Being an Arab Muslim, I was not sure how I should feel about what is talked about in the video. When he talked about how the terrorists in Iraq could be seen as freedom fighters, rather than religion distorting savages, I had a feeling of guilt for it had been repeated over and over again to me that those people are the “bad guys” and they are our enemy as much as they are the west’s. The reason for that is that I have never thought of them as people who are putting their lives on the line to defend their country.
Another thought that came to me at the same time was what difference it would make if I adopted a different view regarding this issue and believed they are patriots and they are not the bad guys. Others would dismiss whatever I would say regarding this issue and say it is because I am from the area that is attacked, and they may even think that I have more than just a passion to defend those dead people. Just as with any other group of people who are not conforming to the mainstream opinion that is shoved down our throats by the media, it would be nearly impossible to get into a conversation with another person without getting into a heated argument where both parties will stick to its own opinion, and deem the other as misinformed. Unfortunately, this is the reality of this is the reality when we think of not only this issue, but many issues that are controversial because they do not agree with what the public opinion is.
This lecture was really eye opening for me. The thought of trying to be in someone else's shoes, and trying to understand what he or she feels at a certain moment. Had I thought about this concept at certain times, I would have acted differently at times that I regretted the actions I have taken.
The other thing that got my attention was the several quotes from American military officials and the president himself. Right now, I am a bit confused about whether I, or even many of us, were naive because the thought of a holy war never really crossed many of our minds.
What really confused me is that what I believe is true is that America was founded by its mainly deist founding fathers as a secular country that has no state religion, nor prefers any religion over the other, so how would military officials and officers in chief, who are now in charge of the responsibility they inherited from the great founding fathers, and that is to maintain this country and protect its constitution. It is even what they swear to do, so I find it difficult to understand how would those people say what they said blatantly, and keep a straight face. It is disturbing how hypocritical those people are.
On the other hand, I believe I understand why many liberals criticize America over its conservatism and religiousness. It is something that I have not really understood for I have not seen this religious side of America.
This lecture was really eye opening for me. The thought of trying to be in someone else's shoes, and trying to understand what he or she feels at a certain moment. Had I thought about this concept at certain times, I would have acted differently at times that I regretted the actions I have taken.
The other thing that got my attention was the several quotes from American military officials and the president himself. Right now, I am a bit confused about whether I, or even many of us, were naive because the thought of a holy war never really crossed many of our minds.
What really confused me is that what I believe is true is that America was founded by its mainly deist founding fathers as a secular country that has no state religion, nor prefers any religion over the other, so how would military officials and officers in chief, who are now in charge of the responsibility they inherited from the great founding fathers, and that is to maintain this country and protect its constitution. It is even what they swear to do, so I find it difficult to understand how would those people say what they said blatantly, and keep a straight face. It is disturbing how hypocritical those people are.
On the other hand, I believe I understand why many liberals criticize America over its conservatism and religiousness. It is something that I have not really understood for I have not seen this religious side of America.
Wow, Sam Richards this was amazing. I have attended this lecture in my soc class but its has been brought to perfection. this experiment has accurately imaged how the normal Iraqi would feel and how the they interpreted all of the american media and internet sources. if everyone could just put themselves in the shoes of the other we could reach a better understanding about almost everything that makes us human. When we put our selves in the hoes of our so called enemies we realize that they are not just random names and numbers. but rather that they are a part of their society and culture that they are doing this not because of personal causes but mostly to the good of everyone else or so they think. Its also the same for us but would they be willing to step in our shoes?. thats what I think really matters. If a way is there that doesn't mean everyone will take it or at least understand what it is about. I guess I am trying to think how could we use this for a better understanding. I think I'm asking too much if everyone could understand this and we could all come to peace and understanding with each other. if we all just just tried to live and prosper with one another not build on the body of the other. as much as this experiment bring light and understanding into the whole global conflict. it saddens me because I feel that it is nearly impossible to accomplish. but nonetheless understanding will be gateway of peace and a better world.
