Meaning of Ramadan: To the Islamic Faith

The link for my final paper is here.

Peer Outlines

The three students I talked with discussing their outlines are as follows:

Joseph R.
Justine B.
Janvier B.

Bibliography

About Eid. The Eid, 2008. Web. 14 Apr. 2012. <http://theeid.com/abouteid/>.

Importance of Ramadan. The Eid, 2008.  Web. 14 Apr. 2012. <http://theeid.com/

ramadan/importance-of-ramadan.html>.

Information About Ramadan in Dubai. Club Air Travel, 2012.  Web. 14 Apr. 2012. < http://www.clubairtravel.co.uk/holidays/dubai/ramadan.aspx>.

Islam/Muslim: History and Beliefs of Islamic Relgion. On Truth and Reality, 2011. Web. 14 Apr. 2012. <http://www.spaceandmotion.com/religion-islam-muslim-islamic-quran.htm>.

Kamara, Meme. Personal Interview. 26 Mar. 2012.

Murray, Julie. Ramadan. Edina: ABDO, 2012. Print.

Reem. “Pillars of Islam.” Inside Islam 22 Dec. 2011: n. page. Web. 14 Apr. 2012.

Robinson. Islam: The Second Largest Religion… And Growing. Religious Tolerance, 21 Mar. 2012. Web. 14. Apr. 2012. <http://www.religioustolerance.org/islam.

htm>.

The History of Ramadan. The Holiday Spot. Web. 14 Apr. 2012. <http://www.the

holidayspot.com/ramadan/history_of_ramadan.htm>.

The Islamic Calendar. Calendars Through the Ages, 2008. Web. 14 Apr. 2012. < http://www.webexhibits.org/calendars/calendar-islamic.html>.

Thiaw, Bucca. Personal Interview. 31 Mar. 2012.

Toure, Mohamed. Personal Interview. 14 Mar. 2012.

Why Sacrifice?. Young Muslims. Web. 14 Apr. 2012. <http://web.youngmuslims.ca/

online_library/books/sacrifice_the_making_of_a_muslim/why_sacrifice.htm>.

Final Paper Outline

Topic/Title: 

Islamic Ramadan Traditions

Outline:

Introduction

       According to the Religious Tolerance Group, 23% of people on Earth are Islamic. It is the second most followed religion, and growing at a substantial rate. After interviewing three West Africans, the Islamic religion has been a growing interest of mine, especially the practice of Ramadan. In this paper I’ll attempt to detail the philosophy and beliefs of Islam, search the history and name the importance of Ramadan, and conclude with current traditions of Ramadan in today’s society with an emphasis in West Africa.

Body

                   1.     Islamic Religion

a.     History of Islam

                                                  i.     Islamic Calendar

b.     Philosophy of Religion (Description)

                                                  i.     Islamic Law

                                                 ii.     Muslim Beliefs

                                               iii.     The Five Pillars of Islam

c.      Saum Ramadan: The third Pillar

                   2.     Ramadan

a.     History of Raman

                                                 i.     Origin of Ramadan

                                                ii.     Muhammad

                                              iii.     Qur’an

b.     Importance of Ramadan

                                               i.     Reasons for the fast/Sacrifice

                                              ii.     Beliefs of the Muslims regarding Ramadan

c.      Ramadan Celebrations

                                               i.     Eid ul-Fitr

                                              ii.     Eid al-Adha

                   3.     Ramadan Celebrations Today

a.     Date of Ramadan 2012

b.     Traditions of Ramadan

                                               i.     Prayer

                                              ii.     Feasts with Families

c.      Ramadan Celebrations in West Africa

Conclusion 

     
       After careful examination of Islam in Muslim culture, it becomes pretty eminent just how important the annual celebration of Ramadan is and why.  In Arabic Islam refers to the serenity that is created by submission. Therefore, in order to become a good Muslim, one must be involved in the struggle that requires sacrifice during submission. Ramadan is celebrated around the world by millions of people, each culture only slightly varying. I found it very enlightening that fasting during Ramadan is meant to cultivate a higher sense of spirituality in the believer that is supposed to help them lead upright lives throughout the rest of the year. As a Christian I celebrate Lent, which has a fasting quality; but not to the same extent by far! What do you think; is this something that you could use to uplift you yearlong? 

