culture

Throughout the novel, tradition in the dress of different countries is constantly brought up. In chapter 12 Tony travels to Khartoum along with other reporters. He talks with another reporter who talks about traveling to Muglad and picking up a mosquito disease. He describes the traditions of Muglad's people who "were exotic to me as I was to them" (pg.195) Horwitz describes the tall Dinka men who wore white Arab robes and gracefully greated eachother with the words "sheebak and salaam aleikum" which mean hello, and "peace be upon you." In the U.S. the first saying is normal, but rarely do u see people greeting their collegue by saying "Hey!Let peace be upon you." If you heard that in the U.S. you might give back and awkward smile or laugh. Being curtious and polite is taught by parents to their toddlers when they are young. "Pleases and thank yous" are taught at birth. However, the sincerity of it is often not there. When Horwitz vists the village it seems to me that the village is very important to everyone. They all rely on each other, and show everyone with the respect they deserve. The U.S. is spolied with so much wealth and opportunites that saying "please or thank you" is not always meant as truely as it should.
*ml