CULTURAL DIVERSITY

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Living in a community where there are people of various races could be

a rewarding and an exciting experience. Such a community is like a

small world with many types and races of people in it.

Everyone, young or old, enjoys listening to stories about people in

other lands. We read books and newspapers to learn about the habits,

customs and beliefs of people who do not belong to our race, but when

we live in a community composed of many races or ethnicities, we have the

opportunity to meet and talk with people or various races. We can learn about their

customs and beliefs directly from them. In this way, we have

a better understanding of their ways of life.

For example, in Morocco , which is known as a multi-racial country, Arabs, Berbers,

Jews , Moors, Black Africans and many others have lived together for several

centuries. They have learnt a lot about the cultures of one another, more than what

they could have learnt by reading books or newspapers. By living together, they have

also absorbed many of the habits of one another to their common benefit. Thus,

Morocco is a culturally rich country, a melting-pot, a cross-platform of cultures,

customs and beliefs.

Further, living in a multi-racial community teaches us how to respect

the views and beliefs of people of other races. We learn to be tolerant and

to understand and appreciate the peculiarities of those who are not of

our race. In this way, we learn to live in peace and harmony with

foreigners whose ways of life are different from ours. We become less suspicious of

strangers and foreigners.

The relationship that develops among the people from common

understanding in a multi-racial community makes life in such a

community very exciting. Any celebration of any race becomes a

celebration of ail the other races. Thus, there is a lot of fun and

excitement during every celebration. In this way, better understanding is

promoted among the peoples of the world.

It could therefore be said that life in a multi-racial community teaches

us many useful lessons in human relations.

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TOLERANCE

TOLERANCE

The progress of any community or country depends largely on the

conduct of the people who reside in it. Discontent, jealousies,

prejudices, and intolerance among a few of the people can cause great

damage to the whole community or country.

Sociable by nature, men hate to live in isolation. The urge for

association, therefore, enables men to tolerate the views and habits of

others, to great extent. Most men have come to realise that the cohesion

of society cannot be secured without the exercise of tolerance on the part

of its members.

A community or country is composed of various types of people,

whose psychological social and temperamental attitudes and needs are

not the same. In a great number of cases, there are fundamental

differences even in race, language and religion among the people. This is

the result of the economies and social necessities of the modem age,

which have compelled people to leave their original homes and go to live in other

regions or towns in search for a better life. These diversities in a community or

country necessitate the maintenance of a tolerant attitude on the part of

the people towards one another. They have to respect the cultural and

social habits and beliefs of one another and refrain themselves from

doing, or saying things which might offend other

people. The racial and religious clashes that have occurred in various

parts of the world indicate the damage that the expression of hatred and

prejudice can cause in a country.

That tolerance is essential for peace and harmony within a country could

be illustrated by reference to the people in Morocco, a country in which

people of various creeds and beliefs reside. Despite cultural, racial and religious

differences among themselves, the people here have lived for generations

in peace and harmony. They have also helped one another in various

ways at various times.

In fact, the goodwill that prevails among the different people here in Morocco,

being Arab,Berber or Sahraoui, Muslim or Jew, Black or White, has contributed to the

development of a new nation, which has become the envy of many other Arab, Muslim or

African countries. The racial unity among the people is the main factor that has

contributed to the stability and the progress of the country in all spheres of

activity.

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CITIZENSHIP

CITIZENSHIP

Generally speaking, citizenship means balancing rights and responsibilities. So,

almost every modem state, especially a democracy, allows its

citizens several rights ; but in return, it experts its citizens to perform

certain duties.

Among the rights enjoyed by the citizen in a democracy are the right

to pursue his own affairs as he prefers; the right to express his views,

however silly they may appear to others, and the right to move about as

he pleases. The citizen is considered so important that his rights are

protected by the law of the state, and whenever they are infringed, he

can secure redress.

However, in a totalitarian (undemocratic) state, the rights of the citizen are so

restricted that the citizen has practically no freedom. The citizen is supposed to

exist for the state. His interests are always subordinated to those of the state.

Thus, his duties exceed his rights.

Even in a democracy, however, the citizen is expected to exercise his

rights within the limits of the law. He should not do or say anything that

may affect the rights of others. He cannot exercise his right to act as he pleases.