Final Paper

Topic: Muslim sacrifice during Ramadan in West Africa.
Title: Muslim Sacrifice During Ramadan

My final paper will be about the traditional sacrifice of an animal during the religious Muslim holiday of Ramadan as it pertains to Western Africa. I plan to start the paper off by explaining a little of what it means to be Muslim. From there I will go into the meaning of Ramadan, and what the sacrifice means during the holiday. Next I plan on researching the history of Ramadan and the sacrifice, and see how different traditions first started. Finally, I will talk about current sacrificial traditions during Ramadan in Western Africa.

Outline:

1. Introduction

2. Brief Explanation of Muslim Religion

3. Meaning of Ramadan and the Sacrifice

4. History of Ramadan and the Sacrifice

5. Current Sacrificial Traditions

6. Conclusion

Interview 3 Rankings

I could not get the table from google docs to copy and so excuse this long post!

1.   3  2  2  3  5  15
2.   3  2  2  4  5  16
3.   3  2  2  4  5  17
4.   3  1  2  3  6  15
5.   3  2  2  4  5  16
6.   3  1  3  4  6  17
7.   3  1  1  5  6  16
8.   3  2  3  5  6  19
9.   2  2  1  5  5  15
10. 2  2  1  4  5  14
11. 3  2  2  5  5  17
12. 3  2  4  4  5  18
13. 3  2  1  4  6  16
14. 3  2  1  3  5  14
15. 3  2  2  5  5  17
16. 0  0  0  0  0  0
17. 3  2  2  5  5  17
18. 0  0  0  0  0  0
19. -  -  -  -  -  -  -
20. 3  2  4  5  6  20
21. 3  2  2  5  6  18
22. 3  2  2  4  5  16
23. 3  2  3  4  5  17
24. 3  2  2  3  5  15
25. 2  2  1  4  5  14
27. 0  0  0  0  0  0

Top 3:
Nicholas S.
Tiffany S.
Wenting C.

Using Quotes Correctly

Senegal is a french speaking country located in West Africa [1]. The country borders the North Atlantic ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Mauitania [2]. The country is slightly smaller than the state of South Dakota [3]. Typically they have two climate seasons throughout the year. "A tropical; hot, humid; rainy season lasting from May to November. Also a dry season lasting from December through April dominated by hot, dry, harmattan winds" [4]. The country is made of mostly of low, rolling plains that rise to foothills in the southeast region of the country [5]. Their biggest natural resources are fish, phosphates, and iron ore [6]. 

Sources

[1] http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2862.htm Visited 4/9/12 at 3:27 P.M. 
[2] https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sg.html Visted 4/9/12 at 3:29 P.M. 
[3] ibid [2] https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sg.html
[4] ibid [2] https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sg.html
[5] http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107951.html Visited 4/9/12 at 3:31 P.M. 
[6] ibid [2] https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sg.html

Interview Comparisons

Not a lot changed between my three interviews, except location. My first interview was done at my apartment, and the second two at the apartments of my interviewees. Also, I had previous relationships with the first two interviewees, and I had just met the third one on the night of our interview. For the last one I used a lot of questions from previous interviews that had struck my curiosity. All three of my interviewees were from the same form of African culture, two being from Guinea and one from Senegal. All of my interviews flowed rather smoothly, with absolutely no complaints! I kept trying to add on to each as I conducted them. I got some rather good information on the education system this time around, and luckily nothing contradicted! There were some differences, but in different countries with different governments in charge that is what I expected. I spent a good hour and a half transcribing the interview from my camera onto my computer. I feel pretty satisfied by my work, comparing to other interviews that I read I feel like mine went really good!

