Originally posted on December 17, 20217.
This week was International Week at the American School of Doha, and it was amazing. I also realized just how much living in Germany has changed me.
The week started off with an opening ceremony with the entire school. There were speeches about sustainability and about partitions between people. A Libyan girl and Palestinian boy spoke about how international education, and what we are doing here at ASD, can help bridge bloody political divisions. They spoke of their loved ones who have died in conflicts, and how they feel so privileged to be here, to be safe, and be among such diversity. This was followed by the “Parade of Flags” which is where the youngest and oldest (usually) of each nationality represented at the school walks the flag of their nation down the center of the gym while student representatives read a short paragraph about the unique features or interesting facts about the country.
There had been some concern that because of the blockade, students might be inappropriate when the Saudi Arabian, UAE, Bahrain, or Egyptian flags had their moment. There is a great deal of anger towards those countries right now, and for good cause. So, when those flags were presented, and a huge group of mainly Qatari students in thobes and black abayas stood up and cheered the loudest, I am not ashamed to admit I teared up. They were showing solidarity and support for their friends and classmates, and showing that people can discern the difference between the policies of leaders and the humanity of the people.
The last two flags to be presented were the US flag and the Qatari flag, and when those two had their moments the entire audience stood and cheered. We are united in our American education, and we are united in support of Qatar. It all ended with everyone singing the school song which, though corny, highlights our shared goals and values. I admit it was moving.
I also admit it was deeply uncomfortable. I was disturbed to realize how much of my youth was shaped by such rituals of patriotism I earnestly supported and took for granted. The morning Pledge of Allegiance, the hand over my heart to salute the flag, the singing of the national anthem. These things move me and touch my sense of identity and my sense of unity with the diverse people of the United States. Living in Germany, where all of these things are seen as potentially dangerous, has also now shaped me. I do not see these rituals as being at odds with my criticism of my country because critically challenging my leadership is fundamental to my patriotism. It is our duty to challenge our leadership when it is unjust or oppressive. Europeans do not see patriotism in the same way. They are frightened and derisive of our patriotism because it is assumed to be blind and unthinking. Which, to be fair, for many, it is.
To me, being an American is about not being blind or unthinking about our country’s deep problems, being an American is about a commitment to helping realize the dream, the more perfect union, based on liberty and justice for all. It is the hollow displays of American superiority and mindless flag-waving that disgust and dismays me. These are the two sides of rituals of patriotism.
The parade of flags was a nationalist display of the love of country and identity and was not jingoistic but an opportunity for third-culture and bi-cultural kids to celebrate the multiple facets of their own identity. However, it is conversely part of the very problem that creates the bloody division that the students were pleading against.
Many international schools in Europe are deeply conflicted about such displays, and this ceremony would never have happened at my previous school. There is a great deal of discussion and anxiety over what international mindedness means, and how we both honor our diversity and emphasize our unity. This is the very dilemma of the American Experiment. The rest of the world, especially in largely monocultural countries, are struggling with this. There is a lot of talk about how we embed internationalism and go beyond “food, flags, and festivals” as every conference and training has emphasized. However, there is still, I believe, great value in food, flags, and festivals. This is how we share our individuality so that we can see each other’s shared humanity.
The Wednesday buffet is the most anticipated event of the year at our school. Families provide the biggest potluck I have ever seen. The whole wing of the school smells rich with exotic spices and warm bread. At each table, families fill your plate and describe their personal comfort foods. It is a celebration of our diversity, and it is a shared communal experience of joy and nourishment. People discover flavors they love and hate, and they laugh and talk about commonalities and differences.
Outside at the Arab Mother’s tent, there is a constant supply of sweet tea and coffee flavored with cardamon and cream, breakfast dishes of wheat or semolina and dates. There are hawks, and henna, and sword dances. These are an expression of, and a sharing of, the beauty and richness of our host culture with everyone.
Our international week is about our shared humanity, and about loving our own identity within our diverse community. I am so lucky to be actively struggling with how these paradoxical ideas of unity and divisions can possibly be negotiated. My students will grow up thoughtfully negotiating these challenging ideas as well, and hopefully, this will help create more peace in the world. I am humbled by my opportunity to be a small part of all of this.