Because I was in last year Soc 001 class with professor Sam Richards, I heard this before and I still have my same opinion about it which is awesome lecture although this one was shorter. I still remember the faces of the American students who were with me in the class; after this lecture they were confused and surprised to hear such a thing. I know for a fact as Sam said that the only reason for U.S. army to be in Iraq is to secure that oil will be in the U.S. because oil as we all know is the number one source of Energy now (without it, no car will start and no house will have electricity…..), although that this reason is not clear to some and is covered by some other stuff like “helping the Middle East.”
Also being a Middle Easterner I can definitely relate to what he said about people that out there who are fighting the US army back being portrayed as Terrorist doesn’t fit them at all. I’m not saying that Osama bin ladin is not a terrorist (because he is just an extremist and there are a lot of people like him everywhere). I’m just stating that who wouldn’t fight for his freedom, his family’s freedom….. Isn’t that what is also happening in Palestine too!? I think that it is in human nature to fight back if your home is being attacked by other people wouldn’t you do the same, if some burglar was in your house trying to steal it wouldn’t you try to defend it!?
i felt that is experiment would make a lot of people understand how empathy feels like. Here in the United states Media plays an strong role in manipulating the mind of people. Showing the Bad aspect of the middle east and war gives a bad and dishonest stereotype of all muslims. Back in the middle east as we brought up in many conversations in the past weeks that what ever massacre caused by terrorists are Extremists to us and do not represent Islam. There is a saying in the Quran the holly book that says: 'And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell to abide therein and the wrath of God upon him, and prepared for him a great punishment'( alnesa, 39). And there is another saying: 'Whoever kills the same or corruption in the earth as if he killed all people live as if it is recited by all people came Our messengers with clear proofs.' (almaeda, 32).Islam is a peaceful religion that seeks to respect all religions. Look at how we great people by saying 'alsalam alaikoum' which means peace upon you. how could a religion that represents peace start a terrorism act against other religions.
If people listened and put themselves in other people's shoes they might understand how it feels to see your people die everyday in war. Families, children and innocent people are killed every day in Palestine, Iraq and other muslim countries due to war and wrong stereotypes. And after all that, you come here to the Country of freedom and see this image of islam craved into their heads the wrong way. This makes you feel angry,sorry, a sea of feeling attacks you. what should you do? or How should you feel?
I can put myself in The american people shoes and say: i don't know, this is what we see, this is what we learn, yet, if they only read the Quran, See how we live back in the middle east and just know simple knowledge and Yes put themselves in our shoes i bet they'll change their mind about a lot of things.
Moreover, I respect the US, because it's the place where i'm gaining experience and meeting different people and different ideas all over world. Plus, there are still people who know what islam and muslims are.
Since I came from an Arab country, I can speak on behalf of some of them. As my generation grew up, we saw many wars. America was always related to each war we heard about. Since America for, some people, is only Christian and Jews people, they start hating the religions and generalize it. The video just proved why some people hate Christian or Jews. All Muslim haters are Christians. Since I came here I can see that some of them are not. Some of the warriors go to army just to afford for their studying and for their family. Now how can we send that to Arabs since all what they see is TV and media? People in Arab country really get to an aggression state when they hear anything about America. Even when I was young we used to protest against them damaging and killing in sister’s countries. Even when they went to Afghanistan, although it’s not an Arab country, but since America is involved in the war, Arab were more pissed off. Not only because American is fighting there, but also because it’s a Muslim country must that Arab and Muslim countries protect. According to me, I have thought about America as an enemy. Because most of my friend had their families in Palestine and Iraq, and they used to hate America and Christians, I was influenced by them. When I grew up and I met other Americans and Europeans, I changed this idea about them. I even traveled to the USA just to experience more and to know more about America. I still have feelings toward armors, but still I cannot put the blame on them, but I’ll put it on the government.
