Did I mention she wore a veil or that she was Muslim? Yesterday morning, that probably would have been my first point of interest. But today, that seems not as important as the valuable lessons I learned from her. Today, I am able to see behind the veil and appreciate a lady for who she is rather than judging her because of what she is wearing or who she believes is her God.
SO- As many of you may or may not know, I spent the day yesterday in medical land. This includes taking every cold medicine known to man pre-doctor visit, talking to cab drivers and hearing their misdiagnosis of my problems, sitting in a doctors office infested with Swine Flue propaganda, and waiting for fifteen minutes at Boots while my prescription was being filled before I headed back to bed.
It is important to note that in England, you don't drop off prescriptions like you do in the US. Instead, you go to the counter and wait while they fill it for you. Inevitably, if you have any social interaction skills at all, you probably become friends with your pharmacist pretty quickly here.
I had already noticed the way in which they filled prescriptions here because of my lengthy wait in line, so I'm not shy to admit that I was somewhat hoping that I would get the cute boy in his... late twenties?...to be my pharmacist, knowing that the time would pass pretty quickly. But, apparently more was in store for me yesterday because the next available "till" belonged to a Muslim woman who's smile beamed at me from behind her veil as I approached her. I'm not going to lie, part of me screamed on the inside. Whether or not I'd like to admit it, part of me has always been a little bit scared of Muslims after 9/11. I guess I've always expected that every single person who prays to Allah absolutely hates all Americans, especially American Christians and under no circumstances would help them. So, I expected this lady to just take my prescription, hear my American accent, and just shut up.
Quite the Contrary.
She begins by asking me what was wrong with me, noting the amount of medicine I'd been given and noticing the tears that had been welled up in my eyes the entire time because of the pain. She then proceeds to say she just wishes she could hug me and make me feel better (thanks mom!!) and how miserable it must to be to be so sick when I'm on "holiday" at Oxford. We talk about my classes, where I've traveled, my family, her family, and then she asks the question I assumed would never come out of her mouth. "Are you Jewish or Christian?" Is this a trick question," I wonder? "Christian" I answer, half expecting her to call in al-Qaeda for my immediate execution. I mean HONESTLY CASEY!??!? How awful was it of me to even think that? AWFUL. I know. (But a great illustration of the stereotype I'm trying to convey.)
But she just smiles and says, "How wonderful of you to be able to travel and see your God's creation all around the world." Part of me didn't even know how to respond because here was this woman who honestly, I was scared of, yet she was probably the nicest person I'd met since I've been here and a source of comfort when I needed it most. She was talking to me about MY God, like it wasn't even a big deal at all.
This experience changed my life forever. For so long I think I'd put Muslims and specifically Muslim women inside this little anti-social, cold, christian-hating box, but all it took was one woman to change my mind. I think that this may have been one of the most valuable things I've learned since I've been here-- learning that while part of the idea I have relating to Muslims may be accurate to an extent, it probably only applies to like 1% of the Muslim population. I learned the value in not pigeonholing people into one little box, and I learned the importance of respecting other cultures and religions. While this lady was probably brought up totally different than me, lived a completely different life than me, and worships differently than I do, she is yet just another woman who poured out some love on me when I needed it most.
I will truly never be the same.
I found this post so interesting! I have also always been ashamed to admit that I too have always been a little fearful of Muslims. I also realize it sounds horrible and I hate admiting it. I try to justify it to myself by telling myself it is not that I am prejudiced against Muslims and it is not like I do not like them, I am just constantly worried that they don't like me because I am an American and a Christian. Lke Casey I have always assumed Muslims I met would not want to talk to me. I had a similar experience a few weeks ago on a train to London. There were an odd number of us girls on the train so I decided to sit by myself and read to pass the time on the train. A Muslim man came to sit next to me and honestly, the first thing I thought to myself was, "Oh great, maybe if he doesn't hear me talk he will assume I am British." But, he flashed a huge smile and me and began asking me about myself and studying abroad. I reluctantly started talking while I thought, "Once he figures me out he is going to give me the cold shoulder..." but we had great conversation and I felt kind of ashamed of myself for assuming the worst, but I am glad he helped change my stereotypical views. Casey, I am glad she was so nice to you and helped change your views as well!
ReplyDeleteI think I know the lady you are talking about. I've always wanted to talk to her but I feel like it would be kind of awkward. I'm glad to see that you were able to talk to her, I only wonder what her idea of us as Americans is.
ReplyDeleteThat is truly a great revelation! I know that when I'm sick a friendly face is really all I want...that and some actually helpful advice. I've noticed that Boots is actually kind of great (besides that it closes too early). The man who helped me at Boots actually listened to my frantic questioning of which of these 8 throat lozenges was best and gave me a much cheaper and just as effective alternative to my cold medicine.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that British people are almost even more willing to help than most Americans, even. When I was wondering around London, a man stepped out and asked if I needed any help getting somewhere and then gave me a few "hot spots" that he thought I might enjoy.
Every experience that each of you shares in your blog post is important for me. I must admit, however, that your post painted a wide smile on my face, and reminded me that teaching is the best "job" ever and why I love it so much: I get to witness moments and reflections like yours.
ReplyDeleteHope you're feeling much better!
I really like this story. :). I feel like I have been expecting the stereotypes while I have been here- for the French to be snotty, the Brits to be stiff, etc. It is interesting how some of them have met my expectations and some have gone completely against them. But it made me realize that I was being hypocritical because I was really concerned with the stereotypes other people had about Americans, so it really wasn't fair for me to have so many preconceived notions about people.
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