Cultural learning

As many of you know, I have not just had to adapt/learn about the British culture while in London, but more of every other culture because of my flatmates and classmates. In my MA program, there is one other American and one girl from Canada. Besides the three of us from North America, there are people from Sweden, France, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Germany, India, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria, Pakistan, Greece, and many other countries as well. It is amazing to hear about their culture, life, goals, religion, etc. Most of the time, I have to start off a sentence with "I am lacking knowledge about your culture but..." In the same way, I am often asked plenty of questions. Yesterday, my friend, Bader, from Oman, asked me about the ease of obtaining weapons in the U.S. or in Tennessee. I somewhat did not understand what he meant so I asked him to continue explaining. He said that he pictured most of the U.S. having the ability to easily get a gun and he also pictured lots of gangs. He asked me if I had seen any gangs in my neighborhood. True story, I then tried to explain "the South" to him and what life was like. 
Right after talking about this, a guy in my class from Saudi Arabia began talking about hybridization or lack of that in his country. He was telling us a recent story of a brave woman. In Saudi Arabia, women are not even allowed to drive (I did not know this). Also, if they want to leave Saudi for work or holiday, they have to ask a male's permission. This male can be their husband, brother, dad, or even their son! Anyways, one courageous woman recently wanted to end the rule set by their religion which forbids women to drive a car. She said that she could not afford a driver and was tired of being dependent on men to do simple errands like go to the grocery store. The woman started a Facebook group to try and encourage women to all drive on a certain day. She even videoed herself driving and uploaded the video to show women that they could do it. Unfortunately, the police came to her house in the middle of the night and took her away. While that is the story/ situation of events that I heard, who knows the real story and what really happened to that woman. All I know, is that I feel blessed and glad to be an American! 
It is very interesting going to school with so many cultures and constantly working with different people in groups. I have learned that many males do not feel comfortable with females taking control or if they accept it, they need to feel that they are right and I am wrong. Sometimes I do feel attacked and disrespected. It is tough, but that is how many have been raised. Honestly, I think it is good motivation. It encourages me to do better and try to prove my worth. I know why I am in school and I know my goals in life. These are just times to remind me of the speed bumps that I may encounter along the way. 


On other news- I just found out that my sister-in-law & brother, along with their friends, are coming to London for Thanksgiving! yayay Nothing gives me more thanks than Americans coming to the U.K.  


Cheers!