This was definitely an interesting presentation that Sam did, and I remember it being one of my favorites while I was taking Soc 119. Hearing from the point of view of a Muslim-American, I think it would have been interesting to hear the responses from the white and African(non muslim) Americans. I have to agree with Sam’s point that what he said about how muslims foreigners portray America is completely true. A lot of them have the same fears that Sam Richards described and it seems interesting that I find myself trying to defend either when I am in the company of the vice-versa (basically I play devil’s advocate). I admit that when I first heard the presentation about walking in other people’s shoes and this class has helped me a little in understanding why the “Americans” do things that I find confusing. My main issue has always been the naivety that certain “Americans” do not truly understand issues and how it pertains to them. Slowly however, as hard as it may be, I’m beginning to understand that it may have to do with some form of not used as much topics of discussion. It seems many of these people don’t look for info like this because they prioritize time doing other things more than finding out about the events of the world. Another thing is that we muslim Americans or foreigners usually find and discover these things and then talk about them to our friends. However, Americans may not talk at all about these subjects with their friends because they may not want to be reminded how messed up the world is. They want to live happy and not concern themselves with the problems that barely affect. Besides, isn’t that what we all want? To be happy and away from any pains. Of course this may bring about other misunderstandings, or other problems. But I can honestly say that even though I disagree that you shouldn’t do this, I still am beginning to understand why it happens.
I would first like to start off by saying what Sam said is touching. Because it makes you realize as a person that we look at life from our perspectives and don’t take the time out to look at it from another’s. Like they say there is always two sides to a story yet we don’t have time to listen to the other side. What we see here about the middle east from our media is our perspective until a person like Sam opens our eyes we sit here and say look at all them Iraqis killing our troops, but at the same time our troops are the ones killing the innocent civilians at times to, as well as citizens who are fighting for their country. We see our troops who are so called fighting to keep us safe and not oil as heroes yet we call the people who truly are defending their country in the Middle East terrorist. Is this really fair? No, because I know for a fact if the Chinese as Sam said were here for our coal, but they said they were here to help us would none of us fight for what belongs to our country? Yes, we would and that is what the Iraqi people are doing but we are to shallow to notice them and their efforts to help their country.
I think that this lecture by Sam Richards is absolutely brilliant! I’ve always felt like if people (American’s or anyone) took a moment out of their lives to step outside of their comfort zone and try to see things from anothers perspective the world would be a more peaceful place. Unfortunately, this is no easy task; we live in a world of self absorbed thinkers. But this lecture has shown me that as hard as it may be it is still possible. Empathy is key in getting people to understand what another may be feeling, thinking, and doing, and WHY they might feel, think, or act a certain way.
I really feel like this is really important because if people understood why people feel a certain way then maybe they would pass unfair judgment or maybe they wouldn’t vote for a representative who supports preemptive war (i.e. 2003 Iraq War). Like Professor Richards said, you aren’t justifying or supporting the actions of somebody, but understanding them and why they feel angry or ignored is imperative. Its imperative because then we can delve into fixing what is the root cause of it all….we can then attempt to talk to and a make amends with those who feel like they were wronged.
This whole discussion brought to mind a quote I once heard that, “one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.” Everything is really all about perspective and where one is standing. So like Professor Richards said, just imagine all the mind blowing realizations you would have if you took a moment to see the world through the eyes of an Iraqi mother, or child..how different things would look
I was in SOC 119 last year so I listened to this presentation in class and it was interesting to just watch the faces of American students and see the emotions. Some just went mad and thought that same was off again in his lala land,some had a frown on their faces, and some were really mad, but everyone around me were kinda confused. Which was good in my opinion because for me it meant that their way of thinking was challenged and they at least got a glimpse of the other side. The presentation was really good last year to but as I watched the video I thought it got better, eventhough it was shorter I think Sam did a great job on showing 'the other side'. I think adding Pastor Terry Jones was a great idea to this presentation because like Sam said I am pretty sure there is very few people back in Middle East that knows that only 300 people attend his church and that number decreased after this event as he says in his interview that Sam posted in this website. People see him as a representative of Christianity and think that there are quite a lot of people that share his feelings. About the insurgents I can understand where Sam is getting and like many others eventhough I'm from the Middle East I'm not from Iraq so it is harder for me to understand too, but I think that not many people see the insurgents as freedom fighters because they have also proved to be a threat to the civilians in the area and I find it very hard to see the lost lives of innocent people as collateral damage.
This is the first time I have ever heard this lecture by Sam Richards and I found it truly eye opening. I like to think that I am a empathetic and understanding person, however after hearing this lecture I have realized that I have many journeys ahead of me that I must make in the shoes of others.
