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.
Pages - Menu
▼
Pages
▼
Pages - Menu
▼
Monday, 7 June 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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