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Often,
Fulbright Visiting Scholars are surprised to discover how culturally
diverse the United States can be. Living in the United States
allows them to come into contact with a variety of other cultures
in addition to the one they consider "American."
During her time in the United States, Dalal El Gemei, a 1998-99
scholar from Egypt, met Israelis for the first time. As each one
was different from the others, she found her preconceived notions
of their culture challenged.
The scholar continually asked herself, "How do we see others?
How do others see us?" In the end, she came to believe that
stereotyping was a mistake and usually based on limited experience
and little truth.
In addition to having her own perceptions challenged, she was
able to educate the people she met during her affiliation at the
University of California-Los Angeles about Egypt. The scholar
was able to answer questions about her native land and clarify
misconceptions about the lives of Egyptians and especially Egyptian
women.
"I even explained a little more about my family and sisters
who are working, married with children, and trying to strike a
balance between their duties as mothers and as employees. I was
so glad to be there to answer all those questions and clarify
everything for them . . . Then I realized that one effective way
of improving our image is by coming into contact with others and
letting them see us for who we really are."
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