Interview with Bucca

Interview Preparations

After interviewing two people from Guinea and getting a look at both sides of the economic scale, I decided it was best to try to find someone from a different country. However, I wanted to stay close to Guinea. I was talking to my roommate, Samantha, at home on March 31st about the assignment, and she told me she had a lot of friends from West Africa. I asked her if she could help me to find out if anyone of them would be interested in doing an interview with me. She texted six people, and right away her friend Bucca from Senegal texted back saying he would be happy to do so. I told him that my schedule was pretty open, and that he could pick out a time that worked best for him. He offered to let us drive over to his apartment that night so I could interview him there. Twenty minutes later, shortly after nine, Samantha and I entered his apartment over at the UVTs. I introduced myself, and explained a little bit about what I was doing and why, and then we started the interview. The interview itself was conducted at his dining room table, and I set my camera up on the table after asking him if that was ok to record it. 

Interview Report

I am once again very pleased to say that this interview went very well. Bucca was willing to answer all of the questions I asked, and was very detailed in his answers where he could be. All of the goals that I had for the interview were surpassed. Including, my biggest goal of comparing two West African cultures. For the most part, they seem rather similar, just have a few cultural differences. I was actually surprised at how much they did have in common. It seems like the government changes in Guinea are really pushing them to the point that Senegal is at. I think that the thing that intrigued me most about this interview was how big wrestling is in Africa. I guess that is just something that I have never heard before. Also, the transportation system reminded me much of Europe. Most families have cars, but still take the public transportation system. This is good for everyone I think! 

Country Report

Senegal is a french speaking country located in West Africa. The country borders the North Atlantic ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Mauitania. The country is slightly smaller than the state of South Dakota. Typically they have two climate seasons throughout the year. A tropical; hot, humid; rainy season lasting from May to November. Also a dry season lasting from December through April dominated by hot, dry, harmattan winds. It consists of generally low, rolling, plains rising to foothills in the southeast. There biggest natural resources are fish, phosphates, and iron ore. 

The Republic of Senegal is an Islamic state; however, the government is not really based on Islamic holy law. They are officially a republic system, and run much like a the democratic society in the United States. Most of the country, 95%, are Muslim with the remaining being Christian or indigenous. The most important holiday that they celebrate is Ramadan, the month of fasting. Bucca informed me that this is done as a sacrifice to God, and they also sacrifice an animal. They fast from food, drink, and technology from sun up to sun down. Afterwards they have the biggest holiday of year, Eid, in which every family goes to the mosque together around ten am, and then celebrates the rest of the day by saying hello and visiting friends and family. On a regular day the Muslim people are taught to pray five times a day. The mosque calls out during each time of prayer, and if so, people are expected to collectively pray there. If they can't they stay at home and pray there. Religion is a major part of people's lives in Senegal. 

The most typical greeting in Senegal is the handshake. Most of the time hugging is saved for intimate relationships and not widely accepted. However; close friendship between a male and a female my introduce with a kiss on the cheek according to Bucca. Children usually start school around the ages of usually three or four. The more money a family has tends to determine whether or not there is a lot of pressure to go to school and get a formal education. Since the education system is not set up very well, and most public schools go on strike a lot, richer families definitely have more opportunity. Bucca also mentioned that Universities are not very good in Senegal; therefore, richer children tend to go abroad to study after high school, but poorer children get whatever job they can get with their high school diploma. 

There are two main sports in Senegal. The most famous of the professional leagues is soccer; however, recreationally most people wrestle. The best of the best even organize fight competitions about once a year so the big guys can fight one another. Bucca noted that walking is the most common form of transportation around Senegal. Also, even though most families own cars public transportation is heavily relied on. The most common of these is like a subway since taxis are rather expensive. Rice is the most common food in Senegal. Bucca noted that unlike Americans, the Senegalese prefer to cook with a lot of spices for flavor. 

Sources

CIA World Fact Book

Interview Transcription

K = Kelsey

B = Bucca 

K: Well first off, thank you again for your time this evening! I will just be asking you a few questions about your home country. In that case, can we start by you telling me your name and where you are from?

B: Umm well my name is Bucca and I am from Senegal. This is a country in West Africa.

K: What language is spoken in Senegal?

