Technology and Cultural Sensitivity in Yemen
23 Jun
The following link includes a discussion with Yusuf Estes, a famous Imam and Muslim convert regarding whether Facebook is haram (forbidden) or halal (allowed) in Islam. In Islam, there are waajib, or compulsory actions and haram actions. The realm of technology falls in the middle. Estes makes the distinction between Islam as a religion and Islam as a social custom, and the lines between the two are often blurred.
In my last blog, I explored how technology can be used creatively in Yemeni ESL classrooms. Technology in Yemen must also be used in light of cultural sensitivity. Yemen is one of the most socially conservative countries in the Arab world and these customs play out in the classroom. As a female ESL teacher at AMIDEAST in Yemen, a particular male student never looked me in the eye or handed assignments to me. He preferred to place his homework on my desk as he was leaving class. Through his writing, I learned that he was uncomfortable with studying in a class with girls. Many of my students believed that classes should be same-sex and women should not go to college or work, especially after having children.
How does technology fit into such a conservative society and does it fit in at all? The Internet and social media outlets have made their way into Yemen, a country geographically isolated from many other foreign elements. Facebook has often been criticized for its lack of cultural sensitivity. Facebook and MySpace list several relationship status choices and relationships sought that are considered haram, including “it’s complicated,” “random play,” “domestic partnership,” and even “in a relationship.” Perhaps these options should be less available in certain countries. In addition, many Muslim men post their pictures on Facebook while some women find it a societal shame to include photos of themselves. Some Muslims think that taking photos in general is haram in Islam. In an effort to consider social customs, perhaps Facebook should not allow “tagging” other people to photos without their consent, since people might not want their actual picture on Facebook.
There are also certain ways to modify technology in the classroom in a socially conservative society. In my ESL classroom in Yemen, the YouTube videos and PowerPoint presentations I chose showed women with long-sleeved shirts and no alcohol or cigarettes. Classroom use of music is restricted based on the opinions of students in the class. While in America, music used in the classroom cannot include cursing, in Yemen, some students find it offensive to listen to any music at all, let alone whether the lyrics are explicit. Even as a Muslim, I still have an American perspective and made mistakes with my students every so often. It takes some learning by trial and error. For example, we used a short story in class that ended with the main character proclaiming “Let’s eat, drink, and be merry.” An adult student was offended by “drink.” I asked the student what made her think that the main character was encouraging alcohol consumption. He could have been advising the other character to drink orange juice. The author was not specific — therefore we cannot assume anything just because the story is written in English.
For other ESL teachers eager to incorporate technology in the classroom but unsure of cultural restrictions, I offer some advice. If students show hesitancy in using technology, discuss its importance in offering resources and improving education in the Arab world. Describe how it can be used within the context of what is considered halal. Understand things from the students’ perspectives. Learn everything you can about their religious and cultural practices. Your knowledge will allow you to better monitor every piece of media used in the classroom to make sure it is appropriate. In order to avoid sensitive topics, do not discuss religion and politics in the classroom. Or, at least speak with your principal to have a clear understanding of which topics are okay to bring up and how to bring them up appropriately. Finally, don’t judge. Sometimes we judge without even realizing it. There are plenty of customs in your home country that many would consider strange. Be open to the practices of others.
Charlotte Miller
Image available under CC Licensure by Iwan Gabovitch
I was really enjoying reading the blog! Thanks.
Well, I agree there is a big number of those who are really closed to themselves- as how I find it sound like- but there are also many Yemeni people who are open in mind. And there fore, I thank you for keeping writing “some”
I personally don’t mind using technology AT ALL, actually the problem is not with the tech. but with the materials used. In all religions, bringing materials with opposed ideas and views is considered offensive and very much appreciated.
About me, I am a Muslim Yemeni girl, I LOVE taking pictures of everything including myself ^_^ and many people I KNOW have pictures I have taken and also pictures of me, but I never put any picture on Facebook so far. I consider it privacy matter and honestly I find it not comfortable thinking that anyone can just view my photos of any situation and at any place at anytime…
I loved so much the advice mentioned at the end… and thank you so much!
My all will to see Yemen one day in the lead of education and technology, with more open minded people and moderation… may that happen soon…
Sondos
This is one of the greatest article I have ever read. I really want to thank you so much.
The advice that mentioned at the end is precious. The technology is very important , but also we must keep our values.
The future of Yemen will be bright because you make the difference. Thank you so much for this great job.
consider it done.
Thank you to Sondos and Mohamemd for your feedback. I can think of countless situations where I was treated differently as a female in Yemen. As a foreigner with an American perspective, many things stand out. If I went out with a male to a market and paid for my own items, the cashier would give my change back to the man in order to reduce the risk of touching my hand. If I got into a taxi with a man, the man was instructed to sit on the front passenger’s side instead of in the back with me, or the taxi would refuse us service, even though this man happened to be my fiance(!) Sondos, I am sure you know that as a Muslim I will never stereotype other Muslims in entirety. The US has many terrible gender equality issues of its own – even in 2011.
Still, I love Yemen very much and there is a great charm about it. I hope Yemen continues to develop its technology and education, its art and humanities. I hope that there will soon be peace because I love and care about many people who are there right now.
Yes, Zainab! I totally understand! Sometimes it is even strange to us, locals! I can imagine what a great shock and confusion it has been,,, especially that it all happened without even an introduction,,, as Yemeni exchange student to the US, I could see the great difference between the two cultures… it is things that people got used to them that by years they were called “common sense”… and it is like what I say, “Common sense, is always NO sense in somewhere else”
Like because I am a Yemeni, I could understand the cashier situation and the taxi one, that they wouldn’t mention a couple sitting together more likely if they were husband and wife or a family member,,,and so on…
These things, interest me so much, and every time I travel, even within the country, I get amazed more and more,,,
I don’t know if I am off the topic now,
but I just love to share talks with you,,, Wish to really meet you soon,,,
Thanks again
I have so much love for you Sondos — I just wish people properly pronounced your name when you came here… You are wise and ambitious beyond your years and I am so proud of you! See you in December insha’Allah.
I have run out of words!! Thanks a million!
You know I admire your courage, maturity, mentality, and sweetness! Love you… BIIIIIIIIIIIIIG HEART <3
^_^