Chapter 17

Chapter 17 presented an interesting theme which was misunderstanding of cultural rituals and custom can lead to conflict and violence. For example with the many mistakes that the British made with Jerusalem and handling the different ethnic and religious groups shows how when one does not fully understand the other culture it will lead to grave mistakes or mistakes that lead to major conflict. I believe that is what is currently a problem in todays society from the US's involvement and politics in the Middle East to the ignorance of college students handling some one different than they are or use to being around. If sufficient research or mere acceptance of learning and understanding many little conflicts or disagreements can be avoided if someone just takes the time to make an effort to understand.

The word Zionism was also brought up and used in this chapter and it was interesting to read Armstrong's take on it and how she described it. She did bring up points and information that I was already familiar with but at the same time I learned some new things which led to a discussion with Ben in class. Unfortunately encountering this word has always led to a negative connotation of it but once I had asked Ben on his view on the word and why he considered himself a Zionist it changed. After listening to Ben's intake on it , it allowed me to step back and view the word in a different perspective other than a negative one. I was very appreciative on how Ben led me to change how I viewed that word and open my eyes to other meanings.