STORIES, STORIES

I got a pretty inspiring quote from a friend today. It goes: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." - Eleanor Roosevelt Now, that's quite true. A little insensitive to the little details of the things, people and situations that make someone feel inferior, but sure, she might truly be on to something here. The quote implies that everyone has (and can) control everything that goes on in their lives. That is of course, misleading. Human relationships and the human mind are both very complex and so intertwined that there is no way for anyone to be in full control of what or who makes them feel inferior. Therefore, it is important to remember that these quotes are not to be followed religiously in all aspects all the time. Think of it as a reminder to be aware of the things you can control so you may control them, and to eliminate those things you are able to eliminate so that you are not made to feel inferior. Eliminate. What will you be eliminating?

I'm sure by now we've all (or at least most of us have) read/heard about the 9-year-old daughter of an American mom and Libyan dad, the girl who chose to start wearing her hijab in the States at a very young age. [ For the full story, click here. ] The story is written from the point of view of the mom, about her personal struggle in accepting her daughter's choice, and the things she learned from it. I've been asked by so many people about my opinion on this, so I'm just gonna re-post here the email I wrote to one of my friends on the subject sometime ago. I read this article a few days ago, and it's very interesting in that it really tests a person's claims on being open-minded, and it also explores some of the core difficulties that bi-racial/bi-cultural couples or families face. In my opinion, the girl is young, she has become influenced by this side of her heritage, and she is exploring it. It's nothing definite or concrete. It's a good thi...