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.