B: French mainly; but I also speak Wolof. French is the academic language; however, and the traditional language that everyone has picked up when they don’t go to school is Wolof.

K: How long have you been in the United States?

B: Seven Years

K: What brought you here?

B: Ah, school. I did post-secondary schooling at first, and then college.

K: Ok, and you study at SCSU, right?

B: Yeah I study there.

K: What are you going for?

B: I went for finance first, and now I am going back for business education.

K: Oh very cool! Can you describe the typical greetings in your culture and what they mean?

B: Most of the time we say the Islam term for “Peace be upon you.” It is the religious way to say hello, because I come from a very religious country. Since Senegal is a 95% Muslim country that is the most common way people say hi to one another.

K: When you meet somebody is it generally a handshake, nod, or hug?

B: Most of the time when you are walking down the street and see somebody that you know it is just a handshake. If you are greeting them at your house or something it is generally a handshake.

K: No hugs or anything?

B: No those are not very common; except in intimate relationships. Between friends it might be like a kiss on the cheek between a male and female, but between males it is just a handshake.

K: Ok, can you describe a typical day for a school aged child in your country?

B: Probably get up around seven in the morning, have breakfast, and then take the bus to school at about eight until noon. Then between noon and two he has a break, tries to go home to have lunch. Then go back to school at two until five or six. Sometimes some of them stay between five and six just to do their homework, and then go home and play soccer or basketball until like eight o’clock. They have a snack maybe around five; and then at eight, eight thirty have dinner. They probably go to bed somewhere around ten.

K: You say that most of the children do get an education?

B: Yeah, most of them get an education; but then, the richer ones get a better education because they go to like a private school. It is really what you want back home, because the public schools go on strikes all the time. The education system isn’t set up very well, so they don’t really learn much when they go to a public school.

K: Ok, in the last interview that I did with a guy from Guinea said that the children of lower economically families don’t really get the chance to get an education, because they are forced to go to work at a young age to help support the family.

B: Exactly, yeah.

K: Do you see that same type of deal going on in Senegal?

B: Well, not in the area that I’m from because I’m from the capital city. We are better economically situated people, but there are still are poorer people that go to public schools because it is free that way they don’t have to pay for it. You know the thing is like, once they graduate from high school they don’t really get the opportunities like I did to come here or go other places over seas to study. Universities are not that great where we come from, so after high school they get a job and that’s it.

K: That’s it?

B: Yeah

K: What kind of government is in charge?

B: Government?

K: Like is it a democracy like we have here?

B: Yeah, yeah it is a democracy.

K: So when you came over to America, did the democracy system that we have here affect you at all? Or is it pretty much the same?

B: It is pretty much the same.

K: Ok, um what are the different modes of transportation used?

B: Most people walk, but people also uses buses and taxis. However, taxis are rather expensive. So instead some people just drive cars, or take another form of public transportation. Here it would be considered a subway, but it’s nothing like a train. It is more like a mini bus. It is pretty cheap too, so I would say that that’s what most people use.

K: Ok, do most families own vehicles?

B: Um yeah, at least one. However, they still use the public transportation a lot.

K: Cool, what age to children start school?

B: Three or maybe four.

K: Ok, and you were saying earlier that once they do graduate they aren’t under a ton of pressure from society to pursue higher education? Most people just apply to work?

B: Yeah, but it depends on how much money you have and your family background. You know if you have money to fund education the yes. However, if you don’t have money you try to get a job with the high school diploma that you have.

K: Ok, so you were saying 95% of the country is Muslim?

B: Yeah

K: Are you Muslim?

B: Yeah I am Muslim?

K: What religious holidays do you celebrate, or other cultural events?

B: The biggest holidays would be Eid, you know Ramadan like where people fast?

K: Yes

B: Well at the end of it we have a holiday, and that is what it is.

K: How does a family usually celebrate on these occasions?

B: Everybody gets together, and then in the morning around ten you go to the mosque. At the mosque everybody prays collectively, and then afterwards from there each family goes around says to one another. Also when you are a kid you get money from your aunts and uncles. People generally have a nice meal with the family for dinner, but the rest of the day you just go around and say hi to friends and family. That is about it.

