Thursday, January 16, 2014

Bourdain No Reservations in Saudi Arabia

10 comments:

  1. Thomas Smith
    mwf 9:05 am
    The video was kind of a culture shock and it caused me to open my eyes and see the bigger picture of the Arabic world. I would like to visit this city at least once and i would love to go drive around in the desert for a while. And it was interesting to see some of the cuisine I think it would be interesting to taste some of the foods.

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  2. Nardja Owens

    One of the things that stood out to me in the video was the fact that religion stands as prime as compared to in america. Compared to America which is "Democratic (quotations needed)" and a more religion based government much like a Theocracy the video shows how much religion influences the people from a ban on drinking alcohol to gambling. Another thing that stood out in the video was how Dana was briefly explaining what shows they watch and for her to mention all american tv programs, tells how much American media has influence on the world. In my major I myself have learned that America makes up more than half of the world's media alone and in some countries American media make up to about 80% of overall content.

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  3. Matthew Murdock
    Arabic 1001
    The video does a good job of describing and portraying the everyday lifestyle in the Arabic community. Coming from the United Arab Emirates in my last two years of high school has shown me the differences and similarities between the two nations. My experiences in the middle east have provided me with a great knowledge and background of the Arabic and Islamic culture.

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  4. David Cooke
    Arabic 1001
    Like Thomas said earlier this video was a major culture shock to me. The way they go about there everyday lives is completely different from how we as Americans live day to day. I knew the women had to cover themselves when they went out but i did not now it was to that extent. the food was different as well i would love to go visit there one day though.

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  5. I think its interesting exactly how different everything is between our two cultures, but at the same time how much we have in common. Such as the fact that even tho the women have to wear veils to cover themselves that they still will where western clothes under or while they are at home. Another thing i found very different is what is eaten, for us it isn't common to eat Lamb or Camel. It all looked very foreign and different to me but it also has my interested in learning more about the culture of Saudi Arabia.

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  6. Adriana Pulley
    Arabic 1001 MWF 9:05

    I really enjoyed this video. It was a great idea to show the experience of Bourdain, an American, traveling to a place that many see as so different from American life. It allowed the viewers to live through his journey as he learned that life in Saudi Arabia has its similarities to our own. The portions of the video that I found most interesting were the impact that religion had on the country and its inhabitants. But really, if we think about it religion has its strong influences in America as well. As a woman who has grown up so differently from a women in Saudi Arabia I do struggle with trying to see things from their point of view. However, I do notice in the video that Muslim women do not feel so oppressed as they are often portrayed to be in our media.

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  7. Oh, also-- that camel and the lamb looked delicious!

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  8. Carmen Gray
    MWF 9:05-9:55

    What really stood out to me about this video was how relatable the people were because western media depicts the people of the Arab world, especially countries like Saudi Arabia to be filled with humorless people that only practice their religion and do nothing else. Western media often define the people of the Arab world by the religious beliefs and practices only to make it seem like they aren't everyday people like everyone in America. This video does the exact opposite by showing the world that the people in Saudi Arabia are just like everyone else. They laugh, love, explore, have fun, and enjoy life. However, although I do see the people as relatable I still have a hard time seeing the women in such submissive roles in society. I really don't see women being covered as "protection", but they don't seem to be as oppressed as we make them out to be in the west so as long as they seem happy I'm happy.

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  9. William Randle
    Elementary Arabic I (ARAB 1001-A)
    MWF 9:05-9:55 A.M.

    In this video, it is easy to notice the cultural differences between Saudi Arabia and the United States, as well as some similarities.

    The differences are that Saudi Arabian society is far more conservative and religiously oriented than the United States. Alcohol is banned in Saudi Arabia, clothing (especially for females) is far more conservative, everyone stops to pray five times per day, and the segregation of the sexes is practiced in restaurants and other such places.

    On the other hand, there is some very noticeable western influence due to globalization; the Saudis watch American television programs (such as Boston Legal and Scrubs), go to shopping malls, and eat at fast food restaurants.

    On a different note, I think that I would like to try the foods depicted in the program (specifically the camel and the lizard), and also that driving around in the desert would be a rather enjoyable hobby.

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  10. Jordan Walker Arabic 1001
    MWF 9:05-9:55
    I was amazed by how life in Jeddah has not changed since the early 20th century , arranged marriages are still in practice as are most marriages in Saudi Arabia. I was shocked to see how they were wearing more clothes to protect themselves from the sun, instead of wearing less clothes. Their practices of hospitality are still alive and well for they welcome Andrew to eat and see their country through their eyes when giving a tour of the country. Religious practices are still the same as religious Muslims come to mecca to pray, giving Jeddah of Saudi Arabia importance in their religion. Still the life in Saudi Arabia is amazing, the religious dedication ,and low crime rate has made it an oasis.

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