No, not insulting, just trying to make people understand

Submitted by sara (United States), Jun 15, 2012 at 15:24

Debbie, I understand that you found my comment insulting but I did not mean it to be taken so personally. My point was that it is hard for westerners to comprehend that their mentality, values and morals are not shared by all people and that the real key is to respect others views by acknowledging that there are differences.

What is important to us, sanctity of life, treatment of prisoners, torture, bribery, etc. may not be as important to them according to their value code. Honor killings seem perfectly natural and acceptable to them while we are horrified. Treatment of animals, treatment of women, children, a million things are different. They look at us and laugh at our softness and weakness. They are of a more dated mindset where you crush the enemy and honor nothing. No talking, no negotiation. They will take what they can and give up as soon as they are dominated.

An example of the differences in perceptions and values is the peace treaty signed by Israel and Egypt in 1979. Israel, under pressure from the US to 'make peace' gave back all of the Sinai to Egypt. Egypt in return for this gift got billions of dollars in aid until today, the land of the Sinai, tourism, world praise, and what did Israel get for this? A piece of paper and a promise of peace. Actually, this is an example of a highly successful treaty that has been honored for the most part because of the money involved. But the Egyptians have been able to fortify their army and military resources tremendously in the meantime. Now that the Mubarak regime is toppled, peace is off the table.

I hope I have managed to explain this clearly without offense. It is not a put down of anyone, it is merely a statement of facts that if everyone acknowledged, there would be a much greater chance for real peace and real understanding, not fake meaningless gestures.

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