Virginia to Jordan

I'm a fan of using personal connections when thinking about different topics. If I can connect a subject to something that I've experienced or witnessed it becomes easier for me to understand and gain more knowledge on that topic. When thinking about the differences that would make understanding between my perspective and a perspective of someone living in the Middle East I can link it to my study abroad experience in Jordan this past summer.

I live in a very small, rural town in Virginia named Strasburg. My family has lived on the same farm since the 1700's and I have never lived outside Strasburg - except during college - which gives me a somewhat different view than someone who lives in a more urban/suburb setting. In my town religion plays a large part in everyday life, as can be seen by the nine churches within the town limits and the numerous ones close to us. I think it's important when thinking of how one culture compares to another to first understand your own culture and country and what makes you individual and special in the international sphere.

When people think of how our country compares to the Middle East, many Americans would think firstly about religion, then about how Islam dictates everyday life in the Middle East. 

In reaction to that, I would say that Christianity plays a very large part in our government. I think it's hypocritical to tell the Middle East they place too much religion into their government when we have congressmen campaigning on "Christian values" in regards to subjects such as abortion, gay marriage, etc. I would think we're more alike in that sense than many people realize. Of course we don't hold the bible as our constitution like Saudi Arabia holds the Quran as the constitution, but there are similarities to be found. It is my belief that religion plays a very large role in the government systems in America and also those in the Middle East, even if not to the same extent. 

As far as other differences between our two regions, there are many environmental challenges. In America we do no understand the lack of food security. With the amount of arable land and water resources we have, we do not need to constantly think about sourcing and cutting back use. In the Middle East the climate is much different, both natural climate and feelings towards food security. Many of the governments in the Middle East have to constantly think about how they will continue feeding and giving fresh water to their citizens. This becomes an economic problem in the sense of imports and exports when countries have to import almost all the food they eat. 

Despite some major differences, the two regions are more similar than one would first think. While the differences might seem big they are not as hard to overcome as one might think, if we take a step back and understand all of our similarities as well. 

Photo credit: I took both of these photos in Jordan.