة الاخيرة
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| Administrative building of Al-Akhawayn University, Ifrane. |
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| I'll miss these crazy fools. Couldn't have asked for a better group. |
