I'm a regular Kiwi raised in the 20th century with the basic Christian values like most. However I have also been fortunate through my line of work to have lived in other societies. In particular the world of the Sunni Muslim. One of the first things that is very noticeable in these older societies is that things are much more based on respect for each other.
Yes there are the protagonists of "everything muslim is bad" who will never agree with me. But most of those have only been there in their armchairs. And this post is not in support of a religion, but rather an old world.
But one of the first things that we (expats in the old world) have to learn is to be respectful of them. Actions like pointing our fingers, raising our voices and using unpleasant language are considered deeply disrespectful. Its the way the society runs and once you learn to be respectful to others, you will get it in return and your world becomes safe and easy.
A lot of my dealings there, including my employment contracts, are done on a handshake only and have never been reneged upon.
The Hidri year is currently the year 1432 and our Gregorian date is 2010. It summs a few things up and whilst we have supposedly become a much more advanced and civilized society, we have also dropped a few important bits along the way. Respect for others that starts within the family, exudes into the society, into business and into the way people go about their lives. The concept of respect for others can sometimes be learnt fairly harshly, especially for those who openly show disrespect.
However it seems to be one of the things that we have watered down or forgotten along the way.
Hard to believe I guess, and I would never have thought so myself, but I learned more about the basic value of respect for others from a society that is generally considered as being primitive, medieval and barbaric.
Maybe in our advanced and enlightened society we need to revisit some of the basic values of co-habitating with each other. One in particular, respect for others...
If you love it, let it go. If it comes back to you, you've just high-sided!
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