Moroccan-Americans: Thomas Jefferson Vs. Mohamed V
- NEWS
- 09/18/12
Lahcen Belfkih
Washington / Morocco News Board--- There is a peculiar thing about Moroccans in the US. They come here, learn the language fast, adapt to a new way of life, much faster than other third world ethnicities. Yet, it looks like the Moroccan have been "inoculated" by years of brain washing by the makhzen (Government) and its propaganda machine.
There is a sort of mass indoctrination that still finds its way into the subconscious of the moroccan community, even when the individuals have physically been separated from their birth place.
This phenomena holds Moroccan Americans from fulfilling their full potential. This kind of thinking and this abnormal attachment to Morocco is rather unhealthy.
What if one was just born in the wrong place? There something amiss about people who are so nostalgic of feudalism, poverty, lack of education, lack of healthcare, lack of freedom, ...?
There is a reason why Moroccans are not quite as successful in this country as they should be. Think of anyone you know, and chances are they are content that they can speak English, have lodging and can drive a car. That's it! their dream has come true, they reached some sort of self sufficiency. Look at the kids; how many are doctors, lawyers or went to major universities?
Their horizon is limited. Do you realize why? because their aspirations are no high enough.
America has been and still is a land of immigration for ALL its values , It is not just an economic cow, that one keeps milking. You earn money, you send it to morocco, you get some vacation you go to morocco. The election is upon us- who cares about what's happening in the US- you just vote for whomever candidate you think would be friendly to some ruler back home.
The Moroccan community has missed the picture largely because of its modest education level, and worst than that, because it has failed to broaden its sense of belonging to this country, that has provided it with its most important needs: freedom and justice.
A hundred years from now, i doubt we will see a US congressman of Moroccan descent, but a hundred years from now those same Moroccan-Americans will still gather at the airport to greet a future king when he comes to enjoy himself in New York or Vegas.
In the ever changing world, the Moroccan community should feel blessed they landed here rather than in Lampedusa, Italy. If the community keeps being emotional and pathologically attached to the big plantation over there, it will sure have missed the message of the founding fathers.
The Moroccan American community needs to get its act together and start enjoying being American, and keep America first, because this is where its children have a future. It needs to lean to be more patriotic.
As for morocco, rest assured, it wont change!!
"Born in other countries, yet believing you could be happy in this, our laws acknowledge, as they should do, your right to join us in society, conforming, as I doubt not you will do, to our established rules. That these rules shall be as equal as prudential considerations will admit, will certainly be the aim of our legislatures, general and particular"
Thomas Jefferson, letter to Hugh White, May 2, 1801
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Comments (32)
0
#1
RE: Moroccan-Americ ans: Thomas Jefferson Or Mohamed V —
2012-09-18 08:05
The writer talks as if he reached the pinnacle of his life in the US and that he has something to offer other than a poor substance.
He criticized Moroccans in the US for not reaching what they are capable of, instead, he said they miss "feudalism, poverty, lack of education, lack of healthcare, lack of freedom". I don't know where the writes hangs out, the Moroccans I know are not what he describes them to be.
If the author simply looks to the right of MB front page, he'll see that many of the faces are successful Moroccans.
Let me tell you something, the piece of paper that you received at the citizenship ceremony will not change the way you look in the eyes of our American host and you will still have the thick accent.
If all you have to say is to place all Moroccan Americans in the same basket, that speaks volume about where you hang out "brother".
He criticized Moroccans in the US for not reaching what they are capable of, instead, he said they miss "feudalism, poverty, lack of education, lack of healthcare, lack of freedom". I don't know where the writes hangs out, the Moroccans I know are not what he describes them to be.
If the author simply looks to the right of MB front page, he'll see that many of the faces are successful Moroccans.
Let me tell you something, the piece of paper that you received at the citizenship ceremony will not change the way you look in the eyes of our American host and you will still have the thick accent.
If all you have to say is to place all Moroccan Americans in the same basket, that speaks volume about where you hang out "brother".
+1
#2
I wish I could agree —
2012-09-18 08:34
I am more involved in the Country (USA) that I consider my land than You may think, and part of being involved is this conviction that we all acquire by living here. We learn stand up for your rights and fight for it and try to change the wrong. We learn to be active rather than passive and let the others dictate the rules. In regard to Morocco, we can all give up. It's the easiest thing to do. How about our legacy as people who were born in that country and left, leaving the same small minority having the monopoly on every aspect in its life and running the show the way they want? How about people who are living there and didn't have the same opportunity as we did? fighting for others is part of success, which can't be measured only by looking after our small garden.Overall, I do respect your choice, and this is my choice. I consider part of being an American patriotic who cares for others whenever and wherever they need help,especially in a place where our roots are.
+3
#3
RE: Moroccan-Americ ans: Thomas Jefferson Vs. Mohamed V —
2012-09-18 10:06
IF YOU KNOW A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE HISTORY OF IMMIGRATION IN AMERICA AS YOU PRETEND YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT THE FIRST GENERATION ALWAYS PREPARE THE SECOND ONE TO A BETTER ONE. BY THE WAY THE MAJORITY OF MOROCCAN I KNOW DO DO NOT LOOK AT AMERICA AS A MILKING COW AND THEY DO TALK EXTENSIVLY ABOUT THE ELECTION. MAY BE YOU GOT A DEGREE, BUT DON'T BELITTLE PEOPLE. AS THE SCRITURE SAY: THE PRIDE COMETH BEFORE THE FALL.
-1
#4
Cous cous is the problem —
2012-09-18 10:32
I blame the Moroccan way of upbringing the children, always limiting the child imagination . Since you were born , more or less your place in society is marked and limited . If you dare to jump these imaginary limits , you get branded an idiot who is trying to mess his life and for sure to miss a happy married life with a job ( in a far away somewhere school teacher at best ). for this reason a Moroccan will ever give up a job for a brighter future
+1
#5
RE: Moroccan-Americ ans: Thomas Jefferson Vs. Mohamed V —
2012-09-18 12:42
No one can tell me that anyone can forget Morocco no matter where they are now. Those of us who lived there during what I called the golden era are and will always be reminiscing how good life was. You can't just go ahead and forget your roots, you mother, father, sister, brother, friends. Emotions we grow up are not buttons that you push on and off as needed.
