We can´t all be Trudy can we? Who knows whose way is right. Unless we communicate we cannot understand one another. If you read your own message once more, you too will realize it contains personal attacks. I would like to apoligize to you should you feel attacked by me in the past. We all three must be setting an excellent example to how far from perfection we humanbeings are. More than often, we write those long messages in the hope of defending a right cause. I know some people don´t even read them. I guess they irritate some others who prefer simplicity over sophistication. Well, I don´t chose your way but I don´t want you to peek fun at mine either.

At the end of the day, there is still a type of person, a European who detests any foreign elements in their society and put the blame for all the calamities in their society on those people. In this country too there are people who defend that Turkey would be hundred times better, if it was possible to send the Kurds somewhere else. The simple answer to this question is we can´t and you can´t either. So, let us not talk about an option which is not available to us within the human boundaries.

Catwoman, Yes, I do feel entitled to respect, as do I feel everyone & thing is entitled to respect.  Respect is one of the lubricants of society that ensures a smooth ride.

 It could be our definition of the word respect is different.  Respect as I am using it is in the more archaic definition=consideration.  That does not mean you have to agree, but it means one should conduct themselves in a courteous manner.

Respect

Benito Juarez, a full blooded Zapotec Indian, and the only Amerindian president of Mexico said, "Among individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace."
(Orig: Entre los individuos como entre las naciones, el respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz.)”

Honest questioning is one thing, but willful (or maybe lazy?) ignorant criticism that does nothing to gain knowledge, criticism that accuses, certainly seems intended to provoke & is quite another thing. Many times I have seen accusations made against Islamic culture that is unfounded, but when that is countered, “those” people are told they are intolerant…..or just ignorant. Just maybe one and a half billion people have found something of value?

As far as showing or having respect and understanding of the “other” side, maybe if it weren’t being crammed down their throats they could actually take a look and decide for themselves?

 Perhaps if you would read the actual words instead of filling in what you think I mean (aka prejudge) a different conclusion would be reached.

 
Well, I grant you more respect, because I do think you are worth while working towards understanding, and anything that works towards that aim is a worthwhile project.

I’m sorry if my words are too difficult and complicated for you, however the use of curse words has very different meaning.  Like a hamburger is not a steak. 

As you have informed us many times, you are yourself a teacher, so I’m sure you have the skills to find the meaning of any word you find strange.

I don´t have much time but I couldn´t fail to congratulate Trudy on her post. You really hit the nail on the head, and I´m saying it as a person on the other side of barricade - the immigrant.

I´ve always found it obvious that when you decide to live in a foreign country, it is you who should adjust yourself to that country rules,not the other way around. Immigrants, especially those from other cultures,  tend to forget that they chose to live there, they weren´t forced to, so they should have known what to expect. Plus, governments of European countries do a lot to make the adjustment process easier and do not limit immigrants in carrying out the practices that do not stand in opposition to the law.

one more time, thank you, Cloggie

Daydreamer, we have a Polish village in Istanbul. The village is populated bt those  who escaped from a war and sought asylum in the Ottoman Empire. The sultan granted them a village which happens to be located in one of the enviable parts of modern day Istanbul. These people did not change a bit since the first day.

They observe the basic duties of citizenship in Turkey and continue to live on the way they learned from their ancestors. They are obviously Christian and therefore strangers in this newfoundland. We Turks are happy to eat at the restaurants and learn about the Polish customs they have preserved over centuries. Asking those people to become Turkish would mean oppressing them. I personally don´t want any non-Turkish person within this society to become a Turk eventually. There are Russians, Japanese, British and American people living their lives the way they want to. African Turks who have gained citizenship have not become Turkish at all. They are still African complete with their traditions and music and they are way nicer this way. What you are singing praises for is a misconception common among the citizens of richer countries. It is what the black population in America remembers with awe and hatred. Everybody wants to hold on to their cultures and everybody has a right to do so.

As for some Arabic or Turkish types chasing their women in the streets calling them "whores". Well, I am sure there is a law paragraph covering this in this country and that person really belongs in a prison rather than the streets. Aren´t there any Dutchmen out there molesting women and therefore deserving punishment. How come do you expect these people to be as educated as you are when they obviously lack any sort of education. The ethnic paranthesis there is just serves the purpose of putting the blame on cultures. These people would indeed be problems in their own countries too.

 I happen to think the only thing that Trudy finds strange....is you.

strange

adjective

  (Especially the second word of number two is correct about my thoughts, Teas....   )

 Where are your specific examples?  Your statement that you "have a lot of communication" is certainly not specific. 

All I did was turn your words right around on you but you are too blind to get that. 

And really alameda, you should know that there wouldn´t necessarily be specific examples of an impression!!! 

 Who cares if it´s the same people?  You continue with your way of insulting and they continue with theirs...you really should get thicker skin.

And if you reread my post (really how could I resist??!?!?!?) you will see that I stated very clearly that I do not see a difference in using a curse word or not using them.....it´s all a matter of how you spin it.  You choose to cut low in your way and others choose another....it cuts just the same if you have thin skin.

 Ladies and gentlemen may I present exhibit A -  

Get over yourself.   I do read the actual words.  I know you like to think that anyone who dares disagree with you is uneducated and unintelligent alameda but I can ASSURE you....I am neither.

 Perhaps, since you think "certain people" misinterpret your words,  you could take the advice you have sooooooo graciously given others and take more care in what you write.