Cultural question (cultural insensitivity)?

[Bill Douglas]

I've got to be quite friendly with a recently migrated Iraqi Muslim family who moved in next door to a house I'm renovating. The Mom would bring me food (great! food) once or twice a week and four kids ranging from age 9 to 4 would come over to play with my dog. So I got the idea they were being "Kiwis" - especially playing with the dog and bouncing on the trampoline and kids yelling and screaming.

So... I've bought the kids a Christmas present (a fairly good skateboard). Is this going to offend them? Or will it work out as intended with the kids rocking up to their new friend's house with a skateboard in hand and talking about Christmas as Kiwi kids do?

[slodave]

It should not be a problem. I live in a big Iranian community, though, they are Christian or Jewish and at least one of the neighbor kids was introduced to skateboarding via another neighbor and his friends (American). Since you mention that they are Muslim, and Muslims don't celebrate Christmas, you may just want to make it a more nice holiday gesture instead. Wrap it in neutral wrapping paper. Don't force the Christmas aspect and all should be good.

[HardDrive]

Just tell them it's a 'holiday' gift. It's not like your giving the kids a bible.

[slodave]

Okay, read into a a little. Yeah, keep it neutral and don't give anything offensive! Such as a pig skin football (not sure what a rugby ball is made from) and no bibles! If anything, ask the parents first. They will appreciate it and will let you know if it is okay. From what I read, it will be.

[Bill Douglas]

Thanks Guys - good thinking. A "holiday gift" is a great idea. I like that. Lovely kids and into fun so if they don't mind a gift arriving at Christmas time they should be happy. I don't think they are too orthodox (if that's the right word) as she comes over by herself with food, and he chats with my GF often.

[Rick Lee]

One of the sons of the Shah of Iran went to my prep school (obviously long before I went there) and ordered a few hundred skateboards from the general/book store. They called over to the school's admin office, where my grandmother was the secretary, to ask if it was legit. She asked who the kid was, then said yes, it was definitely for real.

[ZOO]

It's not insensitive to share your cultural traditions. It's insensitive to insist that others change their culture to suit your traditions. Sharing between cultures really is a great step to a better world.

The family has already shared their hospitality through food -- that's a cultural tradition.

[slodave]

Originally Posted by ZOOMiata

It's not insensitive to share your cultural traditions. It's insensitive to insist that others change their culture to suit your traditions. Sharing between cultures really is a great step to a better world.

The family has already shared their hospitality through food -- that's a cultural tradition.

Good point!

[Chocaholic]

Skateboard, but no helmets?