I had a couple of friends who worked as teachers in the Middle East and they told me about all of the special considerations that they had to make in order to respect the cultural sensitivities of their hosts. After listening to them, I came to the conclusion that there was NO WAY that I would have accepted a position like theirs...no matter what the advantages...money...whatever...I would have just looked elsewhere because in this day and age in ANY nation on the face of the Earth there should be an understanding that people have different customs and that they should, within reason, be accepted/tolerated/appreciated.

Sadly, the concept of "cultural sensitivity" seems to be one that resembles a one way street these days. I am particularly amused by some of these nations who want to look like players on the world's stage and want all of the modern trappings and luxuries and then still act like the clock froze in the year 1200 insofar as social and moral issues are concerned.

I have the luxury of living in a large and rather international city. Chicago has always been chock full of different ethnic groups and continues to welcome new immigrants who add to the fabric of the city. It's not unusual for me to see many people in outfits that identify their ethnicity during one trip downtown. I try to respect that and often have to ask friends and family who make disparaging comments about it to stop and consider it from a more cosmopolitan point of view.

I remember having seen a TV documentary about some of the Middle eastern countries. The inhabitants scrupulously observed a dress code within the boundaries of their own nations and wore their djelebas and burkas and whatever...but once they got on a plane outta there, they raced to change into "western" clothing...and very recognizably EXPENSIVE DESIGNER "western" clothing, at that.

Fancy that.

Best

AA