Cultural Difficulties: Experiences of a Muslim and an Inuit
Cultural Difficulties Essay
The definition of normal cause’s great controversy, especially with what society portrays it to be. With all the racial and cultural diversity the world has today, the American portrayal still lingers in Americans minds today. This idea of normal carries stereotypes and a lot of ignorance. Although cultures are different, they all come with a list of stereotypes. Naheed, a Muslim and Sheila, an Inuit, are no exception when it comes to discrimination toward their culture. Society puts huge emphasis on living the American dream, the ‘normal’ lifestyle. Even with all this cultural diversity in America, there are still many people ignorant to the idea of a culture different than their own. What is normal? Why is normal put in a small box with specific standards? Naheed and Sheila try to sustain their culture while facing obstacles, challenging them to live the way they want to. Sheila gave a voice in her essay to the global warming in Nunavut and the cultural ignorance she faces when it comes to living as an Inuit. Nunavut’s temperature is rising, causing extreme damage to the tundra. This equals to no snow, without snow the seals can’t make shelter for their babies. This causes them travel north in hopes of a colder climate. The environment in the arctic is the way of life for the Inuit, it is important for them to protect their land. For them, hunting is rite of passage that teaches young people essential life lessons. With all the animals migrating it is difficult to find animals to hunt. Society doesn't understand the necessity of hunting as a part of the Inuit culture. The animals that are hunted are becoming limited because of society’s lack of care on the environment. The carelessness of society towards the environment makes it very difficult for Sheila and all other Inuit’s culture. In My Body Is My Own Business, Naheed Mustafa, feels free by covering her body and hair. Wearing a hijab gives her freedom from attention
The definition of normal cause’s great controversy, especially with what society portrays it to be. With all the racial and cultural diversity the world has today, the American portrayal still lingers in Americans minds today. This idea of normal carries stereotypes and a lot of ignorance. Although cultures are different, they all come with a list of stereotypes. Naheed, a Muslim and Sheila, an Inuit, are no exception when it comes to discrimination toward their culture. Society puts huge emphasis on living the American dream, the ‘normal’ lifestyle. Even with all this cultural diversity in America, there are still many people ignorant to the idea of a culture different than their own. What is normal? Why is normal put in a small box with specific standards? Naheed and Sheila try to sustain their culture while facing obstacles, challenging them to live the way they want to. Sheila gave a voice in her essay to the global warming in Nunavut and the cultural ignorance she faces when it comes to living as an Inuit. Nunavut’s temperature is rising, causing extreme damage to the tundra. This equals to no snow, without snow the seals can’t make shelter for their babies. This causes them travel north in hopes of a colder climate. The environment in the arctic is the way of life for the Inuit, it is important for them to protect their land. For them, hunting is rite of passage that teaches young people essential life lessons. With all the animals migrating it is difficult to find animals to hunt. Society doesn't understand the necessity of hunting as a part of the Inuit culture. The animals that are hunted are becoming limited because of society’s lack of care on the environment. The carelessness of society towards the environment makes it very difficult for Sheila and all other Inuit’s culture. In My Body Is My Own Business, Naheed Mustafa, feels free by covering her body and hair. Wearing a hijab gives her freedom from attention