In keeping with the last reading, please respond to 2 questions (about one question for each chapter.)
1. Our experiences from the past are said to affect the way we embrace the future.
- What aspects of Greg's childhood (Ch. 4) would influence his interaction with other cultures later on in life?
- What aspects of your childhood or later adult life have had or will have an impact on your interaction with Korean culture?
2. Greg said it was hard to explain to adults why he wanted to help students in Pakistan, bu the kids got it right away (Ch. 5). When you return from Korea, do you think it will be easier, more difficult, or equally easy to get adults (teachers, parents, community members) than students to listen and understand what you will share about Korean culture, education, etc.?
3. In Ch. 6, Greg begins to have doubts about the people of Korphe (p.38). Why? How might our hosts in Korea have doubts about Americans following our visit?
4. Greg first takes tea before delivering the great news about the school to Haji Ali (Ch.7). What is significant about this act? Name a custom or tradition of hospitality from our culture that is important.
5. In what ways does the construction of the bridge at Korphe serve as a symbol for the story? (Ch. 8 & 10)
6. How does the Ibex hunt reflect the values and traditions of the Balti people? (Ch 9) What events do we have in our culture that reflect our values and traditions?
7. Do the events at the end of Ch. 11, "Six Days" surprise you? Explain.
3. In Ch. 6, Greg begins to have doubts about the people of Korphe (p.38). Why? How might our hosts in Korea have doubts about Americans following our visit?
4. Greg first takes tea before delivering the great news about the school to Haji Ali (Ch.7). What is significant about this act? Name a custom or tradition of hospitality from our culture that is important.
5. In what ways does the construction of the bridge at Korphe serve as a symbol for the story? (Ch. 8 & 10)
6. How does the Ibex hunt reflect the values and traditions of the Balti people? (Ch 9) What events do we have in our culture that reflect our values and traditions?
7. Do the events at the end of Ch. 11, "Six Days" surprise you? Explain.
Bruce, these are excellent questions. I think you really did a great job using your questions to guide discussion, not only about the book, but how it relates to our upcoming experiences as well.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard for me to look back at my young life and think of experiences that will impact my interaction with Korean culture. I grew up lower middle-class, and my realm of existence consisted of about a 2 mile radius. This circle included my home, my school, my church, my grandparents' house, and the grocery store! There wasn't really a need to venture out too far, so many of the people I encountered had similar backgrounds, customs, traditions, and lifestyles. It wasn't until middle school that I was made aware of the vast differences in social backgrounds of others when I attended the public middle school where I was zoned. I lasted 2 weeks at that school and came home every day crying until my parents made some financial sacrifices so that I could attend a small private school for the next 3 years.
Our family also didn't travel much - we went on the "typical" family vacations to the beach, Disney World, Six Flags, the mountains...but never anything that offered a true look in to a different culture or way of life. It wasn't until I entered high school and college, where I went on several mission trips to other countries, that I started to understand how fortunate I was to live in America. Even the poorest person I've ever encountered in the states became a millionaire compared to the level of poverty I had seen in other countries.
Teaching here in Auburn has even broadened my perspective about other cultures. I never imagined that I would have the experience to teach children from all over the world, while still living in Alabama! Auburn has been very different from teaching in a rural school in Mobile for the first half of my career.
I would think that Greg Mortenson's travel experiences and childhood would have made his experience with the children of Korphe less shocking to him - I imagine that he would have seen similar situations before. I was surprised, at first, that he was so affected by seeing these children and how they were so determined to learn - even without a school or a teacher.
Because of my limited travel experiences, I imagine this trip to Korea will be constantly filled with surprising encounters! I am hoping that we can all find effective ways of sharing what we have learned with our students, teachers, and community. I think our students are naturally interested in their teachers' lives (I think mine think I LIVE at school....lol...maybe I do???) and they always want me to share stories from my life. So, I think it will be easier for the students to understand what I have learned about Korean culture because they are generally more receptive. I think the desires of the individual teachers will dictate how receptive they are and if they take the information we gather and use it to aid in their instruction. I'm hoping that our team can brainstorm some innovative ways to make sure that we reach as many students, parents, teachers, and community members as we possibly can.
Greg had suspicions about the Korphe people based upon his negative experiences with Changazi and his many friends who tried to trick and steal from him. He wondered whether the Korphe were as kind and open-hearted as he had remembered or whether gratitude for being rescued and cared for had overshadowed his ability to discern hidden dishonesty /untrustworthiness.