Nefarious system of governance will never make me forget who I am and where I came from.
Everyone hates the way thing are run in Morocco but i find extremely hard to find someone who does not breath Morocco.
A simple Moroccan song brings me back to the serenity I have lived back then. Now all you read is bad news. Today we read in the news that the punk who claimed he wants to blow up the Capitol got 30 years in prison. He will be an old man when he sees freedom. Can you imagine the harm that he did to himself and his family?
watch this and tell me if you still want to forget Morocco:
www.youtube.com/.../
Nefarious system of governance will never make me forget who I am and where I came from.
Everyone hates the way thing are run in Morocco but i find extremely hard to find someone who does not breath Morocco.
A simple Moroccan song brings me back to the serenity I have lived back then. Now all you read is bad news. Today we read in the news that the punk who claimed he wants to blow up the Capitol got 30 years in prison. He will be an old man when he sees freedom. Can you imagine the harm that he did to himself and his family?
watch this and tell me if you still want to forget Morocco:
www.youtube.com/.../
+2
#6
RE: Moroccan-Americ ans: Thomas Jefferson Vs. Mohamed V —
2012-09-18 15:06
Wa si Lahsen,I don't know what you're talking about or who you're "palling" around with,but you got your facts completely wrong. I came to this side of the Atlantic, about twenty years ago, along with a group of exchange students, all from Morocco. Every single one of them are now either Engineers, Financial analysts, or successful business owners, I got to also make the acquaintance of many Moroccans that work two or three jobs, raise their kids,support their families and start businesses back home, talk about "MAKHZEN mentality" . I ,myself, am an Imaging Engineer working in the medical field and my kids,hamdoullah , are top of theire class, so are a lot of my Moroccan friend kids. Maybe some of the people you hang around with are that way, or you are just projecting some of your own shortcomings onto the rest of us. The points you make in the article are your opinions and not facts "you're entitled to your opinions but not you're own facts" and that does not give you the right to disparage the majority of us who took CHANCES AND RISKS to achieve what we 've achieved so far, and by the way, god willing, more is coming.
+2
#7
Wake Up Little Suzie! —
2012-09-18 15:16
Little Bo Peep
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep,
and doesn't know where to find them.
Leave them alone,
and they will come home,
Wagging their tails behind them.
Hello everybody I just came from the windy weather outside, and I just bought a phone-card called Hanine. It gives me a hell of One hour and half of precious Moroccan Darija talk to home sweet home, Morocco. What a great deal for Takerkib nab at times when a plane ticket costs almost $2000.
However besides the poetry and all I must admit that there is in no place like home, especially when the wind is howling " go home son,go home son, wwwwwwhhhhhhsssssssss"
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep,
and doesn't know where to find them.
Leave them alone,
and they will come home,
Wagging their tails behind them.
Hello everybody I just came from the windy weather outside, and I just bought a phone-card called Hanine. It gives me a hell of One hour and half of precious Moroccan Darija talk to home sweet home, Morocco. What a great deal for Takerkib nab at times when a plane ticket costs almost $2000.
However besides the poetry and all I must admit that there is in no place like home, especially when the wind is howling " go home son,go home son, wwwwwwhhhhhhsssssssss"
+2
#8
steriotypes and unfounded statements —
2012-09-18 15:31
I don't think you can classify the Moroccan-Americ an community in 1 group, it is to simplistic!
There are many Moroccans-Ameri cans who are successful entrepreneurs, brilliant scientists, Doctors etc... or honest hard working people. but you can also find many people that fit the author's criteria.
To suggest the opposite, the authors needs to document his statements with tangible proofs, that what makes the difference between an rigorous article and pure street talk.
I wouldn't approved this type of writing! Not that I am not a free-speech advocate, or a blind patriotic, but mostly because I don't like to see a piece of work that is based solely on stereotypes and unfounded statements, etc...
There are many Moroccans-Ameri cans who are successful entrepreneurs, brilliant scientists, Doctors etc... or honest hard working people. but you can also find many people that fit the author's criteria.
To suggest the opposite, the authors needs to document his statements with tangible proofs, that what makes the difference between an rigorous article and pure street talk.
I wouldn't approved this type of writing! Not that I am not a free-speech advocate, or a blind patriotic, but mostly because I don't like to see a piece of work that is based solely on stereotypes and unfounded statements, etc...
+1
#9
Balance —
2012-09-18 17:16
Just like many of you, I have members of my family that are practicing Muslims and some that are not, I am one of the ones who do not.
And just like many of you, I get asked constantly “when” I will say the prayer and become a Muslim.
I give the obligatory answer “inshallah”, probably just like many of you.
I was raised to respect all religions and I was raised to see no color so I feel tremendously blessed in that regard.
I both love & respect all of my fellow Moroccans (regardless of religious or absence of religious participation) and the rest of the extended family all throughout the Arab world.
Having said all of that, the person or persons that made this film (sans the actors) are despicable, senseless, and depraved.
They definitely should not have lied to the actors and re-dubbed their voices to turn it into the offensive work that it degenerated into.
Freedom of speech is important and is something that is held in high regard in the states, but unfortunately ignorant practices of freedom of speech comes at a cost and is……. not…… free.
Some of the people in Libya that attacked the embassy and elsewhere never even saw the film; it was good ole fashion mob mentality in full effect.
Yes, I live in the states, and I live by the codes & ethics a Western world dictates, but my blood is rooted in a land thousands of miles away, and my loyalty is split between the two.
I think life should be about balance……………..
