Cole and I went to the dentist yesterday - very good by Western standards. Excellent facility, equipment, treatment, office workers spoke English and knew all about our international medical insurance requirements. I was admonished for letting my scheduled cleanings go so long ( 18 months), but luckily, no cavities or permanent damage. I was too embarrassed to explain that we had no insurance in the US last year; hence the long time between cleanings.Why was I embarrassed? Was it a reflection on my country - the land of plenty - that didn't have enough jobs for its citizens and certainly not affordable healthcare for all?
Afterwards, we went to the Al-Rashid mega mall and stopped at a familiar diner for lunch - Johnny Rocket's. I had happy memories of eating at this chain while visiting my parents in California. Why it the first place that allowed me to use a "Senior Citizen Discount" at age 55! We entered the diner and were amazed at the interior - identical down to the jukebox selection boxes at each table. We started flipping through the pages, trying to make our selection, when the waiter (a Filipino) came to us apologizing that the Saudi Mutawa (religious police) had made them disconnect the jukebox because patrons had complained about the "inappropriate American music." "Splish, Splash"? "Little Deuce Coup"? "I Head it Through the Grapevine"? Inappropriate? The poster of the All-American white, blond family wasn't inappropriate, but the happy music was? Generally, we have found that the common Saudi family likes all things Western (Katy Perry was on the cover and had the lead story in the local women's magazine), but it is the religious fanatics who would be out of a job if they didn't ban a few things here and there. Why don't they ban "90210" and "The OC" and "Desperate Housewives" from the television? This may be a Muslim country (the statistics boast 100%) but they are not united on their interpretation of what is culturally appropriate.
Although our interactions with local Saudis have been infrequent, I had an opportunity to see a different Saudi at a recent American Business Association dinner. Jeff and I joined in an effort to have more contact with other Americans from other compounds and also to learn more about local culture - the programs are generally presented by Saudis who want to work with the expatriate community. The program I went to was led by a local Saudi businessman who had started a school for children with Down's Syndrome and Autism (because his own daughter has DS and there were no support systems for him and his family). His facility now has 300 students and a waiting list about that long. His presentation was well done; his message was clear - he needed access to the expatriate community of businesses who have a reputation for charity. His compassion and life's work of service to the less fortunate was compelling. Was he embarrassed that his country wasn't doing its job to take care of all its citizens?
Life is different here, but not so different. We all have wrongs to right, causes to bring to attention, messages of love to share.
Afterwards, we went to the Al-Rashid mega mall and stopped at a familiar diner for lunch - Johnny Rocket's. I had happy memories of eating at this chain while visiting my parents in California. Why it the first place that allowed me to use a "Senior Citizen Discount" at age 55! We entered the diner and were amazed at the interior - identical down to the jukebox selection boxes at each table. We started flipping through the pages, trying to make our selection, when the waiter (a Filipino) came to us apologizing that the Saudi Mutawa (religious police) had made them disconnect the jukebox because patrons had complained about the "inappropriate American music." "Splish, Splash"? "Little Deuce Coup"? "I Head it Through the Grapevine"? Inappropriate? The poster of the All-American white, blond family wasn't inappropriate, but the happy music was? Generally, we have found that the common Saudi family likes all things Western (Katy Perry was on the cover and had the lead story in the local women's magazine), but it is the religious fanatics who would be out of a job if they didn't ban a few things here and there. Why don't they ban "90210" and "The OC" and "Desperate Housewives" from the television? This may be a Muslim country (the statistics boast 100%) but they are not united on their interpretation of what is culturally appropriate.
Although our interactions with local Saudis have been infrequent, I had an opportunity to see a different Saudi at a recent American Business Association dinner. Jeff and I joined in an effort to have more contact with other Americans from other compounds and also to learn more about local culture - the programs are generally presented by Saudis who want to work with the expatriate community. The program I went to was led by a local Saudi businessman who had started a school for children with Down's Syndrome and Autism (because his own daughter has DS and there were no support systems for him and his family). His facility now has 300 students and a waiting list about that long. His presentation was well done; his message was clear - he needed access to the expatriate community of businesses who have a reputation for charity. His compassion and life's work of service to the less fortunate was compelling. Was he embarrassed that his country wasn't doing its job to take care of all its citizens?
Life is different here, but not so different. We all have wrongs to right, causes to bring to attention, messages of love to share.
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