Courtney Dobbins
Staff Writer
Gohar Rahim Mehsud is a student at Pierce College who is originally from Pakistan. During an interview yesterday he revealed information on his country, culture, and his experience here in the United States.
When asked why he decided to travel to America, Gohar gave a variety of reasons. He says that he will be able to receive quality education here in the states since America is a very well developed and well-established country. Another reason he’s here is because of our primary language. He says that English is an international language that is important to know. More importantly, Gohar wanted the opportunity to observe American society as a whole. In doing so he would be able to compare our societies—and ultimately introduce new developments to his country.
Gohar was also asked what has been most culturally shocking to him since he arrived in the U.S. He says that many things have, but in particular he was very taken back by the lack of respect Americans show towards their elders and teachers. For example, if the seats are full on a bus in Pakistan, young people usually give up their seat for an elder approaching them—he has not seen this happen in America. Also, in Pakistan it would be considered disrespectful to address a teacher by their first name, eat in class, or put your feet on your desk during class (all of which he has witnessed here in the states).
The most enjoyable experience he has had so far in the U.S. was attending the Korean drum festival in Tacoma, Washington. He enthusiastically explained his experience: “They played music for 3½ hours, but there was no song just the music, and they gripped the attention of the people…Everyone was…very happy and enjoying the music…It was very big fun, I enjoyed this festival and this function.” He also enjoyed seeing the space needle, and other statues that are located in Seattle.
Since the holidays are coming up here in the states, Gohar also shared information on traditional holidays in Pakistan. He says the Muslim holidays Bakra Eid and Eid-Ul-Fitar are comparable to Easter and Christmas in western society. Bakra Eid is 3 days long. It is celebrated to honor the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael to Allah (God).
According to Islamic teaching, it is a time for Muslims to sacrifice their wealth, and learn the value of self-denial by making a sacrifice of something living (an animal) to God. Before Bakra Eid, Muslims will fast for one month. This is called Ramadan. When Ramadan ends, Eid-Ul-Fitar begins. Eid-Ul-Fitar is Gohar’s favorite holiday because you finally get to eat and break the fast. During Eid-Ul-Fitar you give thanks to Allah (God) and children get money and gifts from their elders. It is a happy celebration in which people exchange gifts with the ones they hold dear, and give to the poor as well.
Later on, Gohar talked about what people do for fun in Pakistan. He says that people generally love the game cricket and they like football (soccer) as well. Sometimes they cock fight and volleyball is also popular. They also will sometimes have something similar to an American barbecue. During these get-togethers people will go hunting in the morning, and in the evening they come back with their kills. Afterwards they all cook. They will also socialize, play cards, etc. Some people may bring oil, spices, and other ingredients—everyone contributes what they can. When it’s over the poorer people in the group are usually given the leftovers.
To conclude the interview, Gohar shared his thoughts on the war taking place at Pakistan—Afghanistan border, and what he can do to help his people. He says he wants to work as a politician and leader, “because of the greedy politicians [and] political people from my area…they misguide the policies, they misunderstood the policies, [and] they misrepresent the policies and the people.”
He explains that thousands of homes—his included, have been destroyed due to the war situation. As a result, Gohar and his colleagues assembled a group that gave help and support to war victims from his area. The group would help people with money, food, etc. Still, Gohar has strong desire to do more for his people, and he intends to do so by using politics.
When Gohar returns to Pakistan he says that he will become a politician because he feels that, “when you have power you can do things, when you have no power you cannot do anything. When I will come into power; when I will come in the government, I will be able to do good for the people.”
