As I was checking my inbox this morning, I found a comment on a November post I had published under the title “A tale rarely told: The purest Aryans”. The entry handles the racism that some Circassians have, and tries to shed some light on the reasons behind it. Many people did not like that entry, and in that choice of taste they are free, and one of them was the person who sent me this morning’s comment. The comment is published but for some odd reason it does not show up on the permanent page of the entry, it only makes itself available once one clicks on the “Post a comment” icon.

For that reason, and because this comment was such a nice read, I am posting it here.

Yet another Circassian said…

First of all, i understand the appeal of my circassian culture. I also understand what it’s like to stand out as different in a crowd. I’m not going to be humble, circassians do have distinctively attractive features, and besides that we have a well-defined cultural identity to go with it.

I have seen a lot of people coming from homes where one parent is circassian and the other parent not; it often aint pretty. Some of these people I consider brothers and sisters to me, it pains me to to see such confusion. But I’ve also witnessed success stories that were able to avoid this: Upbrininging! Your child is either this or that (and be realistic).

As a minority/majority, an ethnic group or religious group -whatever- we are entitled to preserving what ever culture we have left. it is our natural right! I’ve seen racism among jordanians and palestinians and couldn’t believe it myself. So take it easy, this happens to the best of families.

Have the courage to accept who you are, live, and let live. Has it crossed your mind that this feeling of others being racist is just a reflection of your own thoughts? I think not. It’s much easier to blame others - it’s even easier when you are partially one of them.

Jordan is as much my country as any other Jordanian, but it is disappointing to still see people like you (especially with your clamed adiga lieange) accuse us of being racist.

This ‘racism’ has been kind to us and we will not change, so everyone better deal with it. If I were you I wouldnt worry about being a victim. You certainly can phrase your opinions well. But how about weighing your words first.

That was wholesome, no? Following is my reply:

” Welcome to Tololy’s Box, Yet another Circassian. Your comment was a joy to read, somewhat challenging and edgy, precisely what I was looking for.

Circassians, and all other nations, have distinctive features. The only distinctive feature that would separate some people from others and make them feel on a higher pedestal would be to have all children born with something extra, like an arm or a leg, if you wish.

Reading the second passage of your comment made me think you very wise; indeed there are always failures and success stories in any family, be it multicultural or not. I do beg to differ with you, however, on the point stating that parents should rear their children as being only one side of the coin. That is a waste of culture, let alone identity (for the children). I do not expect you to be nodding your head in my agreement.

As I positively have read my post, I do not see any point where I said Circassians have no right or business preserving their culture. I often stress that this culture is beautiful and that I personally would hate to see it lost (you may wish to go over my post again). And, indeed, there are still major hints of racism in the whole world, but does that justify the act? I think not.

I especially enjoyed reading “Have the courage to accept who you are, live, and let live”. I am not sure why you said that but I thank you for the free advice. I think it is valid for most people, even those who are so convinced they are better than everyone else, wouldn’t you say?

Has it crossed my mind that this feeling of others being racist is just a reflection of my own thoughts? It has. But then the words were no games, and they were no riddles either. The actions and pointing and the bullying were not false, and they mentioned me by name. Oh, and I even have witnesses should you care to carry this further. Now, there remains little doubt in my mind that these actions were targeting me, your mind may think what it pleases. Perhaps you would care to question many other people who had to put up with such folly from some Circassians, and that I tell you should be good exercise. Trust that this debate pleases me very little, it is a direct stab at a heritage I most adore, and at a people I am related to, with or without your consent. And the most trying bit about it is that, while I was trying to be objective and to pose a real problem, some actually believe I am attacking my own blood. That is, needless to say, a scandalous assumption and I do not accept it.

Positively, Jordan is the home of the Circassians who live here. They are a devoted and a loyal people to their second home, and this a quality one admires. I cannot tell how you deduced that I accuse all Adigas of being racist, again I am obliged to advise you to read my post thoroughly and to spare your fingers the extra baseless words.

Funny how your last passage struck me as absolutely contrastive with everything you, so eloquently, said in the previous ones. Would you mind explaining this:
” This ‘racism’ has been kind to us and we will not change, so everyone better deal with it”?.

Talk about weighing words first.”

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This entry was posted on Saturday, March 18th, 2006 at 9:48 am and is filed under Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.