I've been here for 21 months now. there are times when i feel like i've learned all i could possibly learn, and nothing can really shock me anymore. and then i have a conversation that's like a slap in the face and i realize.....there's so much i dont know.
This conversation followed lunch at my friend mamass' house about a month ago.
Setup: We started talking about Islam, the Coran, and what exactly is in there about the infamous veil. Warning, this conversation is very paraphrased.
Me: Well, you know it doesn't actually say in the Coran "Women must wear a veil."
Mamass: Yes it does. And also we can't wear perfume out of the house.
Me: Um, ok. Why not?
Mamass: Because the men. If they see our hair or smell perfume they will WANT us. It is uncontrollable. Muslim men are not like American men.
Me: Yeah, i dont really get that. I mean, on the inside, all men are the same. So what is the big difference between Muslim men and all the others out there.
Mamass: Well, you know, Muslim men are cut. You know, down there (points to crotch region)
Me: (blank stare as i try to figure out what she is trying to say. could she really think that only Muslim men are circumcised??) Ummm.....well, actually you know that American men are also circumcised.
Mamass: No they aren't. Only Muslim men are circumcised.
Me: (more blank stare. is she really gonna argue with me on this?) Um, actually, yes they are. You know Abraham (she does), circumcision started way back then. It started with the Jews. Even way back them before there was Islam, men were circumcised.
Mamass: (look of confusion on her face) Really?? Everyone here says that only Muslim men are circumcised.
Me: I swear to god! Almost all American men are circumcised.
Mamass: ALL American men?
Me: Well, not ALL. I would say like 95 out of 100. (yes i pulled this statistic from no where, just go with it)
Mamass. Oh, thats like nothing. not like muslim men.
Me: (defeated) Ok.
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