It has been a really interesting experience living in an Arab country, arguably the most peaceful Arab country, during this revolutionary period for countries in this part of the world. Morocco advertises itself as a country open to democratization, a country that responds to the demands of its citizens, and a country that recognizes all people (besides women and homosexuals). This is true, to some extent, but may be a direct result of the strong alliance between Morocco and the USA.
Taking classes here has been an experience. It has been an adaptation process, one in which I have learned to have no expectations. I don't know whether it is the Moroccan professors, the curriculum or my study abroad program, but there is very little organization or clear understanding. For example, there have been a few assignments now that have been given, and upon going to the next class, we are told we are wrong and that we were supposed to read something else. This even happened the class before a midterm! We were told to read an article and the midterm essay prompt referenced a different article. My "North African Cultural Identities" professor is particularly problematic to me. She refuses to recognize the injustices and inequalities that still exist in the political and social world for women. She had a group of men from a political party come into our class and tell us that Morocco grants equality to all citizens, but they would not speak of homosexuals. The worst part, though, is that she tried to give the Arab Spring a more fitting name (in her opinion), and refers to it as the "Democratic Spring". It drives me crazy for many reasons, but how about because 1) you can't chose your own name for a movement that is being monitored by the whole world and 2) because it is not democratic in its entirety.
By and large, the Arab Spring is a movement that will lead to more rights and freedom for people. People...does that encompass every single person? Men, women, homosexuals, handicapped, past political prisoners, unemployed and youth? I refuse to believe that all groups will be recognized equally. This interview, although long, is an extremely interesting look at how the Arab Spring is maintaining the "second-class citizenship" of women.
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/talktojazeera/2012/04/201242111373249723.html
Taking classes here has been an experience. It has been an adaptation process, one in which I have learned to have no expectations. I don't know whether it is the Moroccan professors, the curriculum or my study abroad program, but there is very little organization or clear understanding. For example, there have been a few assignments now that have been given, and upon going to the next class, we are told we are wrong and that we were supposed to read something else. This even happened the class before a midterm! We were told to read an article and the midterm essay prompt referenced a different article. My "North African Cultural Identities" professor is particularly problematic to me. She refuses to recognize the injustices and inequalities that still exist in the political and social world for women. She had a group of men from a political party come into our class and tell us that Morocco grants equality to all citizens, but they would not speak of homosexuals. The worst part, though, is that she tried to give the Arab Spring a more fitting name (in her opinion), and refers to it as the "Democratic Spring". It drives me crazy for many reasons, but how about because 1) you can't chose your own name for a movement that is being monitored by the whole world and 2) because it is not democratic in its entirety.
By and large, the Arab Spring is a movement that will lead to more rights and freedom for people. People...does that encompass every single person? Men, women, homosexuals, handicapped, past political prisoners, unemployed and youth? I refuse to believe that all groups will be recognized equally. This interview, although long, is an extremely interesting look at how the Arab Spring is maintaining the "second-class citizenship" of women.
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/talktojazeera/2012/04/201242111373249723.html
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