As people living in such a complex and mixed society we always strive to be worldly and understanding; open to the cultures, concepts, and norms of others. However this goal exists in theory and is difficult to achieve. In reality, one is easily swept away by a cloud emotions, passion, and anger during debates and conversation where two cultures that have different belief systems are at stake with one another. This cloud not only hurts us, but it pushes us away into a darkness filled with misconceived notions.
When engaging in debates and conversation it is important to take a step back and examine the entire picture. There are so many little parts that are crucial to one's understanding. Only when you comprehend all those little parts will you finally be able to piece the image together and appreciate it for what it really is. The situation with the Middle East and the United States is just like that. An image that we must step back and analyze – with all its causes and effects. The people in the Middle East are no different from those in America. As an American Muslim, I hear the stories of Arab Muslims and realize that my story is no different from theirs. As an American Muslim, I hear the stories of Americans of other faiths, and again I realize that my story is no different from theirs. As people, we are all tied together by our similarities and the things that make us unique.
I thank Sam Richards for this enlightening lecture. Next time I find myself feeling distant and cold hearted during a conversation or a debate I will remember this important idea – to be empathetic. That the other person, deep down inside, is just like me and has their own struggles. Empathy is the bridge that we must use to overcome ignorance and in America.
This video clip should be forwarded to all your friends
And relatives and every one you know to enlighten them
To what's going on in this world, MR. Richards states
In this video it's all about oil, what I can't understand is
Why would you come all the way to our country and
Kill our people and destroy our country when you're
Buying your gas at pump lot cheaper than we do here
In the middle-east, your companies are buying the oil
Practically for nothing, the problem is the taxes
To be continued.
That's added to your price at the pump is what's making
You pay so much, so can you blame and kill us for that.
We don't hate you or your democracy on the contrary
We always loved America and the Americans, I bet that
Most of you don't know who john Wayne is….we do and
I bet that most of you don't know more than the town that
You live in …. We do, we know all about America, its fifty
States, all its presidents, past and present, all your movies,
Actress and actresses and we love all that says made in the
US, you wana ask me why, because we use to love you,
Did you notice that I said we use to love you, what would
You expect us to feel or should I say how, ask your self.
Being an Arab Muslim, I was not sure how I should feel about what is talked about in the video. When he talked about how the terrorists in Iraq could be seen as freedom fighters, rather than religion distorting savages, I had a feeling of guilt for it had been repeated over and over again to me that those people are the “bad guys” and they are our enemy as much as they are the west’s. The reason for that is that I have never thought of them as people who are putting their lives on the line to defend their country.
Another thought that came to me at the same time was what difference it would make if I adopted a different view regarding this issue and believed they are patriots and they are not the bad guys. Others would dismiss whatever I would say regarding this issue and say it is because I am from the area that is attacked, and they may even think that I have more than just a passion to defend those dead people. Just as with any other group of people who are not conforming to the mainstream opinion that is shoved down our throats by the media, it would be nearly impossible to get into a conversation with another person without getting into a heated argument where both parties will stick to its own opinion, and deem the other as misinformed. Unfortunately, this is the reality of this is the reality when we think of not only this issue, but many issues that are controversial because they do not agree with what the public opinion is.
This lecture was really eye opening for me. The thought of trying to be in someone else's shoes, and trying to understand what he or she feels at a certain moment. Had I thought about this concept at certain times, I would have acted differently at times that I regretted the actions I have taken.
The other thing that got my attention was the several quotes from American military officials and the president himself. Right now, I am a bit confused about whether I, or even many of us, were naive because the thought of a holy war never really crossed many of our minds.
What really confused me is that what I believe is true is that America was founded by its mainly deist founding fathers as a secular country that has no state religion, nor prefers any religion over the other, so how would military officials and officers in chief, who are now in charge of the responsibility they inherited from the great founding fathers, and that is to maintain this country and protect its constitution. It is even what they swear to do, so I find it difficult to understand how would those people say what they said blatantly, and keep a straight face. It is disturbing how hypocritical those people are.
On the other hand, I believe I understand why many liberals criticize America over its conservatism and religiousness. It is something that I have not really understood for I have not seen this religious side of America.
