I'll start by saying things have been going well here in Bursa.
Lots of work, lots of shitty beer, lots of food, lots of exploring.
Content for now, but also looking forward to my next adventure (I'm looking at you, Cape Town).
Funnily enough, the bulk of this post will actually have very little to do with Turkey and more to do with my own country.
When I arrived in Turkey, I was a little nervous about being an American. Considering the somewhat perpetual state of unrest in this area of the world that America has greatly contributed to as well as the anti-Muslim sentiments projected by certain members of our society, I thought that I might experience some long-harbored resentment from people. Much to my surprise and delight, Turks welcomed me with open arms.
Everyone was very curious about America. They had many questions about life in the United States and they loved hearing the American accent.
However, as time went on, my initial excitement at their enthusiasm for my country began to wear thin.
I began to realize that the idea of the "American Dream" that has disillusioned so many people in my own country, with the help of all forms of media, has managed to spread around the world.
So, when I tell people about the healthcare system in the United States or the absurd growth rate of college tuition, or the fact that, 150 years after the end of the American Civil War, racism continues to be a prevalent issue in American society, they are left slack-jawed and astonished.
You see, when they watch American movies or TV series, they believe that the physical America, 6500 miles away, is the same place that is shown to them on the screen.
Full of equality, happiness, and beautiful people who like to party.
If only.
Naturally, as a concerned citizen, I have been following the news in the US especially that surrounding the 2016 presidential election and I am struggling to find the words to describe how utterly sickened I am by this new wave of aforementioned anti-Muslim sentiments.
I realize that it is only a percentage of the population that supports the ridiculous idea that Islam = terrorism. However, I do encourage all Americans, myself included, to take a step back and actually ask yourself how much you know about the religion.
What do you think of when you think of Islam?
Women in veils and men in turbans?
Honestly, before I came here, I'll admit that my knowledge of the religion didn't extend much further than these stereotypes.
But they are just that -
Stereotypes.
For example, turbans are generally not worn in Islamic culture and, when you see someone walking down the street wearing a turban, it is, most likely, not a Muslim man but a practicing Sikh. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that originated in South Asia in the 15th century.
As far as the veil (or the hijab) goes, I know a lot of western women that get up in arms about women's rights, etc, etc. However, depending on the country (from what I understand), the wearing of the hijab by women is a choice based on interpretation of the teachings of Islam. When women do choose to wear a veil, it is not seen as oppressive or detrimental to women's equality. Rather, a practice of modesty and a means to desexualize women and protect them from harassment or unwanted sexual advances thus allowing them to enjoy equal rights in the public sphere. (I would again like to emphasize the fact that these customs and beliefs can change depending on the country.)
**takes a breath**
My students are Muslims.
And they are some of the kindest, most compassionate, and entertaining people that I have had the pleasure to meet.
There are misconceptions and stereotypes everywhere.
It is the nature of the world we live in.
But, if we can take the time to educate ourselves and learn the truth about these issues, it will be a step in the right direction.
And, of course there's nothing that I can say here that hasn't already been written about by some online publication or someone on social media, so I guess, as usual, I'm using my blog as a kind of outlet for my own feelings and frustrations.
Am I proud to be an American?
Not always.
That being said I do think our country has a great deal of potential and that we should not waste it by giving attention to fools and bigots like Donald Trump.
I do think we can "make America great again", but the answer is not extreme nationalism with bad hair.