K: Is that the day that you make a sacrifice?

B: No that is not the day, that is another one.

K: Ok, do you have any daily rituals in regards to your religious beliefs?

B: Yeah, we pray five times a day. Most of the neighborhoods back home have mosques, and so when it is time to pray there be a big call for pray from the mosque and so people usually go get together and pray collectively if they can. If you can’t you would just stay home and pray the five times a day. When it is fasting time everybody will fast from sun up to sun down. When the sun goes down is when you can eat and drink.

K: What is the reason for fasting?

B: The reason for fasting is to remind yourself that you don’t need things. We make those sacrifices. Like we do need food and to drink, but that is just a month when you sacrifice everything like even listen to music just for God.

K: Ok, what are the famous sports in your country?

B: Soccer is the most by far. Ah well no, wrestling is the most famous sport.

K: Like what kind of wresting, UFC wresting or sport wrestling?

B: Traditional wrestling like they do at state, but they do it outside on the sand.

K: Do they have professional leagues?

B: No I wouldn’t say that. They have professional wrestlers that organize matches between themselves. Like once a year the big guys get together and have a big competition of fights. That would be like the biggest competition of the year. And those guys also come over here to train, practice, and work out.

K: So you are saying it is almost like more of a recreational sport?

B: Yeah, for sure. The biggest professional sport would be soccer.

K: What countries food do you like most, and that can be any country that you have visited.

B: Oh, Senegal’s.

K: Do you see a lot of differences between food there and food here?

B: Definitely, I think the food is much more tasty back home. We eat a lot of rice, and the food is more spicy back home than here. I feel like back home we use a lot more spices when we cook anything, and the food here lacks that. When I came here I kind of realized that people don’t spend a lot of time using spices, or trying to season their food. So food back home is definitely tastier than it is here; even pizza.

K: Do you feel that people put more time and effort into making meals back home?

B: Exactly

K: I know here I don’t think it is uncommon for people to go to a restaurant or get fast food at least once a week. Is that something that people do often in Senegal?

B: Yeah, but you would only do that if you absolutely don’t have the time to cook. However, when you are home, homemade food is the most common.

K: I just have a couple more questions for you then.

B: Ok

K: Can you tell me a secret about yourself that very few people here know, and that shows us well the type of person you are and what you stand for?

B: Um, well I am very close to my mom. That is something that people don’t usually know. However, back home relationships with your parents are really something that counts a lot. When you have great bonds with both you mom and your dad it means that you were a blessed kid. So I would say I listen to my mom and what she has to say a lot.

K: Just out of curiosity, since you are talking about really close relationships with your parents. I know that studies have been done about sleeping relationships between families. In some Indian cultures families are sleep together, and that has shown to keep them closer. Do children sleep with their parents, or have their own rooms?

B: No children back home have their own rooms, we form close relationships by talking with our parents and trusting them.

K: Very interesting! Then finally, what could SCSU do to make your stay on campus better?

B: Just do a better job promoting diversity, and recognizing our presence on campus. They have been accommodating campus for our religious beliefs so I feel like they have been pretty good recognizing international students with the programs and groups they’ve set up for us. Just maybe work on making that better.

K: Would you have any tips on how to do that?

B: No I don’t think so, they have been doing pretty good.

K: Ok, well then that is all I have for you. Thank you again so much for you time!

B: Absolutely, no problem. Thank you for taking an interest!

Comparison of Interviews

I only made a couple of changes between my first and second interviews. I did the first interview at my apartment dining room table, and my second interview was conducted at Meme's apartment on his couch. The second change was how I recorded the interviews. I could not use my recorder on my phone anymore because I dropped it, and therefore I had to use my camera. However, both worked just as well. I was a little bit more comfortable in my second interview, but I knew the interviewee for a longer period of time. Both interviewees were from the same country; however, two different cultures. One was from a richer population, and the second a poorer. We had a lot of conversation in the second interview, I was able to ask a lot of interesting questions based on information I had gained from the first interview. There was a lot of new information, especially on the poor villages in Guinea. Nothing was contradictory between the interviews, so I feel confident that both were honest with me. I spent at least an hour transcribing the audio portion, and am overall very satisfied with my work. The thing I would like to improve on compared to the other interviews I read is my country report. 