This lecture was really eye opening for me. The thought of trying to be in someone else's shoes, and trying to understand what he or she feels at a certain moment. Had I thought about this concept at certain times, I would have acted differently at times that I regretted the actions I have taken.
The other thing that got my attention was the several quotes from American military officials and the president himself. Right now, I am a bit confused about whether I, or even many of us, were naive because the thought of a holy war never really crossed many of our minds.
What really confused me is that what I believe is true is that America was founded by its mainly deist founding fathers as a secular country that has no state religion, nor prefers any religion over the other, so how would military officials and officers in chief, who are now in charge of the responsibility they inherited from the great founding fathers, and that is to maintain this country and protect its constitution. It is even what they swear to do, so I find it difficult to understand how would those people say what they said blatantly, and keep a straight face. It is disturbing how hypocritical those people are.
On the other hand, I believe I understand why many liberals criticize America over its conservatism and religiousness. It is something that I have not really understood for I have not seen this religious side of America.
Wow, Sam Richards this was amazing. I have attended this lecture in my soc class but its has been brought to perfection. this experiment has accurately imaged how the normal Iraqi would feel and how the they interpreted all of the american media and internet sources. if everyone could just put themselves in the shoes of the other we could reach a better understanding about almost everything that makes us human. When we put our selves in the hoes of our so called enemies we realize that they are not just random names and numbers. but rather that they are a part of their society and culture that they are doing this not because of personal causes but mostly to the good of everyone else or so they think. Its also the same for us but would they be willing to step in our shoes?. thats what I think really matters. If a way is there that doesn't mean everyone will take it or at least understand what it is about. I guess I am trying to think how could we use this for a better understanding. I think I'm asking too much if everyone could understand this and we could all come to peace and understanding with each other. if we all just just tried to live and prosper with one another not build on the body of the other. as much as this experiment bring light and understanding into the whole global conflict. it saddens me because I feel that it is nearly impossible to accomplish. but nonetheless understanding will be gateway of peace and a better world.
Because I was in last year Soc 001 class with professor Sam Richards, I heard this before and I still have my same opinion about it which is awesome lecture although this one was shorter. I still remember the faces of the American students who were with me in the class; after this lecture they were confused and surprised to hear such a thing. I know for a fact as Sam said that the only reason for U.S. army to be in Iraq is to secure that oil will be in the U.S. because oil as we all know is the number one source of Energy now (without it, no car will start and no house will have electricity…..), although that this reason is not clear to some and is covered by some other stuff like “helping the Middle East.”
Also being a Middle Easterner I can definitely relate to what he said about people that out there who are fighting the US army back being portrayed as Terrorist doesn’t fit them at all. I’m not saying that Osama bin ladin is not a terrorist (because he is just an extremist and there are a lot of people like him everywhere). I’m just stating that who wouldn’t fight for his freedom, his family’s freedom….. Isn’t that what is also happening in Palestine too!? I think that it is in human nature to fight back if your home is being attacked by other people wouldn’t you do the same, if some burglar was in your house trying to steal it wouldn’t you try to defend it!?
i felt that is experiment would make a lot of people understand how empathy feels like. Here in the United states Media plays an strong role in manipulating the mind of people. Showing the Bad aspect of the middle east and war gives a bad and dishonest stereotype of all muslims. Back in the middle east as we brought up in many conversations in the past weeks that what ever massacre caused by terrorists are Extremists to us and do not represent Islam. There is a saying in the Quran the holly book that says: 'And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell to abide therein and the wrath of God upon him, and prepared for him a great punishment'( alnesa, 39). And there is another saying: 'Whoever kills the same or corruption in the earth as if he killed all people live as if it is recited by all people came Our messengers with clear proofs.' (almaeda, 32).Islam is a peaceful religion that seeks to respect all religions. Look at how we great people by saying 'alsalam alaikoum' which means peace upon you. how could a religion that represents peace start a terrorism act against other religions.
If people listened and put themselves in other people's shoes they might understand how it feels to see your people die everyday in war. Families, children and innocent people are killed every day in Palestine, Iraq and other muslim countries due to war and wrong stereotypes. And after all that, you come here to the Country of freedom and see this image of islam craved into their heads the wrong way. This makes you feel angry,sorry, a sea of feeling attacks you. what should you do? or How should you feel?
