My coworkers/housemates R about 90% from1 particular impoverished country (for this venue, I'll call it "Venus"). Of that 90% about 80 % of those R Muslim. 2 of many possible examples: They pray in Islamic chants, often not in the bedroom/other private area. In a congested area of the living room they say that praying facing east is necessary. Is this the only area in our house that faces east? I have been told to turn the TV which is at a normal level--down or mute it b/c it's interfering with their “focus on Allah”. Another: There’s a store down the street from the building I work in. Every time I go to the store, I ask if anyone needs anything b/c it’s quite a hike. Whenever when they go, they only ask others from Venus what they may need. I've asked them why & they say it's "cultural". Americans say "It's cultural yes but, only b/c you're female and not to be respected by their culture." How can I tell if a behavior is cultural or the person's just an azz? What do you think?
2006-09-25 15:25:48 · 13 answers · asked by Belle 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
Cultural differences or not, there has to be a compromise with values and ethics. Whilst what may be demeaning to women in our culture may be normal to them but they have to understand the culture they live in as well and respect it. You are not the only one who has to make sacrifices and if they don't respect you, then there's nothing you can do further and move on unless you don't mind such treatment. You can't argue with them because their belief system is very different to yours and it is pointless to do so.
2006-09-25 15:41:39 · answer #1 · answered by Vino 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are your housemates, then they have to respect your cultural differences every bit as much as you respect theirs. If it bothers you that they don't ask you what you need when you go to the store, and you tell them, and they still don't make at least an attempt to work with you, then there's no reason to respect them. It's not a cultural difference. It's a personality difference. Good Muslims will work with you. Move out or have them do the same.
2006-09-25 16:34:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Belle, this is a democracy and we love it....Therefore, the only person you get to control is yourself......there are plenty of places to live....good luck.
We used to own a ranch near Las Vegas, New Mexico and we could never get waited on in town at the restaurants as we were the minority.....it gave me a chance to see how the real minorities might feel about the anglos in America...i got used to being treated differently and learned a lot in the process.
2006-09-25 16:34:16 · answer #3 · answered by Cassie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say from your description that they are the ones being rude. Become a holy roller, put crosses in every single room, tell them it's "cultural." No longer ask them what they need, because they show you no courtesy in return. I don't think this is a truly cultural thing, I just think they are being jerks.
2006-09-25 15:56:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That doesn't seem like just a cultural difference, have you spoken to them about the incidents the way you just explained it here? You need to stand up for your rights as a rent paying roommate!
2006-09-25 15:48:39 · answer #5 · answered by Carol R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they tell you because your female crap. Tell them if they don't like it they can go home WE worked our asses off for equal rights. They are enojoying every minute of our freedom, that we American women worked our butts off for. They need to shape up or ship out. And turn your TV back up,. They can pray to a brick wall and face East.
2006-09-25 15:32:47 · answer #6 · answered by MarshaMarsha 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Take it on the road and chalk this one up as a step to enlightenment. That still don't mean you can't take a few parting shots at the hypocritical dumbazzes...
2006-09-25 16:03:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well dear you got the answer by yourself. Thats certainly inconsiderable, mannerless ignorance.
2006-09-25 15:34:43 · answer #8 · answered by Veer 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
sounds like you need to move. they have no respect because your a female, then you should move. that's also pure ignorance on there part. if they was married would they not ask there wife if they needed something. i would stop asking them if they need any thing. and you need to move,
2006-09-25 15:34:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're not going to be able to change them, unfortunately. They've got their thing going on, and you're right - it's somewhat asinine, but that's living with roommates, mate. ;)
2006-09-25 15:34:53 · answer #10 · answered by GreetingsEarthling 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