Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Guido · 09-09-2004, 03:25 AM

I remembered a true story I read once about how lack of understanding of cultural differences leads to false conclusions. I'm not sure where it belongs, so I put it here.

Quote:

Ms A teaches in a high school where there are a lot of pupils with Moroccan and Turk origin. One fine day, here agenda is missing. She searches everywhere and comes to the conclusion it is stolen. This is a serious fact because the agenda contained everything: appointments, planning of classes and what stuff to teach when, and most importantly all the students’ notes and evaluations.

The next day she confronts class: “Who stole my agenda? Does anyone know what happened to my agenda? It’s real important I have it back you know�?. Finally she says, “I understand the person who took my agenda doesn’t want the whole class to know, he can see me in private or even leave the agenda somewhere where I’m sure to find it�?

A week went by and nothing happened.

She talked to a colleague who’s a Muslim. He promises to take care of it. Next time in class he talks about the incident: “I don’t know where this school is going too. I suppose you all heard what happened to Ms A. I was so proud of teaching here, in a school with decent students, boys and girls with honour, and then something like this happens. Still I assume I should be glad I have your lot as students, and not the ones in Ms A class. If I where you I’d stay clear of them, it’s a bunch of thieves without dignity�?.

The next day, Ms A agenda was on her desk together with a note of apology.

What happened? Ms A was raised in western culture with mainly Christian influence. Her reaction was to apply to guilt and forgiveness, the central tenets of Christianity. Her colleague knew honour is important in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures and applied to the sense of honour of the students.

Seb · 09-09-2004, 04:25 AM

Is it a false conclusion in this case? I mean surely the pupils knew that stealing was not acceptable?

Guido · 09-09-2004, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seb

Is it a false conclusion in this case? I mean surely the pupils knew that stealing was not acceptable?

The students knew stealing was wrong. It's the solution to the problem of recovering the agenda and conclusions that may follow that are the subject here. The thief probably put the agenda back because he wouldn't the others to find out he had risked the honour of the entire group.

Ms A doesn't solve the problem because she adresses a feeling that's less important in the students' view of the world, guilt in stead of honour. The anger and resentment of not recovering the agenda could lead to much more trouble. Ms A could start to believe all students are conspiring against her, that there's no easy way to deal with Muslim students, except harsh discipline, etc,etc.

In fact the Muslim students wheren't less or more moral then any other ethnic group, but the morals come from honour, not guilt. Not knowing that fact and seeing they don't react to the Christian style guilt-approach could lead us to think they have less morals.

Seb · 09-10-2004, 05:17 AM

I understand you now. Thanks Guido.

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09-09-2004, 04:25 AM	#2
Seb Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: London Posts: 2,096	Is it a false conclusion in this case? I mean surely the pupils knew that stealing was not acceptable?

09-10-2004, 05:17 AM	#4
Seb Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: London Posts: 2,096	I understand you now. Thanks Guido.

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