Day 4: What is Culture?

Allie, Alina, and Jean, with Lulu’s friend, Darine

Chaperones Allie Pistolessi & Dave Kroch:

We began the day with a discussion about culture. Kevin (our Dragons instructor) carefully planned this exercise, weaving in questions and thought experiments that challenged our students’ assumptions. The purpose of this discussion was to illustrate that there’s no consensus definition for culture, and thus, to encourage them to be more specific with their vocabulary when they are think about Jordan and its people. Really, it was a lesson on how to be mindful and respectful as a guest in another country, and to remember that what we’ve seen in Jordan, what we’ve read about Jordan, even what we’ve learned from the people we’ve met with on this trip--this could never fully inform us of what Jordan is. Mohammad (our other Dragons instructor) said it best when he told the students, “I am still figuring out what Jordan is, and I have lived here my entire life.” We are here to learn as much as we can, but we must remember that spending 12 days here will not make us experts. I am grateful for Mohammad and Kevin, who expertly guided us through this work. In many ways, this discussion humbled our students--I hope they carry this lesson with them on the rest our trip. I know I will.

Topic of this rooftop meeting: What is culture?

We had the privilege of meeting with our friend Hasan Kilani, the founder of Rainbow Street, one of the only organizations of its kind that advocates for the LGBTQ community in Jordan or the region. I was surprised to learn that Jordan is the only country in the region that has decriminalized homosexuality. However, the LGBTQ community still faces housing and employment issues, as well as other forms of discrimination, with people from more vulnerable populations being hit the hardest. Hasan talked a lot about intersectionality, stressing that, while the community as a whole faces homophobia, the challenges that people face differ based on factors such as refugee status, gender, socioeconomic status, HIV positive status, etc. However, despite these challenges, Hasan sees signs that things are slowly getting better as greater awareness grows among young people. It was a fascinating look into an (often deliberately) hidden aspect of Jordanian society.

The museum had a mixture of cars and styles that reflect the Jordanian culture and its heritage and modernity. A beautiful example was a 70s style Mercedes S class parked next to a tent, which surprisingly wasn’t a completely unnatural setting in Jordan.  The students had a fun time running around, taking photos of cars, and some were able to jump in a small model of a Range Rover (supposedly for children but hey:) and took all the silly photos they could. 

Children at Heart: Yousself, Dawit & Avery in the car for children to get their photos taken

In the evening, we returned to the Jadal Center for Knowledge & Culture to attend a community event about the Kurdish Rojava region of northern Syria, and their current experiment in direct democracy based on principles of gender equity and ecology. It was interesting to take part in an event that was not planned for us, and to learn about a topic that none of knew about.
A common theme throughout both of those talks was the power of young people to effect change in their communities, something I hope resonates with our students. As the days go by here, they continue to grow in self-confidence. Mohammad introduced us to his sister and her friend, and students didn’t hesitate to befriend them- something they would have shied away from just a day or two earlier. Given the freedom to walk home on their own in small groups, they tried sugar cane juice, found shawarma and explored their now-familiar neighborhood. It is a joy to be able to give them increasing independence and hear them proudly recount their adventures when we come together.

Avery and Matteo, walking and talking with Mohammad’s sister, Lulu.

Alli V. '19

Yesterday, we went to the University of Jordan. I met a university student and talked with her for a while before we went our separate ways. Later in the day, I saw her again on campus and we exchanged Instagram information. I am so happy I was given the opportunity to connect with a girl around my age.

Car Museum: Youssef in a tent with a picture of King Hussein. Note the motorcycle "parked" outside!