First of all, John I would like to mention that I am not ticked off,
and never will be by such useful and intriguing conversation.
I have to admit that you may have just witnessed a normal and very
disturbing human characteristic: Generalization. As people, we tend to go
with the "whole picture" or the "representatives". I don't know about you,
but I think that if people (be they Eritrean-Americans or
Eritrean-Canadians) are going to a different country as guests, they should
be on best behaviour. Not to say that they can be rude on their own
territory, but it is a sign of respect and maturity. I'm only saying this
because as hosts, it is extremely embarassing to have your own people come
to our "home" so to speak, and be noticed (in a bad way) by non-Eritreans.
Is this the way Eritreans represent themselves? I'm sorry to say, John
hawey, that non-Eritreans will not only remark on these certain "groups" of
unbehaved individuals, but they will go further on to comment on Eritreans
as a whole. So they as well are generalizing. But if we, within ourselves
realize our faults as a people, then we instantly are not becoming subject
to ridicule and harsh judgement. I am only saying this to my Eritrean
brothers and sisters because it would hurt me to hear it from someone else.
I do find it necessary, however John, to thank you for responding in such a
mature and brotherly manner. (You must have not been part of the
"disruptive" group that came to Toronto!!) Just joking.
P.S- I do apologize to the 40-50 thousand Eritrean-Americans that were on
their best behaviour, or do represent Eritreans in the best possible way.
HaftiKa,
Helen Tewolde
Canada