Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Tue 7th June - "Us v Them"

Religion: The country is both Christian and Muslim (I get the feeling there are no other real options). Both religions seem to get on well too. Muslims are the minority, and most Christians I have spoken to certainly more than tolerate the Muslims, everyone seems to get on ok, but, as with all minorities, there is a feeling that the Muslims “stick together” too much. There are certain parts of any town, for instance that is a Muslim “ghetto”. Perhaps this is reversed in the north , which is predominantly Muslim. Several people I’ve spoken to here actually seemed to have backed Pres Bush for his “stance on Muslims”, notably the “war on terror”. There is no “terror” to war against (in the religious sense) in this country and yet it this idea still seems to resonate with some here. Strange.

Names of people and things are also entwined with religion: the “The Lord Protects Chop bar” (a “Chop bar” is kind of street restaurant), “God is Great hair boutique”, “What a mighty god, Plywood and Art shop”. I even met a guy today who introduced himself as “Do the right thing”, no kidding, though most guys seem to be called Samuel.

Another Tro-Tro moniker: Saw one today that said “God is God” on the wind-screen tinted bit at the top and “Blood of Jesus!” in huge print on the bonnet.

No comments: