East or west, be you the Best!

Ladies and gentlemen welcome! And thank you for attending this
great public speaking event.

It is really a lovely day to see new faces, meet new people and
compete with fellow students representing different schools.

Let me begin this modest presentation by asking you this simple

question: Have you ever noticed that once you ask foreigners about
Morocco, they usually talk about the hospitable people, their
kindness and their simplicity of living? But, as Moroccans, how do we
see our own country? Is it only about hospitality, kindness and
simplicity? Or does it transcend the beautiful and sunny shining
aspects which every foreigner happens to behold? Unfortunately, let
me just tell you all, ladies and gentlemen: it is NOT it does!

Indeed, many Moroccans, so do I, do not just see the unique things

that we only we enjoy have. And neither do I. We usually criticize our
country and the lifestyle we lead. In fact, nothing is coming up to our
expectations; neither education nor politics; nor lifestyle. Nothing is
literally satisfying satisfactory.

Look! It is known that when you ask someone about a country or a

culture, they usually give answers based on the account of a person
they have met, or something generally everyone talks about; or,
even, something that they often come across while surfing Facebook
or navigating the Internet. So, we can clearly see that the behavior
of every single citizen can enlighten or darken ones the others view
of the culture and community they pertain to.

Actually, each society has its own beliefs, attitudes, behaviors and
social habits. These things give people a sense of who they are and
how they are supposed to behave. Yet, people become conscious of
such aspects and norms until they meet people hailing from different
cultures.

Since I love my dear country, I will give you a simple tip: Before
traveling, imagine Morocco as a precious and giant diamond that you
need to protect by your good actions and positive attitudes, and
imagine again that once you misbehave its all scratched until it
loses all its brightness. So, take a minute and think about your own
culture and how your attitudes and actions can actually influence
others minds or can, even worse, reinforce negative stereotypes
about you, your culture and your country.

Many members of a society often take their culture for granted

because it has become so much a part of them that they are often
unaware of its potential flaws and gaps. Culture shapes the
foundations of development and determines how people act in the
world. And that might be the role of any Diaspora; while trying to
adapt to the others surrounding and culture, one should think of
ways to promote their common cultural links. We are already human
beings. So what ties us is inherently greater than what separates us.
Our engaged behavior is what can ultimately melt the ice that
impedes brotherhood, global citizenship, and every endeavor
towards a common cultural understanding.

Dear audience! Ladies and gentlemen! Let me tell you that our
country, Morocco, has one of the worlds largest diaspora
communities; the number of Moroccans in Europe accounted for was
about 1.4 million as of 2005. What a big number! Now, imagine how
all these Moroccans conduct themselves and what impression they
give of us when they are out of their comfort zone, Morocco.

Im personally proud of being morocco Moroccan, and of having

been the ambassador of Morocco during the time I spent in France.
Yet, to be honest with you, I didnt really like appreciate how the
French treat you a person when they get to know youre he or she is
not French. Moroccans, on the other hand, are so friendly and helpful
that people get along with them very easily you feel yourself one of
them from the very first talk. Still, you can happen to bear or even
avoid that mistreatment with a big smile on your face while
wandering the streets of the gorgeous Paris. Ironically, Paris with all
its Gothic architectures and Occidental traits, there also you will
always see a somewhat Moroccan trait; a Moroccan restaurant, a
Moroccan cultural center, or even a French supermarket selling
Moroccan couscous. Yes, east or west, home is best, but remember
if you want to enjoy your stay in the West, be Moroccan, first, and
then do as the Romans do!

OUFKIR Soukaina