Prior to having Arab friends I didn't know much about them other than what I read in history books and saw in the movies....sometimes these perceptions can either be misleading or sadly pigeon holes people leaving no room to think outside the box.Yes....leave your comfort zone and get to really know these people has human beings.
I initially met Arabs in college while attending the University of Southern Indiana. I was fascinated by them...well with the Middle East since a wee child.
And when pursuing my graduate studies I was surrounded by friends from all corners of the globe including the Persian Gulf and also Lebanon and Syria...a commonality between all of these people is their immense generosity...especially the Omanis who are well known in the Gulf for their giving nature.
Nine time out of ten if we went out they would always pay for my meal no matter how much I protested. Their dinners were elaborate and I could want for nothing. Their selfless nature in being a most gracious host is legendary....not just with myself but with anyone.
I feel that people really should attempt to delve outside of their comfort zone and get to know these Arabs....as individuals and not part of some kind of peculiar oddity....and not allow media to influence you into thinking all Muslims or Arabs are terrorists and Xenophobes. I have had the fortune to meet many Muslims and Arabs in college and knew in my personal life who break the stereotypes placed upon them by society.
I initially met Arabs in college while attending the University of Southern Indiana. I was fascinated by them...well with the Middle East since a wee child.
And when pursuing my graduate studies I was surrounded by friends from all corners of the globe including the Persian Gulf and also Lebanon and Syria...a commonality between all of these people is their immense generosity...especially the Omanis who are well known in the Gulf for their giving nature.
Nine time out of ten if we went out they would always pay for my meal no matter how much I protested. Their dinners were elaborate and I could want for nothing. Their selfless nature in being a most gracious host is legendary....not just with myself but with anyone.
I feel that people really should attempt to delve outside of their comfort zone and get to know these Arabs....as individuals and not part of some kind of peculiar oddity....and not allow media to influence you into thinking all Muslims or Arabs are terrorists and Xenophobes. I have had the fortune to meet many Muslims and Arabs in college and knew in my personal life who break the stereotypes placed upon them by society.
Underneath it all...we are the same--same blood, heart, lungs, muscle, bones...human beings trying to make it on this planet we call Earth.
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