And just like many of you, I get asked constantly “when” I will say the prayer and become a Muslim.
I give the obligatory answer “inshallah”, probably just like many of you.
I was raised to respect all religions and I was raised to see no color so I feel tremendously blessed in that regard.
I both love & respect all of my fellow Moroccans (regardless of religious or absence of religious participation) and the rest of the extended family all throughout the Arab world.
Having said all of that, the person or persons that made this film (sans the actors) are despicable, senseless, and depraved.
They definitely should not have lied to the actors and re-dubbed their voices to turn it into the offensive work that it degenerated into.
Freedom of speech is important and is something that is held in high regard in the states, but unfortunately ignorant practices of freedom of speech comes at a cost and is……. not…… free.
Some of the people in Libya that attacked the embassy and elsewhere never even saw the film; it was good ole fashion mob mentality in full effect.
Yes, I live in the states, and I live by the codes & ethics a Western world dictates, but my blood is rooted in a land thousands of miles away, and my loyalty is split between the two.
I think life should be about balance……………..
0
#10
RE: Moroccan-Americ ans: Thomas Jefferson Vs. Mohamed V —
2012-09-18 19:48
Quoting Said Abouelfaioud:
The Moroccans I know are des cadres and engineers making 6 figures at Cisco, Boeing, Facebook, Applied Materials, Genentech, VMware, Lockeed Martin making missles and the list goes on and on.
This Lahcen seems to me that he is hanging out with the wrong crowd.
Many of them were in school and worked odd jobs but with hard work and good upbringing, they reached their goal. God bless them, if the system of governance back home was fair, many of they would go back in a heartbeat to serve their country.
Wa si Lahsen,I don't know what you're talking about or who you're "palling" around with,but you got your facts completely wrong. I came to this side of the Atlantic, about twenty years ago, along with a group of exchange students, all from Morocco. Every single one of them are now either Engineers, Financial analysts, or successful business owners, I got to also make the acquaintance of many Moroccans that work two or three jobs, raise their kids,support their families and start businesses back home, talk about "MAKHZEN mentality" . I ,myself, am an Imaging Engineer working in the medical field and my kids,hamdoullah, are top of theire class, so are a lot of my Moroccan friend kids. Maybe some of the people you hang around with are that way, or you are just projecting some of your own shortcomings onto the rest of us. The points you make in the article are your opinions and not facts "you're entitled to your opinions but not you're own facts" and that does not give you the right to disparage the majority of us who took CHANCES AND RISKS to achieve what we 've achieved so far, and by the way, god willing, more is coming.
The Moroccans I know are des cadres and engineers making 6 figures at Cisco, Boeing, Facebook, Applied Materials, Genentech, VMware, Lockeed Martin making missles and the list goes on and on.
This Lahcen seems to me that he is hanging out with the wrong crowd.
Many of them were in school and worked odd jobs but with hard work and good upbringing, they reached their goal. God bless them, if the system of governance back home was fair, many of they would go back in a heartbeat to serve their country.
+3
#11
RE: Moroccan-Americ ans: Thomas Jefferson Vs. Mohamed V —
2012-09-18 20:18
By far this the most ridiculous article I have read in years. It would take years
for me to find an article as ridiculous.
I did note the name of the author Lahcen
Belfkih so that I can look up his articles
in case I need to laugh.
Goodness Gracious.
for me to find an article as ridiculous.
I did note the name of the author Lahcen
Belfkih so that I can look up his articles
in case I need to laugh.
Goodness Gracious.
+1
#12
Thank you Morcelli —
2012-09-18 23:04
Dear Morcelli,
I can't think you enough for the video link that you posted with your comment.First, you gave a chance to stop the overwhelming work I was doing and listen a song of my best Moroccan group. Second, it brought me back to the best moments of my life where I used to know every word of this group's songs. Third and most, although sad it is, it reminded me the radio mission that used to be broadcasted late night in Morocco during the 90s " Vol de nuit" with Mr. Adib Machrafi; and one night Adib suddenly stopped and turned the channel to the Hospital Abdellah of Oncology in Rabat, where our maestro Batma was breathing his finals. We heard last words of Batma, and Adib could continue his show. The last words of Adib were merci bonne nuit with tears, followed by one of the best songs of Nass El Ghiouane. May his soul rest in peace. Thank you again.
I can't think you enough for the video link that you posted with your comment.First, you gave a chance to stop the overwhelming work I was doing and listen a song of my best Moroccan group. Second, it brought me back to the best moments of my life where I used to know every word of this group's songs. Third and most, although sad it is, it reminded me the radio mission that used to be broadcasted late night in Morocco during the 90s " Vol de nuit" with Mr. Adib Machrafi; and one night Adib suddenly stopped and turned the channel to the Hospital Abdellah of Oncology in Rabat, where our maestro Batma was breathing his finals. We heard last words of Batma, and Adib could continue his show. The last words of Adib were merci bonne nuit with tears, followed by one of the best songs of Nass El Ghiouane. May his soul rest in peace. Thank you again.
+1
#13
RE: Moroccan-Americ ans: Thomas Jefferson Vs. Mohamed V —
2012-09-19 05:17
The Moroccans are proud of their proverbs and the one i like most and prove the writer right is : WE HAVE NOT AND WANT NOW . Enought said . regards from Tetouan
-4
#14
RE: Moroccan-Americ ans: Thomas Jefferson Vs. Mohamed V —
2012-09-19 10:04
The comments below give quite a credibility to the author. Very nostalgic, past focused and ironically devoid of any loyalty to the US.
Morcelli, I doubt the moroccans you know at genentech, lockhead are making not even a spoon the same way that guy at JPL has nothing to do with the mars rover except he happens to work there. The author addresses a much deeper dichotomy in this particular community. One is the ls the lack of loyalty to the US which makes it merely a bunch of legal immigrants and the other is this self limiting and limited horizon that defines success as the point you get to have a salary at boeing... Etc. this is no doubt a factor why so many moroccans sadly get involved with destructive behavoir if you know what i mean.