Interview 2 Reviews

Reviews

Top Three:

1. Nicholas S.
2. Wenting C.
3. Tiffany S.

Interview with Meme

Interview Preparations

I interviewed Mohamed for my first class interview, and decided it would be interesting to interview another person from Guinea since I know a few. Mohamed grew up in a rich family, and so his interview really showed that side of the country. I knew my friend Meme was not well off when his family lived in Guinea and therefore I was interested to see how he saw the country. I texted him on March 23rd and asked him if he would be willing to help me out with this assignment. He promptly texted back and assured me that he would love to help out in any way that he could. I told him that my schedule was pretty open and that he could pick a day that worked best for him. He told me that he would have time the upcoming Monday and so therefore we decided that Monday the 26th at 2:00 p.m. would be a good time for the interview. Monday morning I texted Meme and asked him if he was still willing to do the interview at two and he said that he could, and that I could just meet him at his apartment. I arrived shortly before 2:00, greeted him, and we started the interview. We conducted the interview on his living room couch, and I set my camera up on the coffee table to record it. 

Interview Report

I am once again pleased to say that the interview with Meme went very well. He was incredibly willing to answer all of the questions I had, and went the extra mile to add a bunch of details. All of the goals I had for the interview were all surpassed. The interview ran very smoothly. I have known Meme for a few months, and so that helped us both to be very comfortable with one another. Both interview volunteers were from Guinea, just different regions. I was shocked at the difference between the two interviews hearing from each side of the economic scale! Meme's family came here looking for a better opportunity than what they left back home. His description of what the poor population goes through was much different from what I heard in my first interview. I was also extremely pleased on some of the answers he had to the last two questions. He pointed out that the American media puts a bad stigma on Africa; one that is false and that needs to be turned around. The interview transcription explains a little more in detail, but it was interesting because this was something I had never thought of and completely agree with! Also, he noted that international students are very intimidated when they get here. I think his idea of getting translators or student volunteers to help translate the college policy to them when they get here is incredibly smart. I have often heard other international students claiming that they did not receive the help they needed when they got here, and I think this could help. With that, I would acclaim this to be another successful interview!

Country Report

Haute-Guinae is a country located in West Africa, and is one of the four major regions of Guinea and covers 38%. The climate is generally hot and humid, with a pretty flat terrain. French is the official language of the country; however, not the only language spoken. Five years ago the country reformed to hold a better democracy than what was in standing, and is now following a system set up much like the United States. The country of Guinea itself has over half of the world's bauxite reserves. 

The main mode of transportation in this country varies by economic status. Most people who are financially more secure use automobiles; however, taxis and buses serve those who do not have the income to buy a car. Islam is the main religious of the country; 85% of the country is Muslim. The democracy that has taken over is working to better the lives of all of the citizens. Since they have taken over, more villages have running water and electricity; and more importantly, more children are receiving an education. However, still only about 40% of the children are educated and the country has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world. 

Sources

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gv.html#top

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/country-profile/sub-saharan-africa/guinea/

http://www.sos-ro.org/content/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=61&lang=en

Interview Transcription

K = Kelsey

M = Meme

K: First off Meme I would just like to thank you again for your time.  I would like to start by asking you your name and where you are from.

M: Ah ok, y name is Meme, and I am from Guinea. It is a country in Africa.

K: Alright Meme, so how long have you been in America?

M: Almost 5 years.

K: What brought you here?

M: Um because my parents wanted to start a business here for better opportunities.

K: I know that Guinea is broken into four parts.

M: Yup

K: Which part are you from?

M: Haute Guinea

K: What language do you speak?

M: I speak five different languages there.

K: Ok, what is your main language?

M: French

K: Can you tell me what the typical greetings are in your culture and what they mean? For instance when you say hello to somebody.

