In chapter 6, Mortenson and Abdul are in the tailor's shop ordering a new shalwar. As Monzoor, the tailor, is taking Mortenson's deposit, the call to prayer sounds. As Monzoor immediately prepares for prayer, Mortenson asks: "Will you show me how to pray?"
Mortenson states that he is not Muslim, but he respects Islam. The tailor then shows him how to pray.
I chose this quote because it was an instinctive reaction by Greg to join in prayer. It shows his increasing respect for the people in Pakistan, as opposed to just respecting the mountains. I think it is an important step on his new path, and also indicates how much more he will grow as a person.
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ReplyDeleteI liked this part too. I think it shows a mutual respect between Greg and Monzoor. It is difficult to ask to join in with somone else's customs when you are clearly not a part of that culture and equally as difficult to accept the request of an "outsider".
ReplyDeleteI agree. He strives to become more like them which makes him grow as a person. Eventually, this leads others to accept him as Pakistani, not as an outsider.
ReplyDeleteI actually wrote about a similar area in this chapter. Greg's will to get along is very impressive indeed. Along with his manners to fit in and then to actually fit in is amazing.
ReplyDeleteAssimilating into any culture is hard, and trying to show the people that you respect their customs is one way to make the process much easier. I think asking to pray was the best thing Greg could have done to gain their respect, and to raise his esteem in their eyes so they didn't just regard him as an 'infidel'.
ReplyDeleteI love his curiosity and respect for the culture. A lot of Americans tend to not study or follow traditions in foreign countries.
ReplyDeleteall agreed. With the amount of racism and prejudice in this world, it shows a great deal of respect from Greg about meeting and respecting this no so forien, but different all the same culture.
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