It is important to share and learn about one another’s culture
This is the opinion of Fardusa Ahmed and Ugbad Abdi, CSB seniors.
We’ve been fortunate enough to share our traditions while also getting closer to our own with our roommates.
A proverb that comes to mind is “Calool dheregsani calool baahan kama naxdo” which means a filled stomach does not sympathize with an empty one. Sharing food not only has brought us all closer together but has made us realize how much we all have in common. Culture can be defined as all the ways of life of a group of people. This can include traditions, arts, beliefs, values, language, clothing and our favorite, food.
Things like traditions and food can often be described as “the most externally-facing parts of culture.” You are able to get a glimpse of other people’s cultures and truly get an understanding of their backgrounds. As much as we like to think we know about one another, we still have so much to learn.
I think especially now more than ever, in a country where we have become so divided, sharing one another’s culture is so important. By sharing different aspects of each other’s culture you can not only find similarities with your own but also become familiar with other people’s traditions who you might not necessarily be familiar with. Not only does food nourish our bodies, but it has also become a tangible way we express our love for the people we care about. It is a way to remain connected.
We love sharing a variety of different dishes with our roommates because we have been able to share our most intimate thoughts. We’re able to bring a little something from home to campus and share it with the people we have grown to love (awhhhhhh).
This can also help bridge the gap and break cultural stereotypes. By sharing different aspects of each other’s culture, you are able to create conversations and dialogue. it is a great way of enriching your life. Some ways you can help break some of the stereotypes and bridge the gap is to simply just get to know the people. It won’t hurt you to venture out and maybe attend an event you normally wouldn’t. There are a lot of opportunities and clubs on campus that have made very accessible for people to learn about their culture.
Y’all got no excuses. Go out and learn something new.