I will preface this by letting you know that you will (if you continue reading) receive an eye-opening, and quite accurate picture of the culture I dwell among. A little excerpt from class last week....
3. Most people believe that you _______________ put your spouse above your family and your friends. (Fill in blank with appropriate "modal verb," ex: can, could, must, etc)
Two of my male students (one married, one unmarried)...both seemingly conservative Ms.ms. wrote the following:
"Most people believe that you can't put your spouse above your family and your friends."
I was shocked...especially when they tried to explain it. Then, I changed the sentence a bit.
"So," I asked them, "most people believe that a wife _______ put her spouse above her family and her friends."
"MUST," they replied. No question.
"So, she must, but you don't have to?" I asked.
Crickets...........my all-male class just sat looking perplexed. Now, don't worry. I wasn't so bold as to say they were wrong, but pointed out what most Americans believe and think (and even what followers of JC believe). 1. God 2. Spouse 3. Children (if any) 4. Extended Family....I didn't mention #5 & 6, but they weren't asking.
A foreign and novel concept for a few of these men, sadly. But....trusting and knowing that this will change one day for many people here (maybe even these two!) One can dream and pray!
3. Most people believe that you _______________ put your spouse above your family and your friends. (Fill in blank with appropriate "modal verb," ex: can, could, must, etc)
Two of my male students (one married, one unmarried)...both seemingly conservative Ms.ms. wrote the following:
"Most people believe that you can't put your spouse above your family and your friends."
I was shocked...especially when they tried to explain it. Then, I changed the sentence a bit.
"So," I asked them, "most people believe that a wife _______ put her spouse above her family and her friends."
"MUST," they replied. No question.
"So, she must, but you don't have to?" I asked.
Crickets...........my all-male class just sat looking perplexed. Now, don't worry. I wasn't so bold as to say they were wrong, but pointed out what most Americans believe and think (and even what followers of JC believe). 1. God 2. Spouse 3. Children (if any) 4. Extended Family....I didn't mention #5 & 6, but they weren't asking.
A foreign and novel concept for a few of these men, sadly. But....trusting and knowing that this will change one day for many people here (maybe even these two!) One can dream and pray!
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