ReplyDeleteSimilarly, the Korean people with whom we have contact and those who simply hear of our presence in Korea might connect their view of Americans or American educators to the impressions we leave with them from our visit. Some may already have formed impressions of us even prior to our arrival based upon past experiences with Americans. With an awareness of the possibility that impressions and expectations may already be in place when we arrive, we can diligently monitor our actions, conversations and expressions to insure that our presence prompts the welcome relief that occurs when one gets better results than anticipated.
Tradition dictated that the first cup of tea with a stranger/guest was served in a specific atmosphere and manner. By the time of the second cup, the former stranger is now viewed as a friend.
In American, tradition of hospitality can proceed in a similar manner with regard to location of visit within the home. First meeting might take place outside the front door or in a formal location of the home--often a room or in seating less used by the general family and reserved for guests. Upon subsequent visits, the location might change to a less formal, more casual setting. The more comfortable setting indicates the progression of familiarity of the guest from stranger to friend to "just like one of the family".
Other American hospitality traditions include bringing new neighbors a food meal or dessert, giving a household gift to new homeowners, and delivering to the hosts of a party a "thank you" gift upon arrival.
These are stimulating questions. I can hardly wait to enter a conversation. Thanks for posting them. Two questions in particular grabbed my attention (the first and last ones). A teacher in my high school made a huge difference in my life by encouraging a cornfield kid to think about other cultures and places.
ReplyDeletePages 149-150 or so are my favorites in the book, but the last few pages of chapter 11 are a close second - both sections for me are about the great strength of truth and trust.
1. What aspects of Greg's childhood (Ch. 4) would influence his interaction with other cultures later on in life?
ReplyDeleteGreg grew up being a part of another culture with his parents being involved in building a teaching hospital in Africa. His parents laid the foundation for him always give back and help others in need.
I thought it was interesting when he started high school in the United States and stated that there were a significant number of African Americans at school so that made him feel more at home. (page 22-23)
4. Greg first takes tea before delivering the great news about the school to Haji Ali (Ch.7). What is significant about this act? Name a custom or tradition of hospitality from our culture that is important.
I think the significance of taking tea before giving good news is showing the people of Korphe's patience. If I remember correctly in the original version of this book--before he made any purchases for the school he would always have tea before negotiating prices.
Something I can always remember my Mother doing when people would come over to my house growing up is saying, "Can I get you anything?" "What would you like to drink/eat?" I think showing hospitality makes people feel welcome and comfortable in your home. I don't know if that is just a tradition from my home or from others too but I feel like generally that is a part of Southern culture.
The ibex hunter the construction of the bridge are such reflections of the patience and priorities of the Korphe people. It shows how time and inconvienence is of very little importance to their society. They are willing to wait for ibex, the school and the bridge until "the time is right."
ReplyDeleteI have attended a number of presenentations or classes on multiculturalism. They often stress the difference between cultures that are based on "time," like the US, and those that are based on "relationships," like Korphe.
I think Greg's reation to the inability to build the school during his first trip back symbolizes the mindset of the United States. We get so frustrated if we don't get immediate results or are inconvenieced in any way.
Greg is certainly a hard worker, willing to sacrifice for others, and has his priorities in the right place. Being "goal oriented" is not a bad thing. The US is one of the most benevelient and productive countries in the world, yet much can be learned from the mindset of the Korphe people.
6. How does the Ibex hunt reflect the values and traditions of the Balti people? (Ch 9) What events do we have in our culture that reflect our values and traditions?
ReplyDeleteIn Chapter 9, Twaha tied the "tomar" to the zipper of Greg's jacket to keep him safe on the ice. We have similar rituals in the Catholic faith. Saint Christopher is believed to have carried Christ over a river and hence has become the saint of safe travels. A Saint Christopher medal is often blessed by a priest and given to travelers.
4. Greg first takes tea before delivering the great news about the school to Haji Ali (Ch.7). What is significant about this act? Name a custom or tradition of hospitality from our culture that is important.
I agree with Callie's comment that taking tea before delivering the news about the school could symbolize the patience of the Korphe people.
I can remember growing up in my family that it was customary to bring food to welcome new neighbors or to bring the host flowers or a bottle of wine when invited to dinner. These traditions have continued with my family.
2. Greg said it was hard to explain to adults why he wanted to help students in Pakistan, but the kids got it right away (Ch. 5). When you return from Korea, do you think it will be easier, more difficult, or equally easy to get adults (teachers, parents, community members) than students to listen and understand what you will share about Korean culture, education, etc.?
ReplyDeleteI think it depends on the adults and their level of being open-minded. As adults, we sometimes have an opinion of various cultures so their willingness to listen to information contrary to what they "already know" about a group is sometimes difficult. However, when talking to adults who are willing to learn new things about different cultures, they listen with an open mind to understand that some of the preconceived notions may be be as true.