Insight into Morrocco & Guest Lecture

           In my opinion, the lecture that was most informative and inspiring was the Global connection and religion presentation by Deborah Mason. In the Middle East, the religious restrictions are much higher than they are here, and a lot of times we really don't think about that. As I have pointed out in several previous blog posts, we as Americans have an extremely hard time understanding other places and cultures. With all of the current events surrounding the terrorist attacks and problems our country has been facing that are tied to certain groups, such as ISIS, we forget that it isn't necessarily an entire religion at blame.

Facing online backlash about religious officials is a problem that our world may not ever be able to completely dissolve. We struggle so highly with crossing the line between freedom of speech, and hate speech. The stories happening in today's news have been chewed up, tossed around, and spit out by people on social media sites who think they completely understand what is going on and who is at blame. 


              In studying Morocco, I learned one of the most valuable lessons I could possibly develop, and that doesn't stem from just one simple idea. I gained insight into another culture, in a fully 360 point of view. The most valuable thing I learned from studying Morocco is to always be greatful for what I have as a woman living in America. Many times I forget how much privilege I have to be living in a society that doesn't put so many restrictions on being a woman and having a job and my own voice.
             "In conservative Morocco, the reality is that even women may be reluctant to challenge Islamic traditions that discriminate against them. “Women are very attached to the book and it is very clear on inheritance,” said Sonia Terrab, a Moroccan novelist, referring to the Quran. “If given the choice, they will reject reform. There needs to be a strong state that imposes it until it becomes a solid gain in two or three generations.” (NY TIMES)
   
     Islamic traditions in Morocco require strict laws on women's rights that are governed by both the religion and the law. Many women are not allowed to completely speak their minds and have the same rights as Islamic men. Studying places like these always remind me to be thankful of my freedom and rights as w woman in America.