Heyy guyss.
This reflection is different and a bit unique. It will highlight our learning experience in this course so far with concepts of “intercultural maturity,” as we’re approaching Soliya very soon.
What have you learned intellectually about the topics we’ve covered so far?
The most important aspect I learned is in the Ted Talk “Danger of a Single Story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. A takeaway from this Ted Talk is that hearing just a story from a single perspective is a very high risk of making it a stereotype. However, this single story is not just a perspective from people of all positions, as it is usually affected by the power dynamics. Those people in dominant positions control the narratives, which would influence people’s perceptions. Hence, it is needed for utilize our critical thinking in analyzing these perspectives to see multiple views and see people beyond just generalizing. This was evident when Adichie was talking about her childhood and how she thought that the norm is that characters in stories white characters who played in the snow because she was reading a Western book. I don’t have questions in this topic, as I tackled it twice (once at school and another time in this course). In Soliya, I would use the experiences of people and their single stories as an enrichment to my knowledge of different perspectives and multiple views that can help me stop generalizing.
Link: https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_storyAnother video that stood out to me and learned from it a valuable lesson is “How to Tell Someone They Sound Racist” by Jay Smooth. I learned that there is a big difference between what they did and what they are. You are to have consequences of what you did not what people suspect you are. But, how to tell someone that they sound racist? In Soliya, I will try to focus more on the actions and words of people not how I assume they are, which will help me challenge unconscious bias that I may have.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0Ti-gkJiXc
An article that highlights how words are a powerful tool that can be used to make the voices of the Syrian women heard in their struggles. I learned that we should admire the translators and writers because of the harsh journey they go through in order to serve justice. But, How can a language shape resilience across cultures? The Soliya experience could enrich knowledge by fostering dialogue with individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering firsthand perspectives on these topics. This could deepen empathy and expand understanding of how cultural narratives influence collective memory and identity.
Link: https://via.hypothes.is/https://lithub.com/war-in-translation-giving-voice-to-the-women-of-syria/
I’ve learned that nationality is a construct, and that identity is shaped by experiences rather than passports. I also learned that labeling by country oversimplifies who we are. Identity is better understood through rituals, relationships, and restrictions. I still wonder how different cultures embrace multi-locality and how policies can adapt to this reality. Through Soliya, I can engage with diverse perspectives, challenge assumptions, and see how others see identity beyond the borders that we have.
Link: https://www.ted.com/talks/taiye_selasi_don_t_ask_where_i_m_from_ask_where_i_m_a_local/transcript
Lastly, there was a game that I played that was very eye-opening to struggles Syrian Women have. This game is made in BBC and its name is “Syrian Journey: Choose your own escape route.” From this game, I learned that the struggles of Syrian women are real and that they face very hard decision in their lives and both ways have negative consequences. This makes us empathize with their situation and try to understand their struggles. But, what are alternatives that they could make in order to avoid these struggles? Probably not, but the Soliya experience can help me understand this from people’s personal experiences if they have a background in similar harsh conditions like this.
Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32057601
What have you learned about yourself and the way you view the world so far?
As for myself, I learned that I really value respect. This value is extremely important, as it is the basis for all conversations and relationships we have. However, I view the world as a place where respect is not present. I often find myself disappointed by how little respect is shown in daily interactions in professional settings, casual conversations, or even on a societal level. In addition, there is no respect between the different societies, which causes wars and other catastrophes. Another thing that I learned about myself is that I value honesty and see it as a trait that is essential to be present in every human to the extent that it would differentiate between good and bad people. Nevertheless, it is also challenging to find honesty in the world today. People often lie to protect themselves, gain advantages, or avoid conflict. Deception has become normalized in many aspects of life in politics, business, or even personal relationships. This makes it difficult to trust others, and I sometimes wonder if true honesty still exists or if it is simply an ideal that people claim to value but rarely practice. As I reflect on my identity, I question how my strong values of respect and honesty shape my interactions and whether my expectations of others are realistic. I often struggle with the lack of these values in the world, which affects my trust in people. In Soliya, I expect my beliefs to influence how I engage with others. While I strive to approach conversations with respect, I may find it challenging when encountering perspectives that seem to disregard it. However, this experience will help me see how different cultures define these values and challenge my assumptions. I hope Soliya broadens my understanding, which will allow me to navigate difficult conversations with more patience and insight while refining my own approach to respectful dialogue.
What have you learned in terms of interactions with people who are different from you?
I have learned that in interactions with people, I should put limits. However, I struggle that these values of respect and honesty are absent in almost all people. I sometimes find it difficult when I encounter perspectives that seem to disregard respect or honesty. This has made me realize that cultural differences shape how people express and perceive these values, and I need to approach conversations with greater flexibility rather than immediate frustration. I wonder how I can become a better global citizen by embracing diverse viewpoints without compromising my core values. How can I engage in discussions where honesty feels absent without becoming distrustful? How do I ensure that I listen with an open mind while also standing firm in my beliefs? These are challenges I hope to explore. Through Soliya, I want to learn how to communicate effectively in a global digital space, where misunderstandings can arise due to cultural nuances. I hope to refine my ability to navigate difficult conversations with patience and develop strategies for engaging with differing worldviews in a constructive manner. This experience will push me to step outside my comfort zone and interact more thoughtfully with culturally diverse individuals, ultimately helping me grow as a more openminded person.
What do you expect would happen if the issue of Palestine came up in Soliya?
If the issue of Palestine arises in Soliya, I anticipate a tense emotional discussion. Arabs would likely express strong frustration and pain, while many Western participants might react with indifference or defend Israel due to biased media narratives. The challenge would be breaking through misinformation and apathy to ensure the Palestinian reality is truly understood. If I were to lead the discussion, I would remain composed and strategic, focusing on facts, historical context, and human stories rather than confrontation. I would highlight the injustices Palestinians face, as in occupation, displacement, and daily violence, while drawing parallels to other struggles for justice that Western audiences may relate to. My goal would be to shift the conversation from political rhetoric to basic human rights, making it harder for anyone to justify the oppression. To effectively counter misinformation and bias, I would need strong historical evidence, firsthand testimonies, and human rights reports. Support from other just individuals would also help in maintaining the discussion’s integrity. Justice for Palestine is not just an Arab issue: it is a global one. I feel that this is an opportunity to raise awareness.
And that’s all!!! Thank you for reading my blog.
If you have any questions, please let me know:)