And Morcelli, like all moroccans you like nass lghiwan right? Because they sang injustice and lack of freedom right? Well let me break the news to you: those guys are quite corrupt themeselves, they started receiving a monthly $3000, yes $3000 dollars per head directly from the palace, and to say thank you , they did the song "nahla shama".
The author is right believe me :)
Thomas Jefferson was quoted as saying"Ignoranc e is preferable to error, and he is less remote from the truth who believes nothing than he who believes what is wrong.
Morcelli, I doubt the moroccans you know at genentech, lockhead are making not even a spoon the same way that guy at JPL has nothing to do with the mars rover except he happens to work there. The author addresses a much deeper dichotomy in this particular community. One is the ls the lack of loyalty to the US which makes it merely a bunch of legal immigrants and the other is this self limiting and limited horizon that defines success as the point you get to have a salary at boeing... Etc. this is no doubt a factor why so many moroccans sadly get involved with destructive behavoir if you know what i mean.
And Morcelli, like all moroccans you like nass lghiwan right? Because they sang injustice and lack of freedom right? Well let me break the news to you: those guys are quite corrupt themeselves, they started receiving a monthly $3000, yes $3000 dollars per head directly from the palace, and to say thank you , they did the song "nahla shama".
The author is right believe me :)
Thomas Jefferson was quoted as saying"Ignoranc e is preferable to error, and he is less remote from the truth who believes nothing than he who believes what is wrong.
+6
#15
RE: Moroccan-Americ ans: Thomas Jefferson Vs. Mohamed V —
2012-09-19 14:59
IronMaiden,
No matter how you "smart_ass" my comment, Moroccans, chinese, filipinos and every race in this planet will always long for their roots. Does it mean that they are not committed enough to the US? Yes perhaps they are not, is the US committed enough to them? NO.
If you are a non US born citizen and you commit a felony you get your ass deported.
Any time you open your mouth and your accent is revealed, you will be automatically tagged an immigrant not a US citizen and if you happen to be a Muslim, you are in big trouble my friend.
This is reality not philosophy.
Don't get me wrong, the US for many of us a dream come true for abvious reasons, will we dump Morocco because are documented citizen, Naaaah.
One is sure, you will never be considered full fledged American for as long as you look and and sound Moroccan.
No matter how you "smart_ass" my comment, Moroccans, chinese, filipinos and every race in this planet will always long for their roots. Does it mean that they are not committed enough to the US? Yes perhaps they are not, is the US committed enough to them? NO.
If you are a non US born citizen and you commit a felony you get your ass deported.
Any time you open your mouth and your accent is revealed, you will be automatically tagged an immigrant not a US citizen and if you happen to be a Muslim, you are in big trouble my friend.
This is reality not philosophy.
Don't get me wrong, the US for many of us a dream come true for abvious reasons, will we dump Morocco because are documented citizen, Naaaah.
One is sure, you will never be considered full fledged American for as long as you look and and sound Moroccan.
+4
#16
what theeeee? —
2012-09-19 16:45
My man Lahcen:
What are you talking about? You make lots of claims but what do you support them with? Stereotype?? Do you have any statistics? Any studies on the matter?
I encourage you to write and to express yourself but just do it right; no emotional ranting!
What are you talking about? You make lots of claims but what do you support them with? Stereotype?? Do you have any statistics? Any studies on the matter?
I encourage you to write and to express yourself but just do it right; no emotional ranting!
0
#17
RE: Moroccan-Americ ans: Thomas Jefferson Vs. Mohamed V —
2012-09-19 20:20
There is nothing worse than a self hating identity-less Moroccan or any other nationality for that matter. They equate your attachment to your country of origin to lack of loyalty to the US. If that was the case, the US will never shower them with the US citizenship that most immigrants so cherish and work very hard to get.
When the US decided decades ago to issue a US citizenship to people who fulfill certain criteria, they have not made it a must to forget your roots before you are awarded a US citizenship, as a matter of fact they see those people they awarded the US nationality as the connection between the US and other countries.
The majority of Moroccans living in the US or anywhere else love Morocco and appreciate and value their host country , not because of the king or for the couscous, they love it because it defines who they are.
Of course they are those who Morocco was not kind to them (.i.e author, iron maiden) and try grab another identity but that would not work. You don't get an identity after you live in a certain country for few years or because you hold piece of paper saying that you are US citizen and on the same paper it says that you are born in Morocco.
Let me give you a very simple example:
When a French family moves to Morocco and they have a child born in Morocco, will that child feel Moroccan or French.
Here is another one for you: Bouteflika is born in Oujda a Moroccan city, does he feel Moroccan or Algerian?
You are defined by your parents, your relatives, and your surrounding not by staying 3-5 years in the US and call yourself a US citizen.
Doe is it mean that if you are attached to your country of origin, you will not be loyal to the US? I don't know, I think it depends on your environment. If you spend your time day in and day out in some mosque being brainwashed by some Imam telling you that America and Israel are the devil, I think that it would be hard to be loyal to the US but if you are going about your business doing what everyone like you does, I am sure that you will love the US just as much.
Ladies and gentlemen let’s all feel sorry for the self haters.
When the US decided decades ago to issue a US citizenship to people who fulfill certain criteria, they have not made it a must to forget your roots before you are awarded a US citizenship, as a matter of fact they see those people they awarded the US nationality as the connection between the US and other countries.
The majority of Moroccans living in the US or anywhere else love Morocco and appreciate and value their host country , not because of the king or for the couscous, they love it because it defines who they are.
Of course they are those who Morocco was not kind to them (.i.e author, iron maiden) and try grab another identity but that would not work. You don't get an identity after you live in a certain country for few years or because you hold piece of paper saying that you are US citizen and on the same paper it says that you are born in Morocco.
