Section A · Page 4
The University Daily Kansan
Wednesday, June 24.1998
Student endures culture shock
Different culture has unique charm for Kansas student
God bless America. That is a slogan easy to utter when traveling through the eastern world. Perhaps it is too easy. I am learning that backward, because less developed nations might be worth blessing too.
The culture shock that could have brought
ago is diminishing as
i spend more time
and effort interacting
with and understanding
Pakistani people
and institutions. But
despite my annual
visits to Pakistan, I
never have been able
to completely rid
myself of the frustra-
tions accompanied
with clashing societal
values.
Column
I have become accustomed to the physical
Nadia Mustafa
editor@kansan.com
inconveniences such as water shortages, electricity fluctuations and attempting to survive 115 degree weather without central air conditioning. These things are mild in comparison to the other adjustments. It is more difficult to adapt to restrictions on the freedom and independence that Iregularly took for granted.
pendence have rarely looked for granted. Pakistani women are highly respected traditionally, culturally and religiously and are expected to carry themselves modestly. This eliminates activities such as wearing tight or revealing clothing (i.e. shorts) or walking alone at night. By themselves these standards do not appear overburdening, but coupled with other conservative restrictions, they are a shock.
It also is a struggle to come to grips with traditional Eastern attitudes and societal traditions. Today, the Western world is so focused on equality and political correctness that women and men grow up in a mode of individualism. In this manner, I find myself more similar to my male cousins than my female ones in Pakistan.
Daily observations of small discrepancies in the ways males and females are treated reveal much about the differences between our societies. Males are afforded more physical freedom. They come and go more freely and can wear almost anything they like. These apparent double standards are not a technique of oppression but are readily accepted and understood as a way of life.
Pakistan is a very home- and family-oriented society. College students live with their parents if possible and do not socialize as much as American students. This downplays the independence and detachment of both males and females.
It is important to note that these traditions are gradually being broken in the higher levels of society as many aspects of the Pakistani lifestyle are becoming westernized. But significant contrasts are still apparent and will be for decades to come.
M. D. Bradshaw/KANSAN
Occasionally, when I am at the peak of this cultural bombardment, I try to refuse in my favorite CDs, a mug of Taster's Choice and the thought that my stay here is temporary. But after eating a plate of rice and curry or accepting a generous gesture from a family member, my frustrations subside. The family values and moral standards I find in Pakistan are unmatched back home.
All in all, spending a summer half way across the world is a strengthening, and it makes me appreciate both the U.S. and Pakistani cultures. Less developed countries have an allure that only can be experienced first-hand. That is what I try to remember when I find myself whispering "God bless America" under my breath.
Mustafa is a Topeka, Kan., sophomore in English.
Kansas graduate to teach in China with Peace Corps
By Darrin Poschka
Kansan staff writer
University of Kansas graduate Elizabeth Behrens has accepted a position with Peace Corps to teach English to students in China.
Behrens and her husband will be part of the fourth Peace Corps group to go to China.
"My husband and I will be teaching at teachers college in the Sichuan Province," Behrens said in a press release. "We will not know our exact assignment until after we arrive."
Behrens graduated from the University in 1991 with degrees in German and journalism.
"After having gone overseas twice as a foreign exchange student, I found myself drawn to other cultures," Behrens said.
Behrens said she was looking forward to the challenges she would face.
Peace Corps was founded by President Kennedy and is celebrating its 36th anniversary this year. More than 6,000 volunteers serve in 90 countries.
Behrens is one of 39 KU graduates serving in the Peace Corps.
Jeff Martin, public affairs specialist of
the Denver Regional Recruiting Office, said that although there was no active Peace Corps organization on campus, students could still get involved.
"We come on campus to talk to students, which is the most personal way to learn about Peace Corps." Martin said.
Martin said that Peace Corps recruiters would come to the University some time in September.
"Peace Corps has tremendous benefits," Martin said. "Learning a new culture and a new language really changes your life."
Peace Corps will be hosting the "International Education Opportunities Workshop" at 7 p.m. July 1 at Wichita State University. Volunteers who served in Latin America, Eastern Europe and Africa will answer questions.
For more information about the workshop or Peace Corps, call 1-800-424-8580, or visit their Web site at http://www.peacecorps.gov.
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