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Opinion

If only globes were a bit cheaper

Selam Yemane
Opinion Columnist 

One of my friends joined me at a bookstore the other day and began to tell me a story that involved a certain country that I did not know the location of (which will remain nameless to save myself the embarrassment). So, being a great friend, she took the liberty to get a book that had a map of the world and began to give me a geography lesson. 

Why has taking the time to learn about the countries that other people come from not been a reality for me? Truth is, it is something I have wanted to do, but I am often busy, like everyone, I imagine. 

However, we can take the time out to do something if we think it is important, so maybe that excuse can be ruled out. 

At one point, I had actually cut out a map of a continent that is dear to me and told myself that I was going to memorize where all the countries on the map were. Notice that this was a continent that was dear to me. That statement alone challenges me to go out of my shell and discover things about different cultures.

An even bigger concern than geography is we are often in the dark about the way of life of other peoples. Oftentimes, we even seem to be a bit unaccepting about the cultures of others, as if we wrote the book on what is normal human behavior. I am not addressing issues of morality or human rights, but things that are as simple as what people in other countries eat or even what kind of homes people around the world live in.

I have been quite impressed with international festivals and the like (fun-filled programs that teach about other cultures). However, I have heard my share of untrue remarks about the area from which I originate, and it has not been fun; I cannot imagine it is for others either. 

My friend mentioned something that made me realize I am a prime candidate to educate myself about the geography and culture of other peoples’ countries because I came from a country many have probably never even heard of. But I must admit that I am still ignorant when it comes to that and other cultural facts about my peers.

Since America is a melting pot, it would be great for all of us to take the time to learn about the various cultures represented in this country. 

Yemane, an opinion columnist for The Daily Cougar,
can be reached at behami@yahoo.com.