Let me give you a very simple example:
When a French family moves to Morocco and they have a child born in Morocco, will that child feel Moroccan or French.
Here is another one for you: Bouteflika is born in Oujda a Moroccan city, does he feel Moroccan or Algerian?
You are defined by your parents, your relatives, and your surrounding not by staying 3-5 years in the US and call yourself a US citizen.
Doe is it mean that if you are attached to your country of origin, you will not be loyal to the US? I don't know, I think it depends on your environment. If you spend your time day in and day out in some mosque being brainwashed by some Imam telling you that America and Israel are the devil, I think that it would be hard to be loyal to the US but if you are going about your business doing what everyone like you does, I am sure that you will love the US just as much.
Ladies and gentlemen let’s all feel sorry for the self haters.
+1
#18
RE: Moroccan-Americ ans: Thomas Jefferson Vs. Mohamed V —
2012-09-19 20:46
@ Cousin Morceli – I was thinking about you recently – I had a little incident in Morocco and was wondering (like all Good Moroccans should): What would Morceli do? :-)))
Just came back from our beloved and STILL very dysfunctional country – to make the long story short, I broke my wrist while I was there -- and what an ordeal that was trying to get proper medical care – But that’s a story for another day… Giving that I only had one functional arm since the other one was casted off; I elected to check in my briefcase -- which contained my Moroccan ID card… Now, I still had my American Passport on me; the same document I used entering the country; I figured I should be able to leave the country with the same document I used entering it…. What a big mistake that was… The young Police/Customs Officer insisted on me presenting my Moroccan ID…. He also DID NOT appreciate the fact that I wrote down “American” as a nationality in that questionnaire we fill out… He put a backslash next to it and added “Moroccan”!!!!
Now, I was definitely NOT trying to shy away from my Moroccan origin, I was simply filling out the questionnaire based on the information written on the only personal ID I had on me. Somehow, this kind of irked him to the point that he made me wait until just about take off!!! But on the bright side, my Laptop, my iPad and other items of monetary value which I had checked in did arrive!!! Isn’t it sad that I am glad that none of my personal property was stolen??? Think about this!!!!
What is all this has to do with the subject at hand you might ask? – I say – Nothing!!!! The author stated his opinion – Opinions are just like rectums – Everybody’s got one!
Just came back from our beloved and STILL very dysfunctional country – to make the long story short, I broke my wrist while I was there -- and what an ordeal that was trying to get proper medical care – But that’s a story for another day… Giving that I only had one functional arm since the other one was casted off; I elected to check in my briefcase -- which contained my Moroccan ID card… Now, I still had my American Passport on me; the same document I used entering the country; I figured I should be able to leave the country with the same document I used entering it…. What a big mistake that was… The young Police/Customs Officer insisted on me presenting my Moroccan ID…. He also DID NOT appreciate the fact that I wrote down “American” as a nationality in that questionnaire we fill out… He put a backslash next to it and added “Moroccan”!!!!
Now, I was definitely NOT trying to shy away from my Moroccan origin, I was simply filling out the questionnaire based on the information written on the only personal ID I had on me. Somehow, this kind of irked him to the point that he made me wait until just about take off!!! But on the bright side, my Laptop, my iPad and other items of monetary value which I had checked in did arrive!!! Isn’t it sad that I am glad that none of my personal property was stolen??? Think about this!!!!
What is all this has to do with the subject at hand you might ask? – I say – Nothing!!!! The author stated his opinion – Opinions are just like rectums – Everybody’s got one!
-1
#19
RE: Moroccan-Americ ans: Thomas Jefferson Vs. Mohamed V —
2012-09-19 22:56
I think people should make sure they only share their best and well thought opinions with the others... it should show your -good- education but also reflect your respect for the MB readers...
I really hope this isn't your best work
I really hope this isn't your best work
0
#20
RE: Moroccan-Americ ans: Thomas Jefferson Vs. Mohamed V —
2012-09-19 22:57
Cousin Aziz El Alami.
Welcome back and sorry to hear about your wrist fracture.
The writer made some good points but then he stereotyped all Moroccan Americans as a bunch of cow milkers, that's dumb.
Welcome back and sorry to hear about your wrist fracture.
The writer made some good points but then he stereotyped all Moroccan Americans as a bunch of cow milkers, that's dumb.
+2
#21
RE: Moroccan-Americ ans: Thomas Jefferson Vs. Mohamed V —
2012-09-19 23:46
Alami the same thing happened to me there. But I did fight the guy,and it was in my way into morocco. When I refused their demand they took me in to the office and started to intimidated me. My question to them was "if you don't stamp my US passepor and refuse my entry I have the right for a phone call to the US embassy as it stipulate in my passport or let Me go back to the US" soon I said those words they start given me the lesson of nationalism and told me they don't need any problems with anybody.as of now I still don't have to show the carte national.the trick in the Moroccan law concerning their nationals with foreign passport,if they don't show their carte nationale,the law in morocco can't persecute them as moroccan but as foreign national and as foreign national you have the right by the International law to ask for help from the proper embassy take it from me I checked with my lawyer. Since then I went many times to morocco and they never ever ask me for that card.
0
#22
I am hoping Mr. Belfkih is not projecting his own self-realizatio n hung-ups. —
2012-09-20 04:24
Is this the Moroccan American version of Mitt Romney’s 47 percent gaffe? Except that Mr. Belfkih seems to believe that 100 percent of Moroccan Americans are moochers. I find the arguments to be so terribly flawed and easily refuted. It appears Mr. Belfkih has decided on what the standard for success should be and is outraged that his Moroccan American brethrens haven’t reached it yet. He chalks their failure up to their attachment to their cultural identity, which he describes as abnormal. I suspect Mr. Belfkih has purged his mind of that onerous Moroccan culture that he so strongly believes stymie the rest of us and is now the most successful human being on the face of the earth.