I can put myself in The american people shoes and say: i don't know, this is what we see, this is what we learn, yet, if they only read the Quran, See how we live back in the middle east and just know simple knowledge and Yes put themselves in our shoes i bet they'll change their mind about a lot of things.
Moreover, I respect the US, because it's the place where i'm gaining experience and meeting different people and different ideas all over world. Plus, there are still people who know what islam and muslims are.
Since I came from an Arab country, I can speak on behalf of some of them. As my generation grew up, we saw many wars. America was always related to each war we heard about. Since America for, some people, is only Christian and Jews people, they start hating the religions and generalize it. The video just proved why some people hate Christian or Jews. All Muslim haters are Christians. Since I came here I can see that some of them are not. Some of the warriors go to army just to afford for their studying and for their family. Now how can we send that to Arabs since all what they see is TV and media? People in Arab country really get to an aggression state when they hear anything about America. Even when I was young we used to protest against them damaging and killing in sister’s countries. Even when they went to Afghanistan, although it’s not an Arab country, but since America is involved in the war, Arab were more pissed off. Not only because American is fighting there, but also because it’s a Muslim country must that Arab and Muslim countries protect. According to me, I have thought about America as an enemy. Because most of my friend had their families in Palestine and Iraq, and they used to hate America and Christians, I was influenced by them. When I grew up and I met other Americans and Europeans, I changed this idea about them. I even traveled to the USA just to experience more and to know more about America. I still have feelings toward armors, but still I cannot put the blame on them, but I’ll put it on the government.
This was definitely an interesting presentation that Sam did, and I remember it being one of my favorites while I was taking Soc 119. Hearing from the point of view of a Muslim-American, I think it would have been interesting to hear the responses from the white and African(non muslim) Americans. I have to agree with Sam’s point that what he said about how muslims foreigners portray America is completely true. A lot of them have the same fears that Sam Richards described and it seems interesting that I find myself trying to defend either when I am in the company of the vice-versa (basically I play devil’s advocate). I admit that when I first heard the presentation about walking in other people’s shoes and this class has helped me a little in understanding why the “Americans” do things that I find confusing. My main issue has always been the naivety that certain “Americans” do not truly understand issues and how it pertains to them. Slowly however, as hard as it may be, I’m beginning to understand that it may have to do with some form of not used as much topics of discussion. It seems many of these people don’t look for info like this because they prioritize time doing other things more than finding out about the events of the world. Another thing is that we muslim Americans or foreigners usually find and discover these things and then talk about them to our friends. However, Americans may not talk at all about these subjects with their friends because they may not want to be reminded how messed up the world is. They want to live happy and not concern themselves with the problems that barely affect. Besides, isn’t that what we all want? To be happy and away from any pains. Of course this may bring about other misunderstandings, or other problems. But I can honestly say that even though I disagree that you shouldn’t do this, I still am beginning to understand why it happens.
I would first like to start off by saying what Sam said is touching. Because it makes you realize as a person that we look at life from our perspectives and don’t take the time out to look at it from another’s. Like they say there is always two sides to a story yet we don’t have time to listen to the other side. What we see here about the middle east from our media is our perspective until a person like Sam opens our eyes we sit here and say look at all them Iraqis killing our troops, but at the same time our troops are the ones killing the innocent civilians at times to, as well as citizens who are fighting for their country. We see our troops who are so called fighting to keep us safe and not oil as heroes yet we call the people who truly are defending their country in the Middle East terrorist. Is this really fair? No, because I know for a fact if the Chinese as Sam said were here for our coal, but they said they were here to help us would none of us fight for what belongs to our country? Yes, we would and that is what the Iraqi people are doing but we are to shallow to notice them and their efforts to help their country.
I think that this lecture by Sam Richards is absolutely brilliant! I’ve always felt like if people (American’s or anyone) took a moment out of their lives to step outside of their comfort zone and try to see things from anothers perspective the world would be a more peaceful place. Unfortunately, this is no easy task; we live in a world of self absorbed thinkers. But this lecture has shown me that as hard as it may be it is still possible. Empathy is key in getting people to understand what another may be feeling, thinking, and doing, and WHY they might feel, think, or act a certain way.