In the same way, his actions should not cause injury or damage to any individual or

his property. He cannot kill as he pleases. If his conduct infringes the rights of

others, then those who have been affected by his misconduct could take legal action

against him and he will be punished according to the law of the state. In this way,

the state protects its citizens and their rights from the thoughtlessness of any

individual in the state. This means, of course, that every citizen in the state is

expected to do his duty to his fellow citizens.

The citizen is also expected to give his services for the protection of

the state in times of war, and to maintain law and order in his state, at all times.

In addition, a citizen should always be ready to volunteer for the common good of

his community by helping the needy and keeping the community safe from any sort of

danger.

Thus, every citizen who is conscious of his rights should also be

conscious of his duties to the state and his fellow citizens in the community.

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VOLUNTEERING AND CITIZENSHIP

VOLUNTEERING AND CITIZENSHIP

Volunteering a few hours each week to some community activity is an important way of

investing in the future of our society. I chose to spend my time working with

elementary school children helping them to learn to read. Developing good reading

skills will help these students keep up with their classmates, open new worlds to

them, and help them succeed in life.

Students who are not good readers cannot keep up with their studies. They will not

understand the lessons; they will come to school unprepared; they will not be able

to perform. By learning to read, students will be on equal footing with their

classmates. They will be active participants in class.

Books on different lifestyles, occupations, cultures, or governments will open new

doors to students. Students who cannot read will only know what they see around

them. Students who can read will be able to travel to new worlds and experience new

ideas without ever leaving their classrooms.

Today, a person who cannot read is severely handicapped. A non-reader will have to

work at the most menial jobs. Readers, especially good readers, have the whole

universe open to them. They will have the possibility to learn any job that

interests them.

By volunteering to help an elementary school child learn to read, I am helping him

or her not only today, but also for the rest of his or her life. I am helping them

keep pace with their peers and explore the world and themselves through books.

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SCIENCE AND LIVING LONGER

SCIENCE AND LIVING LONGER

It is a common phenomenon and an indisputable fact that people are living longer

now. There are many reasons of this phenomenon. Generally speaking, it is due to the

better living conditions people enjoy, the improved medical treatment people

receive, and the healthier lifestyle people adopt.

With the development of science and technology, people's living conditions have been

improved considerably. They have foods sufficient enough to keep them alive, clothes

warm enough to protect them against cold, and houses strong enough to shelter them

from danger. Hunger, cold, and danger no longer threaten the lives of the human

beings. When facing with nature disasters, people can use all available means to

survive.


To human beings, diseases may well be another killer. They took away lives of a

large number of people, some being very young. But things are quite different today.

The quality of medical care has been improved. Doctors know more now about what

causes diseases and how to cure them. Many diseases that were used to be incurable

can be cured now. Patients who get timely and effective treatments may recover in a

couple of months, or even weeks. It is estimated that today's deaths are mostly

caused by unexpected accidents.


In ancient times, people did not care much about their way of living for lack of

knowledge and shortage of daily necessities. Now, thanks to the progress men has

made and the civilization men has built, the present-day people can afford time,

money, and energy to consider their living habits and lifestyles. They are eagerly

seeking healthier ways of life to live longer, such as giving up smoking, doing

physical exercise, and eating low-fat foods such as vegetables and fruits, which are

now available year-round.


It is announced by scientists and doctors that human life expectancy will be

extended to over 150 years. Men and women of longevity, say 100 years old, are

increasing in number. Senior citizens already dominate many cities in developed

countries. Although it may present some problems, living longer is a blessing to

human beings.

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IMMIGRANTS: INTEGRATION OR REFUSAL AND SEGREGATION

IMMIGRANTS: INTEGRATION OR REFUSAL AND SEGREGATION

Nowadays it is quite common for people to move to other countries either for work or

for study. When they move, some of them decide to follow the customs of the new

country, while others prefer to keep their own customs. If I were forced to choose

one of the two positions, my choice would be the former.

To illustrate my point, let us first take a look on why some people dislike the idea

of following the new customs. First, people who have a strong religious background

that are different from that of the new country tend to stick to their own religious

beliefs. Second, older people are usually accustomed to their own life styles, and

it is very hard for them to change their ways of life and accept new ideas and

cultures. Thirdly, some values and phenomena in western countries contradict eastern

values, such as the use of drugs, alcohol and certain behaviours of young people. So

when people move from a traditional eastern country to a western one, they find it

very hard to accept the new customs.

