Crickets Across the Sea
7:08 PM Edit This 18 Comments »
I couldn't wait to tell you about the conversation that happened in my office this morning. The good doctor is from Pakistan, so whether I'm interested or not, I get apprised of pretty much anything that happens over there. Pakistan won the world Cricket championship this weekend, which is pretty amazing. Have you ever watched Cricket? It's a fascinating sport. We watched the second to the last game on Friday when he and I were alone in the office. This is what they pay me to do, right? And might also contribute to the sinking feeling that my brain is melting every moment I continue to stay here.
Anyway, he was showing us video of the street celebrations this morning; the fireworks, people dancing and acting silly, the slapping of backs, the shouting and mayhem. It looked like fun. But I noticed there was something missing so I said, "Where are the women?" And the response was, "They are not allowed outside that time of night. Plus, if they went outside, they might get bred." To which I responded, "You mean raped." And got the usual, "No, no." And I said, "Yes, yes." And he said, "You don't understand." Really? "I think I understand more than you know."End of conversation, because whenever I talk to him about human rights, especially women's rights, he gets too upset to even hear me. I want to believe that someday, he will.
Anyway, he was showing us video of the street celebrations this morning; the fireworks, people dancing and acting silly, the slapping of backs, the shouting and mayhem. It looked like fun. But I noticed there was something missing so I said, "Where are the women?" And the response was, "They are not allowed outside that time of night. Plus, if they went outside, they might get bred." To which I responded, "You mean raped." And got the usual, "No, no." And I said, "Yes, yes." And he said, "You don't understand." Really? "I think I understand more than you know."End of conversation, because whenever I talk to him about human rights, especially women's rights, he gets too upset to even hear me. I want to believe that someday, he will.
18 comments:
"Bred?!"
Jesus.
I hope that you can get through to him someday.
(And also, Cricket is just bizarre. If you understand it, you may have to explain it to me sometime.)
Some of my favorite classes in college were the study of cultures with similar mindsets. Not because it was enjoyable, but because it was fascinating, like a horror movie, or a car accident you couldn't look away from.
Bred? And he's serious? What women was he referring to? Cows? Maybe mares?
Pretty un-fucking-believable.
And, welcome back! :-) Now I'm happy again! :-)
There are all types of people out there. Just so happens to be many countries this way. I have learned that thousands of years (not 200ish like the US) culture is very difficult to change. But I feel you on this.
I worked with a chick from Ethiopia when I was in college. The main reason her family moved to the US was to avoid that sort of mindset for their daughter. They also had a son, but his rights actually exsisted. They knew the only way for their daughter to succeed in life was to leave that sort of environment. I was glad too, because she was a really great chick and the world is better with her able to live her life.
I live where there's a lot of racism still. It's hard when you hear things you just can't agree with on any level. Chin up. For every jackass out there, there's a great person like you to even out the universe :) (at least I have to believe that)
Get bred. I love that. LOVE IT! Like we're horses.
does he have a breeding lisence? geesh
It's always eye-opening to realize that the "common sense" attitudes we take for granted are not so common in other cultures. Sometimes you have to give up on the oldies and do your best with the next generation. Some people get too set in their ways to ever change.
Bred?
This world has a long, long road to get somewhere better ... sadly, many won't make a turn to go in a new direction.
They might get bred. shakes head Wow!
Years ago, I had a boss that was from Pakistan, and he always seemed to understand the plight of American women-- but felt this plight was not in the best interest of Pakistani women. Oh, you can imagine the great debates we had.
Wow. I can't even say anything other than that!!
I have played cricket. When I was a kid. I sucked at it. That's because, although I am a superb athlete, cricket sucks. All sports suck, as a matter of fact.
Oh, Kate. You did indeed misunderstand. You see, in Pakistan, the bakeries are only open at night. And, in Pakistan, women are not allowed to eat bread because they might get yeast infections. You should apologize to the good doctor for your silly misunderstanding.
Did I mention that cricket sucks?
Oh how I love you take him on. Over and over and over again. You're a force, my dear.
You plant seeds (breeding jokes aside) of truth where you can and eventually they sprout because, if there's enough of them, over time, they can't be ignored.
damn, all i can do is shake my head because i am speechless.
Hm. I wonder if those men would get bred in prison once they're sentenced for rape.
flabbergasted. and thankful again i am living where i am and not having to live in a culture that allows 'breeding'.
will miss you this weekend :(
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