Intercultural woes
Despite my love for the country, I spent a good deal of time in Morocco complaining about certain habits that drove me crazy. Those that bothered me the most were probably the horrifying driving habits of Moroccans (particularly young males), spitting on the street, and the constant sexual harassment I received even when wearing a djellaba.
While I can safely say the third never happens to me in the States, and that I was fully aware that Americans (particularly those in my current state of residence) aren’t the world’s best drivers, I was unpleasantly surprised to notice how many people here spit on the ground as well.
Now keep this in mind - I grew up in a small, polite New England town where only “hooligans” might spit, and it wasn’t a big thing in college either. So imagine my surprise moving to the “big city” - the other night Hamza and I were waiting for the train and counted one man spitting at least eight times in one minute. Miffed, Hamza turned to me and said, “Why did you say that Moroccans’ spitting habit is disgusting? They do it here too.” I tried to defend myself in earnest, having not seen that all too often before, but the truth is - EW. I can’t believe how many people I’ve noticed spitting since that night. And not even polite spitting off to the side. Actual hocking up of loogies, just like I witnessed daily in Morocco. Well count me horrified.
At least I haven’t seen anyone blowing snot rockets here…yet.
October 8th, 2007 at 9:54 pm
What do you say about somebody who completly urinates in the staircases of a college! I personally have the honour to face up with a puddle of urine each day when getting to the classrooms!
October 9th, 2007 at 12:13 am
Oh my, that is disgusting! Never experienced that one, but I did see a Chinese gentleman (I use the term loosely) urinating on a children’s playground today with his family sitting nearby.
October 10th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
I think it is safe to say that such behaviour is probably associated with a particular mentality rather than nationality
While you are absolutely right in theory, you’d be shocked by the sheer amount of green mucus lining Morocco’s sidewalks.
November 4th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
About the constant sexual harrassement which is true, one important difference I want to point out is unlike in the US females can safely tell the harrasser off (where to go and the quickest means of getting there) without the fear of being physically violated in any way(slight or grave). In Morocco it is all talk and if rebuffed well they simply move on to the next female passing by.
While I know you’re correct, I still tell Moroccan harassers off - though I know it will probably make little difference in how they behave, I like to try to humiliate them as much as they try to humiliate women.
-Jill
November 9th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
It’s a rather odd habit. While it doesn’t sound like it’s as prevalent here at the tip of Africa, it is something I do notice more & more frequently. I don’t get the point of it?