Although I must admit that it is not always necessary to change our own customs, I

believe that the advantages of adapting to a new culture are apparent. In the first

place, by following the customs of the new country, we can learn more about the

country and understand its people more quickly, and can become a real member of the

country. To share the same custom means that having more things in common with local

people, and it can pull people together. Furthermore, we have to adapt to customs of

the new country, if they are written into the law.

In addition, people who stick to their way of life may sometimes feel lonely and

isolated. They tend to complain about the life in the new country and most of them

eventually return to their home countries.

In conclusion, I believe that the advantages of following the customs of the new

country are obvious because you can easily learn about the new country and quickly

adjust to the new life. What is more, you can live more comfortably and avoid

troubles and misunderstandings in a foreign country if you think and behave the way

other people do.

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HUMOUR

HUMOUR

In my point of view, a sense of humour is as important as, if not more important

than, other characteristics that a person can have to be successful in life.

Firstly, humour helps us to maintain a correct sense of values. It is because that

we are always reminded that tragedy is not really far from comedy, and then we never

get a lop-sided view of things. A small example could get some light on this point.

Once I failed an assignment again, and I told myself that God was on vacation these

days. I did not feel frustrated, and I succeeded the third time. So, if we can see

the funny side, we never make the mistake of taking ourselves too seriously. It is

helpful for us to keep self-confident.


In addition, the sense of humour is associated with happiness, and happiness will

influence people around us. Those who bring happiness to others probably have a good

relationship with people surrounding them, which is essential to a successful life.

We all have the experience that we are inclined to talk and cooperate with humorous

people. We may treat such experience as an enjoyment instead of a rigid work.

However, to be a successful people is a tough thing. We need intelligence, honesty,

determination, a sense of humour and so on. Without intelligence, we could not find

the keys to solve all the intricate problems. Without honesty, no one would trust us

and we could achieve nothing alone. Without determination we would easily bend for

difficulty.

Even so, I still think of humour as the most important part. A sense of humour

supports an active attitude towards life. And it is such attitude that encourages

intelligence, honest and other characteristics in you. To summon up, a sense of

humour is the most important characteristic. If happiness is one of the great goals

of life, then it is the sense of humour that provides the key.

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PERSONAL LETTER: REPLY TO A FRIEND

PERSONAL LETTER: REPLY TO A FRIEND

5, Market Street, Tabriquet

Salé.

15th May, 2010

Dear Ali,

Thank you for your delightfull letter which came a short while ago.

I am pleased to learn of the new interest you feel in the English

language, for it is the first step in your journey to success. No one, in his right

senses, can deny that proficiency in English is essential to

personal progress and happiness today.

One of the ways of improving your English is to read books on a

variety of subjects. If you read books on one or two subjects only, your

vocabulary will not expand fast enough. As you might know the English

vocabulary consists of more than 600,000 words. Each subject has its

own vocabulary. Therefore, the more subjects you read in English and

more words you will learn to express yourself with greater ease and

satisfaction.

You should also learn the basic rules of Grammar. It is indeed

difficult to write English confidently without some knowledge of

grammar.

Please write to me again if you need any help. Though I am not a

master of the English language, yet I think I can be of some help to you.

All the best,

Taha

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PERSONAL LETTER: LETTER OF THANKS TO A TEACHER

PERSONAL LETTER: LETTER OF THANKS TO A TEACHER

Kadi High School

7, Meknes Road,

Salé.

15th May,2010

Dear Mrs. Tahiri,

As you are aware, I did very well in my last examination. I now wish

to thank you for all the good work that you had done for me and for all

the others in the class.

You must believe me when I say that we found your lessons very

interesting, and your kind words were an added inspiration to us to study

hard.

I am sure it was only because of your good work that I and many

others in the class did so well in the examination. I shall always

remember you with affection, gratitude and respect, as well my friends

who passed the examination together with me.

You are indeed a teacher of outstanding calibre and it is a unique

privilege to be taught by you.

Your loving student,

Siham Badri

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