Being International vs. Internationally Minded

Today I was challenged with how "international" I am.  I'm attending an IB Teacher Training, which is an educational philosophy and system of schools in the international community.  The purpose of which is to create learners who are "Internationally Minded".  As we went over the profile of the IB student, I was challenged by one of the student traits - Open-minded.  IB states what this type of learner strives to be:

They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities.  They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

After discussing this in the seminar, the thought that came immediately to my mind was my reaction to Hungarian prejudice.  I've written about this a couple times in previous posts - my frustration with the close-mindedness I see around me.  But today I realized that my opinions of that "close-mindedness" are a result of my own close-mindedness.  Being open-minded means trying to understand different points of view.  Looking at Hungarian culture, what I've learned thus far anyway, I can see why some of these things I see as frustrating are part of a culture I really appreciate in so many ways.  Whether they're right or wrong is not mine to judge if I want to be an open-minded person.  "Seeking and evaluating a range of points of view" and being "willing to grow from the experience" is what I should be striving to do to be Internationally Minded.

I like the way this made me think.  I've been "International" for 7 years.  But maybe one day down the road I'll truly be Internationally Minded.

Not just a Hungarian issue

This week our land-lady told us that our neighbors were uncomfortable with us having black people over to our house.  They were concerned with safety in the building.  I stared at her, "OH MY GOSH! You are kidding me!"  Both Will and I stood there with this naive idea bouncing around in our heads, trying to make some sense of it.  "Yeah Hungary," I responded with sarcasm.

Since this conversation, the prejudice issue has been a topic of conversation between us and our land-lady, us and foreign friends, and Will and The Neighbor.  Our land-lord, who is a super nice Hungarian lady, explained the issue quite well in an email:

Xenophobia is a problem in Hungary but very much so because most of the people live in a very homogenous context, never in touch either with people of any color or different cultural habits, or even disabled in any way, so they just do not really know how to relate to that - and it is very much different to grow up in such a multicultural, melting-pot society as yours.  I know the difference as we lived in the States almost for 2 years, had Eszter (daughter) go to school there and it made a world of difference... e.g. you know how we are, but I have to tell you that I remember that Eszter was about 3 when she saw a black guy on the bus first time in her life and was quite scared of him, which made me very embarrassed.  On the other hand, imagine how unique it was for her then... It is unimaginable in the US but in fact most other Western European countries.  But also, I bet that in our village none of the kids my son's age have ever seen a black or Chinese or Indian person in their lives.  Or a blind one.  When we lived in the States (or even first landed in Paris or London), it was really a very dramatic, revelational experience for me.  Or having a black friend in Colorado when we lived there.  But most people never had such a hands-on experience.  I am sure that now so many people, especially young ones studying and working abroad, it will change.

I understand that Hungary is a very homogenous culture.  But having grown up in an all white community myself, it makes me even less sympathetic to this thinking.  I think our neighbor is another example of the prejudice so interwoven a much of Hungarian society.  And Hungary is not alone.  Many countries and cultures (even my own) have issues of prejudice, which let's be honest, are created out of  ignorance and the unknown.  However, I also think that our land-lady is right - the next generation can change it.  In Hungary.  In America.  Across the world.

Voices from Hungary

Bronze shoes along the Danube.
A Holocaust memorial.

"A significant part of the Roma are unfit for coexistence.  They are not fit to live among people.  These Roma are animals and behave like animals."

This was a recent quote from a Hungarian politician.  He's part of the political party that holds the most power in Hungary right now, the political party that conservative Hungarians support.  The theme of prejudice and anti-semitism is becoming more and more prevalent in Hungary.  As I read article after article and hear some Hungarian co-workers express their pro-government stance for this current administration, it scares me to death.  Their words sound a lot like those that led to the execution of millions of Europeans in the 1940s.  In a country that survived Nazi invasion and Russian communist control within the last 70 years... In a country that houses a Holocaust Museum and The House of Terror...  In a country that has memorials throughout the city, bronze baby shoes on the edge of the river to remind themselves of the innocent who were killed and thrown away... It baffles me that people actually still think this way.  A lot of people.  And I'm scared to think what all this hateful talk and thinking might lead to.

Recent News in Hungary

Hope?

Hungary is putting in its entry for the "international films" category at the Academy Awards.  It's about the persecution of the Roma in Hungary.

Roma Movie "Just the Wind" for Oscars

Could this be a step in the right direction?  Someone is making a good choice.  Gives me hope that some people who make important decisions are bringing light to the persecution of Hungary's minority. 

Things happening in Hungary

Well, it's not about kidnappings or car bombings, but Hungary's news is getting a bit heated lately. A new constitution was put into effect with the start of the new year. Basically it is being called an "unconstitutional constitution", even by the U.S. (Although I think some very right-wing U.S. republicans would support the current Hungarian Prime Minister's views. He's like Rick Santorum on conservative steroids.) The new laws include:

No rights for gay people.

No religions except the 10 or so recognized by the government. That means no Hinduism, Buddhism, or certain Christian denominations.

Government controlled media.

And various other human rights violations (the media says).

In all honesty, I don't understand everything the new laws do or don't allow, but I do know that the U.S. and EU are up in arms about the whole thing. As well as Hungarians, of course. New Years Eve was celebrated by many here with a protest, rather than fire works and champagne. From what I've read, I would protest too. It seems like the current Hungarian leaders want to go back in time 30 years. But some Hungarians do too. It surprises me that in the 21st century there are still people who are so prejudice: anti-semitists, anti-gay, anti-Roma, anti-homeless. Unfortunately, it's true all over the world.

As my husband says, "Don't hate."