M: People always shake hands, but in my section of Guinea people are also really open to hugs. Like the French way, most guys even give a half hug with a kiss. In America they might seem homosexual, but in Guinea it is just the norm. Hugging is very accepted.

K: Ok, cool. Can you describe a typical day for a child in school, like how they go about their day?

M: Well it is real different, ya know. It is not like here in America were everybody goes to school. The population is divided a lot. When you don’t have money chances are you won’t go to school. They don’t live the same life.

K: So there is a large economic gap?

M: Yeah, that is what it is.

K: So the people that don’t go to school, the poor, do they start going to work at a really young age?

M: Yeah

K: How early?

M: Some like 10, 11, or 12.

K: What kind of work?

M: Like selling food for their parents, helping their parents with whatever they do to make money. However, like the children that do go to school eat 3 or 4 times a day like you guys do here; have a nice life with a nice house.

K: Another question about that. I know in some places in Africa the poorer regions have to walk to get their water. Is there running water in the poor parts of the country?

M: The poor populations in the small villages are still doing that; they have to walk a long distance to get water because the place where they live isn’t important to the government. Those places have a lot of disease, famine, and hunger.

K: So the typical day for a poor child would be work to help the family survive, and for a child that is better off would go to school to get an education?

M: Yes, but the poor children can get an education too because it is free there.

K: Oh ok, but it just isn’t as typical?

M: Right because they are more focused on working than going to school. They have to eat first.

K: Would you say a majority of the population is educated or uneducated?

M: The majority is uneducated

K: Uneducated, ok. What kind of government is in charge of the country?

M: Up until five years ago there was a president who acted like acted like a king. He was there for 20 years, and then passed away. But the new president instilled a democracy. So now there is a democracy and now everyone is starting to become equals between each other. The economy starting to become better, and so more people are starting to get an education. Like those kids that I was talking about, five years ago didn’t have as good of a chance as they have now to get an education. They started to change; more villages now have electricity and running water. Things started getting better.

K: So when you came to America you didn’t see a big difference between the government in your country and what we have here?

M: Five years ago the government was bad, they weren’t doing any good. They were just there to take money away from people for themselves. And it wasn’t always the government but just somebody in power. However, the military would protect him and that is why he was like a king. The government that is running now is very similar to what I see in the U.S.

K: I know that Guinea is pretty religious.

M: Mhmm

K: Does religion play any role in the government of the country?

M: Really 85% of the population is Muslim. Fifteen percent are Christian. However, the way the government acts I can’t really say that they really care about religion. I can’t really explain you would have to be there.

K: Ok, so then you don’t think that they incorporate religion at all?

M: Nah, Nah. Not really

K: What is the main mode of transportation in the country?

M: Taxis are number one in Guinea. Almost everybody travels in a taxi, but now there are also a lot of buses. Because when the new government came into control they bought a lot of buses for the people.

K: Not a lot of people own their own cars?

M: Oh yea, people have cars. But it isn’t like here where every family has at least one. A lot of poor families do not own automobiles.

K: For the children that do go to school, what age do they start?

M: They can start at 3 years old, and do the preschool thing.

K: And like here, after we graduate society puts a lot of pressure on youth to go to college. Do you see a lot of that same pressure on youth in Guinea?

M: Yeah, like I said already. Five years ago Guinea was not a good country, but now they government in control shows younger people that if you go to college you can get a better job with more money. More than those that stay home and do nothing. And like after I graduate here, I’m going to go back to Guinea because I know that I can make a lot of money there. And the people their don’t pay a lot of taxes, so the living style is much cheaper and you can save a lot more money.

K: Ok, so is it kind of like the change into a better democracy also helped instill that societal pressure on youth?

M: Yeah, exactly.

K: Um, what religious holidays or cultural events does Guinea celebrate?

M: We celebrate both Muslim and Christian holidays. We do Christmas and such like you all do here. But we also have Muslim holidays like Ramadan.

K: Can you tell me what your traditions are for Ramadan?

M: My tradition is to wear my traditional clothes from Guinea. Everyone has these traditional clothes. Then we make a sacrifice like a cow for the Muslim religion.