I know of many Moroccans who have tenuous ties to their country of birth; they legally changed their first and last names to Anglo-saxon or latin sounding ones, dyed their hair blond, shun other Moroccans, and not only speak with the most gnarly accent, they mispronounce basic words and pretend to be from some other country. Those are exceptions. Those of us who have been here for two or three decades, or more, have come to a realization many new comers refuse to acknowledge yet; we will always be foreigners. It is not because we haven’t achieved a certain social status; many of us have graduated from the best schools, held management positions in prestigious institutions, owned successful businesses, honorably served in government departments, and feel very much entitled to our American identity as much as any other American. Our loyalty to this country and embrace of its constitution and its principles are indubitable. America is our now and future, but America will never be the land where we were born and spent our formative years. Therefore, our place of birth is an indelible mark in our consciousness and it will remain so no matter how long we live here. With age and experience, we’ve gained perspective and feel perfectly comfortable as Moroccans and Americans. We’ve come to understand that being Moroccan has naught to do with the Moroccan government and everything to do with childhood memories of places, friends, family, and life changing events like the death of a parent or a grandparent, or the birth of a brother or a sister.
America views the newcomer as a potential source of talent and many of us Moroccans have been contributing to help our communities prosper. At the heart of our experience as Americans a boundless optimism and a can-do spirit. We’ve struggled through daunting obstacles never accepting handouts, nurtured an iron-willed commitment and a sense of a great endeavor that extends beyond ourselves. We’ve achieved a relative degree of success and prepared an adequate environment for our children to fulfill the dream. We’ve taught them that they who are born here can achieve whatever they set their mind to so long as they are passionate, work hard, and adhere to sound values. As many have said, the American dream is a relay race. We want our Moroccan American children to be the heirs of the fortitude and foresight of our generation much as “we are the heirs of the fortitude and foresight of generations past,” as President Barack Obama said.
Mr. Belfkih opines Moroccan Americans have low expectations; their dreams are not good enough. I don’t think it is anybody’s place to choose for others the dream he thinks they ought to follow. Such is the beauty of this country. If your dream is to be a congressman, a governor, or the President of the United States (if born here) so be it. If your dream is to be a singer, a comedian, a teacher, or anything your heart urges you to be, so be it.
It is funny that you quote Thomas Jefferson’s 1801 letter to Hugh White. He wasn’t referring to colored immigrants. Historical perspective is key here; Thomas Jefferson, an Anglo-Saxon slave-owner would have looked at you and I and thought: “I sure would like to own these slaves.” He sure gave the Declaration of Independence an inspirational lift when he added “the pursuit of happiness.” But it was the happiness of white Anglo-Saxon men he was thinking about. Ironically, the first Moroccan to land on American soil was a slave. It’s safe to say then that Moroccan Americans are far better off in almost every respect than when the first Moroccan landed here.
A. Taibi
I know of many Moroccans who have tenuous ties to their country of birth; they legally changed their first and last names to Anglo-saxon or latin sounding ones, dyed their hair blond, shun other Moroccans, and not only speak with the most gnarly accent, they mispronounce basic words and pretend to be from some other country. Those are exceptions. Those of us who have been here for two or three decades, or more, have come to a realization many new comers refuse to acknowledge yet; we will always be foreigners. It is not because we haven’t achieved a certain social status; many of us have graduated from the best schools, held management positions in prestigious institutions, owned successful businesses, honorably served in government departments, and feel very much entitled to our American identity as much as any other American. Our loyalty to this country and embrace of its constitution and its principles are indubitable. America is our now and future, but America will never be the land where we were born and spent our formative years. Therefore, our place of birth is an indelible mark in our consciousness and it will remain so no matter how long we live here. With age and experience, we’ve gained perspective and feel perfectly comfortable as Moroccans and Americans. We’ve come to understand that being Moroccan has naught to do with the Moroccan government and everything to do with childhood memories of places, friends, family, and life changing events like the death of a parent or a grandparent, or the birth of a brother or a sister.
America views the newcomer as a potential source of talent and many of us Moroccans have been contributing to help our communities prosper. At the heart of our experience as Americans a boundless optimism and a can-do spirit. We’ve struggled through daunting obstacles never accepting handouts, nurtured an iron-willed commitment and a sense of a great endeavor that extends beyond ourselves. We’ve achieved a relative degree of success and prepared an adequate environment for our children to fulfill the dream. We’ve taught them that they who are born here can achieve whatever they set their mind to so long as they are passionate, work hard, and adhere to sound values. As many have said, the American dream is a relay race. We want our Moroccan American children to be the heirs of the fortitude and foresight of our generation much as “we are the heirs of the fortitude and foresight of generations past,” as President Barack Obama said.
Mr. Belfkih opines Moroccan Americans have low expectations; their dreams are not good enough. I don’t think it is anybody’s place to choose for others the dream he thinks they ought to follow. Such is the beauty of this country. If your dream is to be a congressman, a governor, or the President of the United States (if born here) so be it. If your dream is to be a singer, a comedian, a teacher, or anything your heart urges you to be, so be it.
It is funny that you quote Thomas Jefferson’s 1801 letter to Hugh White. He wasn’t referring to colored immigrants. Historical perspective is key here; Thomas Jefferson, an Anglo-Saxon slave-owner would have looked at you and I and thought: “I sure would like to own these slaves.” He sure gave the Declaration of Independence an inspirational lift when he added “the pursuit of happiness.” But it was the happiness of white Anglo-Saxon men he was thinking about. Ironically, the first Moroccan to land on American soil was a slave. It’s safe to say then that Moroccan Americans are far better off in almost every respect than when the first Moroccan landed here.
