Articles By Samar Karam:
Creating Your Sanctuary
October 12, 2023
Individuals living and working in a country different from their own, with high rotation often face various challenges and changes in their new environment. Creating a sense of familiarity and comfort is important to adapt as moving to a new country can be overwhelming, both culturally and socially. By creating a sense of familiarity, expats can facilitate their adaptation process, feel more at ease, and adjust more quickly to their new surroundings.
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From Resentment To Pride
October 2, 2023
As a third culture kid, Lena grew up in so many places, she has experienced a tumultuous journey when it comes to reconciling with her Asian cultural origin and her upbringing in 9 different places. There was a time when she grappled with feelings of resentment and embarrassment toward her heritage, but through self-reflection, she discovered that it was merely a phase of growth. It is not uncommon for third-culture kids like her to struggle with finding their place in the complex web of cultural identities. While she was fortunate enough to have been exposed to both her Asian heritage and other cultures, she found herself longing to fit in with her American peers. This desire to assimilate led to moments of embarrassment and sometimes even a sense of shame towards her Asian background.
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Unique Tolerance: Halloween in Arab Countries
October 30, 2023
Each culture has its own traditions and celebrations that represent its beliefs, values, and religious practices. Halloween, stemming from Celtic traditions, is a widely popular event celebrated across the globe. While it may seem taboo in Arab religious culture, the diverse and culturally rich Arab countries have embraced Halloween, highlighting their increasing tolerance and openness to different cultural practices.
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Everything I Never Told You
November 27, 2023
In the novel "Everything I Never Told You" by Celeste Ng, the Chinese American family faces numerous struggles that stem from their complex identity and the pressures they face in American society during the 1970s. The narrative sheds light on themes such as racism, cultural assimilation, gender roles, and the burden of expectations. One of the primary struggles of the Chinese-American family in the novel revolves around racism and cultural discrimination. The characters face constant prejudice and scrutiny due to their ethnic background. This discrimination is evident in the experience of Marilyn Lee, the mother of the family, who faces discrimination while pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. She is often undermined and overlooked by her white classmates and professors, leading to feelings of isolation and self-doubt.
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Unveiling The Phobia of Dogs Among Indians in the UAE
September 11, 2023
Fear of dogs is a widespread phobia globally. Despite being seen as loyal companions, many Indians in the UAE exhibit fear and anxiety around dogs. New expatriates should be aware of this and accommodate their Indian colleagues' or friends' fears by keeping their furry four-legged friends away from them, for the following reaso…
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