Privilege

I have spent the last couple of weeks musing about the idea of privilege and it's many facets, especially here in the UAE. It is true that as a westerner I am afforded many privileges just by the fact that I come from a place that is respected. However not all nations have this same status. This is truly one of those places where the class system is visible daily. Pakistanis, Sri Lankians, Phillipinos, and many others suffer injustices simply based on their status and are often ignored or degraded for no reason. This is hard for me to see but I try my best to not adopt the “when in Rome” ideology so many do. I know that time will help to mitigate the circumstances that these people find themselves in and I can only lead by example.

I also am privileged to be a part of the lives of my students and to see them as very few people ever will. I came here knowing that I would probably be teaching all girls in a high school setting and that they would girls that had little interest in going on to university. To some degree this is true. Many of my girls are excited to have a home with many children and feel privileged to be building UAE society. But many of these girls also see a world outside of the home and wish to be a part of it. I get to not only learn their hopes and dreams of the future but also to see as few will ever do. The school is all women (ALL women!!!) and so they are free to shed their abayas and their shaylas and be themselves. I sometimes have a hard time recognizing the ones who usually wear the shayla when they come up during canteen duty without it on. Many choose to cover because they are saving the privilege of their face and hair for the one who they will marry. For many it is their choice and not their families. Being covered does offer protection form a culture where staring is accepted behavior from all men. I also remember that I am here not just for them but for their children. The reform for education is to last for 10 years. In this time, some of these girls will have children entering kindergarten. If they have had a positive experience with English then they will encourage their children to learn more and be able to help.

I truly feel that this whole adventure has been a blessing and that I am privileged to be here at this time. I am grateful for the experience and will enjoy it as it comes. Masha'Allah!