A. Taibi
0
#23
Mr. —
2012-09-20 10:23
Lahcen, I am afraid I disagree with you on this issue. You can be a fully integrated US citizen and yet be patriotic about the place that gave you birth. Look at the Jewish community all over the world. They left Israel 10 to 14 centuries ago and most of them still play a big role in the wellbeing of state of Israel. I am fully integrated UK citizen and care deeply about issues in UK (politics, Education, Social and all the other issues as a responsible citizen will do but this will not stop me caring about the place I love a care deeply about. Morocco is my heart and will always be. It is my second home, I have friends, Family and also I have plenty of stories of my childhood. Why on earth do I need to forget about the beautiful memories I had?, songs ( Abdelwahab Dukali, Abdelhadi belkyat, alhayani… the berber songs when travelling the atlas mountains, the food, the smell and ….) why, tell me why do I need to loose of my identity to become a full responsible US/UK citizen?
Don’t you feel that you owe that country something to give it back?
As a responsible member of the civil society, I feel that we the lucky ones who escaped the repression should play a big role in reshaping the future of our beloved country.
Lahcen, I want you to sit down and rethink about who you are and stop worrying about those of us who deeply care about Morocco. I can assure you that we are doing well.
Don’t you feel that you owe that country something to give it back?
As a responsible member of the civil society, I feel that we the lucky ones who escaped the repression should play a big role in reshaping the future of our beloved country.
Lahcen, I want you to sit down and rethink about who you are and stop worrying about those of us who deeply care about Morocco. I can assure you that we are doing well.
+3
#24
RE: Moroccan-Americ ans: Thomas Jefferson Vs. Mohamed V —
2012-09-20 10:28
A Taibi,
You put it much more eloquently than I would ever have. I wish you could contribute more often to the discussion here.
Aziz, after what you've endured, I am sure that will still breath Morocco. And I thought as a Fasi, you will not have such a problem as the airport with such a last name.
What you did not get is the cop wanted tadwira :)
Once I was at airport and the cop behind the glass counter asked me to advance to the counter even though there was an African dude ahead of me. I felt so bad for the guy but who am I to lecture him on how to do his work when I just want to get home from an extremely long and tiring trip?
Remember the song " I left my heart in San Francisco" ? I however left my soul in Casablanca.
You put it much more eloquently than I would ever have. I wish you could contribute more often to the discussion here.
Aziz, after what you've endured, I am sure that will still breath Morocco. And I thought as a Fasi, you will not have such a problem as the airport with such a last name.
What you did not get is the cop wanted tadwira :)
Once I was at airport and the cop behind the glass counter asked me to advance to the counter even though there was an African dude ahead of me. I felt so bad for the guy but who am I to lecture him on how to do his work when I just want to get home from an extremely long and tiring trip?
Remember the song " I left my heart in San Francisco" ? I however left my soul in Casablanca.
+1
#25
Torn IN Between Not —
2012-09-20 14:53
Though it seems that the writer raised a thought-provoki ng issue in his piece revolving around the Moroccan-Americ an raw experience in the land of butter and honey and which he tackled with a nice unfair amount of misjudgment if not pure egocentricity, one still must appreciate the bold and honest air with which he treated the subject matter at hand. For expressing one’s bold view without a cloud of fear hanging around in the air is in itself a hell of an achievement that one learns with his first step on this great country called USA. However if our Lahcen or rather now their Lahcen thought he would just go ahead and hassen lina bla Zaama as though we don’t know what is valuable in the old country and what is valuable in the new one, I am sure he failed 100% on this account.
This is like asking those expatriates who preferred to live and die in Morocco to either eat and dress like us Moroccans or else they should not have stayed in. In Morocco I have always been free to do what I want including growing my hear long, listening to Hard Rock music and doing other stuff that doesn’t make you different than growing up somewhere else in the West. However do not forget that most of the great artists and creative people among whom there has been and is a great nice entity of American folks always loved Morocco and its people, and most of them saw Morocco as a source of inspiration from its beauty and is people in order to create more beauty. They are still getting inspired to this day, some foreigners even died and chose to be buried in that sweet land. It is true as Matisse said, once, that in order to draw a rose you have to forget totally about the fact that you know how to draw a rose. Which means that for any artist there is always a rose lingering in his head once he drew one before. Morocco in this regard is a rose my friend and there is no way that you can take it out of your head. It may seem to you that you can but in reality you are just mistaken. But isn’t this why America is great, for living others to be who they are instead of stifling the sense of their uniqueness. Bottom line no one seems to want to live in some sort of USSR; needless to say that the genius and beauty of America lies greatly in its diversity, and not the contrary. Peace for all and thank you for expressing your point of view free from fear Mr. Lahssen Belfkih. Peace! And when you stray sometimes from the path always remember the Moroccan proverb, “Jdid lou Jedaa, Wal Bali Lat faret Fih”(The new has its Newness and the old do not forsake
This is like asking those expatriates who preferred to live and die in Morocco to either eat and dress like us Moroccans or else they should not have stayed in. In Morocco I have always been free to do what I want including growing my hear long, listening to Hard Rock music and doing other stuff that doesn’t make you different than growing up somewhere else in the West. However do not forget that most of the great artists and creative people among whom there has been and is a great nice entity of American folks always loved Morocco and its people, and most of them saw Morocco as a source of inspiration from its beauty and is people in order to create more beauty. They are still getting inspired to this day, some foreigners even died and chose to be buried in that sweet land. It is true as Matisse said, once, that in order to draw a rose you have to forget totally about the fact that you know how to draw a rose. Which means that for any artist there is always a rose lingering in his head once he drew one before. Morocco in this regard is a rose my friend and there is no way that you can take it out of your head. It may seem to you that you can but in reality you are just mistaken. But isn’t this why America is great, for living others to be who they are instead of stifling the sense of their uniqueness. Bottom line no one seems to want to live in some sort of USSR; needless to say that the genius and beauty of America lies greatly in its diversity, and not the contrary. Peace for all and thank you for expressing your point of view free from fear Mr. Lahssen Belfkih. Peace! And when you stray sometimes from the path always remember the Moroccan proverb, “Jdid lou Jedaa, Wal Bali Lat faret Fih”(The new has its Newness and the old do not forsake
-2
#26
RE: Moroccan-Americ ans: Thomas Jefferson Vs. Mohamed V —
2012-09-20 19:46
apparently there is total confusion here.Forgetting one's roots would obviously leave you without a story to tell to the next generations. But keep clinging heart and soul to a country your kids see once a year in the best case scenario and you"ll be very unfair to the next generations. These will be absorbed within other ethnicities, Bushaib will become Bush and Mo will certainly not pass on his name to offsprings. Why you say? Because you failed to add a genuine, original brick to the American society meshwork. i explain: Who doesn't know Italian Americans? I have yet to hear Al Pacino cry over the economic crisis in Italy. He is a true American of Italian descent. Who doesn't know Irish Americans? I have yet to see Irish themes all over Disney? Who doesn't know German Americans? I have yet to hear David Leterman mention that..not that he couldn't. These are true americans, proud of their heritage, not perpetual emigrants waiting for summer to hop on a plane.