K: Does everyone sacrifice a cow, or is it like per family?

M: Ah, it depends on your financial status. When you get a little older and can afford it sometimes everyone does. But if you don’t have a lot of money, then some people can’t do it. So most people that do it have some money and can afford it. When that happens every family gets together, sacrifices the cow, and then they eat together much like holidays here.

K: Do you have any daily rituals in regards to your religious beliefs?

M: Yeah, I pray five times a day.

K: At what times, does it matter?

M: The times change, there aren’t any fixed times.

K: Ok, what are the famous sports in your country?

M: The big one is soccer; everyone plays soccer.

K: Soccer; ok. What countries foods do you like most?

M: Which countries food?

K: Yeah, from any country that you have been to.

M: I think French, yeah. French they have amazing food over there.

K: Interesting. Do you like that there are big differences between the food we have here in America and what you have in your country?

M: Oh yeah, a real big difference!

K: Like what have you noticed?

M: Well, most American food you can say is like fast food. And I think those foods are unhealthy for you. And in my country the people take the time to cook for themselves, they don’t worry about going out to a restaurant a lot.

K: What is the main dish?

M: Rice; rice is used in almost every meal.

K: Can you tell me a secret about yourself that very few people here know, and that shows us who you are, and what you stand for?

M: Ok, now that is an interesting question.

K: It doesn’t have to be a big secret, but something about you that shows what you are about.

M: Myself I guess I mean a lot of things. I think the thing that bothers me most though is that when people talk about Africa they don’t show the good side. Everything is the bad side. For say a player from the NBA is from Africa they won’t say he’s from Africa they’ll say Congo. But when they talk about famine and people dying they say Africa. It is not like every country in Africa has hunger, and fights where people die everyday. Africa is a big countinent.

K: Right

M: Each state has their own democracy, beliefs, and traditions; they are all different.

K: So would you say the thing that stands out about you is that you want to fight that Stigma against Africa?

M: Yeah, I do want to fight it. I don’t think people should be afraid to visit Africa.

K: Why do you think people are so afraid?

M: Because everyone thinks that if you go there you will catch a disease like Aids or die in an attack and it’s not like that. American media is making people scared, because they don’t tell the full truth about the whole country. Like I said, they only say the bad things. I hate this! So I would like people to know better, and do their own research about it.

K: Ok very interesting! Then I just have one final question for you. What can SCSU do to make your stay on campus better?

M: Ah, that is a good question. First of all, the advising people that help you sign up for different classes. Because, some most international students that come here are the first in their family to get college experience. Ya know, like it is a way different thing for us. So when they come over the person who is supposed to help them often intimidates them. Choosing classes is really difficult.

K: So you think the advisors helping you with classes intimidate international students?

M: Sometimes, yeah.

K: Have you heard this from other international students?

M: Yeah, sometimes.

K: Do you get the feeling that they care less about international students?

M: I don’t mean that they care less; it is just that some students don’t know how to deal with them.

K: Oh ok, so do you think different advisors should take classes in cultural studies to introduce them to the different styles of some of the students studying here?

M:  Yeah, so that way they could be on the same level of the student.

K: That seems like a very interesting point!

M: I mean I really only say this because my freshman year when I came here, I didn’t really understand English. I was really bad at the language. And my advisor had a lot of students so she didn’t really have a lot of time to work with me.  So she picked some classes for me that I didn’t care at all about, or was interested in. And I didn’t know that you could drop classes. So that year was really bad for me.

K: Are there translators here that can help international students when they first arrive?

M: No, there are no translators. So half of the things she was saying, I didn’t get.

K: You didn’t get it? So maybe even just to get some translators to help people who are just getting here.

M: That’s what it is. They should give them the chance to first write down they want. Like which type of classes they want to take, or what they are good at. And then have a translator help them out, so they could feel more comfortable. Or maybe even student mentors.

K: That is a really good idea. With that then, we conclude our interview. Thank you again Meme for agreeing to meet with me this afternoon. You had a lot of really interesting facts to share, I really appreciate your time!

M: Absolutely, Kelsey. Anytime!