I really feel like this is really important because if people understood why people feel a certain way then maybe they would pass unfair judgment or maybe they wouldn’t vote for a representative who supports preemptive war (i.e. 2003 Iraq War). Like Professor Richards said, you aren’t justifying or supporting the actions of somebody, but understanding them and why they feel angry or ignored is imperative. Its imperative because then we can delve into fixing what is the root cause of it all….we can then attempt to talk to and a make amends with those who feel like they were wronged.
This whole discussion brought to mind a quote I once heard that, “one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.” Everything is really all about perspective and where one is standing. So like Professor Richards said, just imagine all the mind blowing realizations you would have if you took a moment to see the world through the eyes of an Iraqi mother, or child..how different things would look
I was in SOC 119 last year so I listened to this presentation in class and it was interesting to just watch the faces of American students and see the emotions. Some just went mad and thought that same was off again in his lala land,some had a frown on their faces, and some were really mad, but everyone around me were kinda confused. Which was good in my opinion because for me it meant that their way of thinking was challenged and they at least got a glimpse of the other side. The presentation was really good last year to but as I watched the video I thought it got better, eventhough it was shorter I think Sam did a great job on showing 'the other side'. I think adding Pastor Terry Jones was a great idea to this presentation because like Sam said I am pretty sure there is very few people back in Middle East that knows that only 300 people attend his church and that number decreased after this event as he says in his interview that Sam posted in this website. People see him as a representative of Christianity and think that there are quite a lot of people that share his feelings. About the insurgents I can understand where Sam is getting and like many others eventhough I'm from the Middle East I'm not from Iraq so it is harder for me to understand too, but I think that not many people see the insurgents as freedom fighters because they have also proved to be a threat to the civilians in the area and I find it very hard to see the lost lives of innocent people as collateral damage.
This is the first time I have ever heard this lecture by Sam Richards and I found it truly eye opening. I like to think that I am a empathetic and understanding person, however after hearing this lecture I have realized that I have many journeys ahead of me that I must make in the shoes of others.
As people living in such a complex and mixed society we always strive to be worldly and understanding; open to the cultures, concepts, and norms of others. However this goal exists in theory and is difficult to achieve. In reality, one is easily swept away by a cloud emotions, passion, and anger during debates and conversation where two cultures that have different belief systems are at stake with one another. This cloud not only hurts us, but it pushes us away into a darkness filled with misconceived notions.
When engaging in debates and conversation it is important to take a step back and examine the entire picture. There are so many little parts that are crucial to one's understanding. Only when you comprehend all those little parts will you finally be able to piece the image together and appreciate it for what it really is. The situation with the Middle East and the United States is just like that. An image that we must step back and analyze – with all its causes and effects. The people in the Middle East are no different from those in America. As an American Muslim, I hear the stories of Arab Muslims and realize that my story is no different from theirs. As an American Muslim, I hear the stories of Americans of other faiths, and again I realize that my story is no different from theirs. As people, we are all tied together by our similarities and the things that make us unique.
I thank Sam Richards for this enlightening lecture. Next time I find myself feeling distant and cold hearted during a conversation or a debate I will remember this important idea – to be empathetic. That the other person, deep down inside, is just like me and has their own struggles. Empathy is the bridge that we must use to overcome ignorance and in America.
This video clip should be forwarded to all your friends
And relatives and every one you know to enlighten them
To what's going on in this world, MR. Richards states
In this video it's all about oil, what I can't understand is
Why would you come all the way to our country and
Kill our people and destroy our country when you're
Buying your gas at pump lot cheaper than we do here
In the middle-east, your companies are buying the oil
Practically for nothing, the problem is the taxes
To be continued.
That's added to your price at the pump is what's making
You pay so much, so can you blame and kill us for that.
We don't hate you or your democracy on the contrary
We always loved America and the Americans, I bet that
Most of you don't know who john Wayne is….we do and
I bet that most of you don't know more than the town that
You live in …. We do, we know all about America, its fifty
States, all its presidents, past and present, all your movies,
Actress and actresses and we love all that says made in the
US, you wana ask me why, because we use to love you,
Did you notice that I said we use to love you, what would
You expect us to feel or should I say how, ask your self.