So to go back to morcelli, this is no self hating at all. it would probably benefit morocco more if there was established moroccan American label rather than a stereotype of moroccans in America..which takes me back to education...whi ch takes me back to mentality....
I think some people are just stuck in time... there is Bush..and There is Aib ...(no pun intended :)
So to go back to morcelli, this is no self hating at all. it would probably benefit morocco more if there was established moroccan American label rather than a stereotype of moroccans in America..which takes me back to education...whi ch takes me back to mentality....
I think some people are just stuck in time... there is Bush..and There is Aib ...(no pun intended :)
0
#27
The cliché —
2012-09-20 21:13
I don’t know what the fuss is all about. The author stated his opinion and he made a point, if you look at it from a broad view, how many Moroccans are living in the states about 100000 give and take .and don’t tell me that all of them are engineers, and doctors or have a liberal profession and by the way doctors and engineers make more money and have more power in morocco than in the states and they do what they pleased no question asked so guess where most of them end up?that’s been said Look at the rest of our compatriots behaving at the RAM stand ,and that’s the most Moroccans you can see at one time in one place abroad ,and let me tell you, they act exactly how the author describe them ,with some exceptions all of them got the religion virus, so what the consequences ?they segregate themselves and their children by confining them to the Moroccan community(Musli ms) so they live in a bubble they’re physically in the states but mentally in morocco ,there is nothing wrong with loving your country of origin, but most of our friends are using the cliché by doing so you’re conveying the message that you like it as is ,and not what it should be .and furthermore what did you do for your beloved country lately?nothing, Not only most of our friends here take advantage of the corrupt environment ,and do more harm than good, by enforcing the behaviour that they fled from in the first place, well most of them anyway. Thanks Mr. Belfkih for shedding the light on the elephant in the room.
-1
#28
RE: Moroccan-Americ ans: Thomas Jefferson Vs. Mohamed V —
2012-09-21 09:25
For the geniuses who think that the writer merely expressed his opinion, I have some minor news for you, those of us who repent his stereotyping, we are dong just that; expressing OUR opinion.
Trust me we are not going to release a fatwa on his head.
You people remind me of the dictators we left behind, you only want to hear ONE opinion.
Trust me we are not going to release a fatwa on his head.
You people remind me of the dictators we left behind, you only want to hear ONE opinion.
-2
#29
Just a taught —
2012-09-21 13:37
An opinion is agree to disagree not disagree to blast. On a lighter note my wife thinks I’m genius. Well is debatable.my children well adult children on occasions when they don’t get what they want they think I’m a dictator, you can’t help it, you cannot be all things to everybody, and like my cousin warren said, "It's only when the tide goes out that you learn who's been swimming naked”.
0
#30
Born to Moroccan parents here in America —
2012-09-23 17:39
The Moroccan American community is as diverse as the country we live in. Throughout my life I have seen the educated and non educated, the pious and the deviant, the rich ad the poor and everything in between. It is easy to write and say we are this or that but without any empirical way of examine our community the article is as a previous commentator stated is "only one opinion."
-3
#31
you can't deny —
2012-10-01 10:59
for those who are renouncing or thinking of renouncing their identity whatever his or her ID is ; make no mistake that you will hold you origin for life. and that you will never be entirely part of the "new identity" . never a 1st class citizen but 2nd or even 3rd one;unless if your a well to do one...!!!???
for the Moroccan citizens who want to deny their origin ; keep in mind that on your us passport it is mentioned your country of origin that you can't oblige the us gov to waive it. and finally please don't elude yourself ; be yourself no matter what they say or think or even take you for.
am Moroccan American ; am proud of it; and i want my kids to know that they have roots ; it is important for their personality.
it would be really stupid to renounce my Moroccan identity because of some corrupted ones in morocco; if i do so it is gonna be an insult to all Moroccans and am one of them.
KENNEDY put it wisely well when he said:"ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country" he didn't even say USA though he meant it indubitably.
their are many ways to help morocco be better . if you can't just pray for it to be so and thank you or else you are free .
god bless you all...
for the Moroccan citizens who want to deny their origin ; keep in mind that on your us passport it is mentioned your country of origin that you can't oblige the us gov to waive it. and finally please don't elude yourself ; be yourself no matter what they say or think or even take you for.
am Moroccan American ; am proud of it; and i want my kids to know that they have roots ; it is important for their personality.
it would be really stupid to renounce my Moroccan identity because of some corrupted ones in morocco; if i do so it is gonna be an insult to all Moroccans and am one of them.
KENNEDY put it wisely well when he said:"ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country" he didn't even say USA though he meant it indubitably.
their are many ways to help morocco be better . if you can't just pray for it to be so and thank you or else you are free .
god bless you all...
0
#32
learn —
2012-10-04 14:26
Brian Tracy will help our kids change their way of thinking and live the 20/80 equation of life. so i highly advice all moroccans to read a book called no Excuses. good luck
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