His family must’ve arranged a very wealthy marriage for him without his knowledge, and they probably have to deal with the shame of telling the people (I’m just guessing here). I come from a racially-culturally-religiously mixed family / country / background and I’ve never heard of any Muslim not being allowed to marry another race. Usman blames his parents’ religion when it’s the culture that’s causing their close-mindedness. Yet it’s the culture he’s holding on to.
I can't respond on behalf of Usman, but there's definitely something to be said about culture playing a role, although it's difficult to piece apart culture and religion since they are so intertwined. Of course, one can point to some Muslim cultures or families being much less strict to show it’s not religion that caused his pain. However, I know from what they told him that the arguments often revolved around religion.
It’s strange because the Muslims / Hindus in Guyana don’t behave like that. The few men (I say men because the women don’t ) who do are practising some sort of old village behaviour.
The white Muslims in western countries don’t behave like that either.
Changing the topic, here’s an interesting play that’s taught me about those old cultures: Bodas de sangre.
Let me know when you write it! It should show up in my inbox or notifications, but with the amount of newsletter I get, sometimes I overlook ones I want to read.
Wow. My heart.
His family must’ve arranged a very wealthy marriage for him without his knowledge, and they probably have to deal with the shame of telling the people (I’m just guessing here). I come from a racially-culturally-religiously mixed family / country / background and I’ve never heard of any Muslim not being allowed to marry another race. Usman blames his parents’ religion when it’s the culture that’s causing their close-mindedness. Yet it’s the culture he’s holding on to.
I can't respond on behalf of Usman, but there's definitely something to be said about culture playing a role, although it's difficult to piece apart culture and religion since they are so intertwined. Of course, one can point to some Muslim cultures or families being much less strict to show it’s not religion that caused his pain. However, I know from what they told him that the arguments often revolved around religion.
It’s strange because the Muslims / Hindus in Guyana don’t behave like that. The few men (I say men because the women don’t ) who do are practising some sort of old village behaviour.
The white Muslims in western countries don’t behave like that either.
Changing the topic, here’s an interesting play that’s taught me about those old cultures: Bodas de sangre.
Thanks for the recommendation. I found it free online: https://www.cervantesvirtual.com/obra-visor/bodas-de-sangre-775113/html/e32c9cf0-6208-4769-8961-485fac1ebf7b_2.html
There’s also an English translation, and the play, in Spanish, is on YouTube.
Those old Indian movies are very telling too.
A stunning piece! 👏🏼 Such an honest way to evoke a person's truth, despite him knowing it won't be accepted. Inspired me to write my own letter.
Let me know when you write it! It should show up in my inbox or notifications, but with the amount of newsletter I get, sometimes I overlook ones I want to read.
I said write, not publish. 😉 But if I muster the courage for a public sharing, I'll let you know.
I really felt for them ❤️
Powerful! Thank you