Posted by: KC on NewWest E-Magazine www.newwest.net
Email: kaycam@aol.com 
 
Response 
Just returned on the staff of a two week tour of Morocco with a group of 
American women, with ages ranging from mid-20's to 70's. This was my second tour 
to Morocco. I was astounded and thrilled to see that the young king's wife, 
known as 'Lalla Salma', appears unveiled, wearing pant suits, with her red hair 
uncovered in public at charitable events she supports. In the spice souq in 
Marrakesh, I noticed one merchant had an informal family snapshot of them - 
again, her hair uncovered, with the children, wearing pants. 
 
Having lived in Saudi Arabia for many years, I always look at the public role of 
women as a barometer of social affairs. Clearly things are changing, and the 
example is obviously from the top. 
 
All around us, we saw more young and older women taking up modern dress, or 
sporting interesting mixes of traditional and modern. While I usually cover my 
hair in the MIddle East to be less conspicuous, this trip I did not, to 'vote 
with my head' in support of social reforms that somehow, uncovered hair, 
represents. 
 
Overall, we found the Moroccan's to be friendly and good-humored. They seemed to 
be honestly delighted by all of us, smiles would break out when they took in all 
of us  - from our white bobs to our blonde 'rasta' locks. Ladies and girls would 
wave back at us on our bus, and we had lots of fun interacting with the Moroccan 
women we encountered along the way. 
 
Those of us who speak Arabic were really welcomed warmly. A few merchants wanted 
to talk politics, but mostly, they were just happy to do business, to tell us 
about their cousins in America whose daughters play basketball, and to share a 
good laugh. In Fez, right next to the ancient Karawiyin Library where Um Kulthum 
and Maimonides studied, I stopped in for a coffee and a moment to do some 
journaling. As I left, I looked up and noticed a huge framed photo of Mount 
Rushmore on the wall.  [Gail and I saw pictures of the Tetons in a school that 
we visited.) 
 
Only now, will I go and rent the DVD 'Babel'....... 
 
Posted by: Craig Moore 
Email: mtantelop@aol.com 
 
Response 
The late King Hassan II had owned an estate in New Jersey.  A friend of mine was 
a neighbor of the King and met with him several times as a guest.  When cultures 
have the opportunity to interact in peaceful, non-threatening environments 
change is envitable.  Perhaps King Mohammed VI was influenced by his forward 
thinking father and time spent in America.