Talking to America

On Monday, when my students and I were going through introductions, I asked each one to tell me one thing about themselves. Reem Ben Trad (entering 11th grade in the fall) said she liked to read and write Arabic poetry.

I asked if she would one day read one of her poems to me. She agreed and yesterday after class gave me copies she had made of three poems and read them to me. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that I do not speak or understand Arabic, but listening to Reem read her poems was like listening to music.

This is a poem she calls "Tunisia. Oh My Country" She wrote it in reaction to three terrorist attacks that occurred in Tunisia between 2013 and 2014.  Here is the English translation (courtesy of Chris Harbin and his 12-year old daughter, Leila).

Oh, my country!
Oh, my country! A country of hope and security 
Do not give up
Do not submit to the dogs that want to oppose you
Do not give up to the wolves that want to destroy you
You can be sure that there is no place for them amongst us
For by God's truth, there has never been in Tunisia a place for terrorism
There has never been a place in Tunisia as a den for those wolves
Oh, my county, do not despair
For despair is seven times weaker than hope
In a word, make hope your residence and your resignation
Hope and may you grow your hope all the more
For is this not a country of hope and security?

 

Yesterday's classes were incredibly enlightening for me and quite engaging for the students. I gave each one a sheet of paper on which were printed 3 questions (along with the graphics that typically accompany a "Clerico" handout). I asked the students to write their answers down and then had them talk to someone next to them about what they'd written. Then we had a fascinating and, at times, highly energized group discussion.

My students wanted America to know that Islam is a religion of peace and that it respects all other religions and that it is not related to terrorism. Again and again my students (the teacher coming out here - "MY" students) wanted to tell my friends in America that terrorists do not represent Islam and, as one student said, "Terrorists are not Muslim."

I asked them what they think Americans believe about Tunisia. They said that they are afraid that Americans think everyone they meet is a terrorist and that it is not safe to come to this country. So I asked them if Tunisia is safe. "Yes," was the immediate answer. But several students offered that no place is completely safe and that wherever you go you need to be careful. But Tunisia is not a country to be afraid of. 

 In the words of one student:

"Tunisia is a very beautiful country. The people are kind, friendly and helpful. Tunisia has many amazing sites to visit and enjoy. So, don't hesitate to come here!"

Roman Ruins at a ancient marble quarry in Chemtou, Tunisia