Throughout the world, non-Moroccans have formed opinions about Moroccans, some are misguided viewpoints and others are somewhat more accurate. Have you ever wondered what the world thinks about Moroccans? Here are the top 10 myths:
1. Moroccans
are nomads roaming the desert on camels
2. Moroccans
live in a desert oasis surrounded by palm trees
FICTION.
Again, the southern part of the nation is what drives foreigners to paint
Morocco with a single brush and think it is just a sandy exotic country with no
industrial foundation. Though part of this stereotype is legitimate, one must
realize that industrial cities like Casablanca, which is the largest city in
the Maghreb and is also one of the largest and most economically and
demographically important cities in Africa. Indeed, leading Moroccan companies and
international corporations have their headquarters and facilities in Morocco.
That aside I think most are surprised at what and Oasis actually is…...visit
the Draa or Ziz and be stunned!
3. Moroccans
are polygamists
FICTION. Religion plays an important role in this
stereotype. Owing to recent legal restrictions imposed by the government of Morocco
and western influences, polygamous marriage is practically nonexistent in
Morocco nowadays. According to various reports from visitors, Morocco is
actually said to be one of the least accepting of polygamy in the Muslim world.
OK, depending on the banter and fun-chat between yourselves and say a Souk
trader you may be offered the position as an additional wife within the
household…….but it is all fun and banter……unless of course……..
4. All
Moroccan Women Wear the Hijab
Due to the fact that it is one of the most liberal/westernized country in the Arab world, dressing modestly is the norm in almost all parts of the country to avoid attracting attention. In big cities, seeing someone wearing the hijab is as common as not seeing it. Although in rural areas it is more common. In general, whether you are wearing the hijab or not, you are you have the legal freedom to make that choice. Part of wearing the hijab is fitting into the mold of traditional customs and as a sign of respect and faith. Moroccans coexist peacefully even if they don’t share the same perspective surrounding the hijab.
Due to the fact that it is one of the most liberal/westernized country in the Arab world, dressing modestly is the norm in almost all parts of the country to avoid attracting attention. In big cities, seeing someone wearing the hijab is as common as not seeing it. Although in rural areas it is more common. In general, whether you are wearing the hijab or not, you are you have the legal freedom to make that choice. Part of wearing the hijab is fitting into the mold of traditional customs and as a sign of respect and faith. Moroccans coexist peacefully even if they don’t share the same perspective surrounding the hijab.
5. Moroccans
always wear traditional clothes
FICTION.
Morocco is a country well known for its flamboyant outfits and its fascinating
heritage. It is rich in traditions, culture, history, and religion. These
factors affect the way Moroccans dress, but only to a certain extent. For
example, many sophisticated or foreign-educated Moroccan women have adopted
European fashion styles and have opted out of the conservative clothes in urban
cities. Of course, during special events, traditional clothes such as the
caftan or djellaba are prevalent and are an important aspect of the culture.
Although it is a Muslim-majority country, “western” women are not expected to
dress like traditional native Moroccan women, as people in the capital and
other major towns such as Marrakech are used to foreigners, and are therefore
likely to be more liberal and more tolerant of western clothing.
6. Morocco is
a patriarchal society
FICTION. There seems to be a common misconception
that Morocco is a patriarchal society due to the fact that it is a
Muslim-majority country. Recent socio-economic developments and rapidly
changing lifestyles have shaken the foundations of a traditionally patriarchic
society and led to a rise in matriarchal power. Gender gaps have severely
decreased and gender roles have been redefined. Women’s financial autonomy has
rearranged the Moroccan social scene due to the fact that women are now as
independent and have as many rights as men, stripping men of their historical
superiority. It is true that there are many things that this society needs to
work on in terms of completely eliminating male dominance, but these immense
changes taking place in Moroccan society recently are a big step toward
achieving the goal.
7. Moroccans
Can’t Speak Arabic
Moroccan
Arabic (Darija) is based off of classical Arabic but was altered due to French,
Spanish and English influences. Though it is somewhat different from other
dialects, most Moroccans understand and speak conventional Arabic as it is of
course widely taught in public schools.
8. Morocco is
an unsafe Arab country
FICTION. The
Arab world is often labeled as violent and unsafe without acknowledging that
there are regions that are far from conflicts and war. To this day, Morocco
retains a stable political environment and is varied geographically, from the
tourist-friendly resorts on the Atlantic coast to the exotic medinas in the
interior cities. The recent peaceful protests in Rabat and Casablanca that was
part of the Arab Spring did not inhibit or deter the safety of the nation as a
whole. Morocco was recently and independently voted one of the most friendly
and welcoming counties in the World to visit.
9. Morocco is
a poor country
FICTION.
Morocco is defined as a developing country that has capitalized on low-cost
labor to build a diverse, profitable market. Recent years showed impressive
economic growth despite of the European economic slowdown in 2012. The new
infrastructure improvements are most visibly illustrated by a new port and free
trade zone near Tangier which are improving Morocco’s global competitiveness.
Although still engaged in the process of decreasing the rural poverty rate,
Morocco remains the top destination for foreign investors in the Maghreb
region. As a motorhome owner, driving around the nation, you will be surprised
at the high standard of road condition as well as re-construction and the
motorway network.
10. Moroccans
are racists
FICTION. Morocco is a melting pot of ethnic groups
that include Berbers, Sub-Saharan Africans, Europeans, and many others. There
is a lot of diversity and tourism in the kingdom, and hospitality plays a major
role in the culture. It is an essential element to our culture to be warm and
welcoming to foreigners. For example, a commonly held belief is that a stranger
would be fed and taken care of with the rationale that that same person
offering the hospitality may have the same needs one day. It is said that one
of the best ways to dive into the Moroccan culture is to strike up a
conversation with the person sitting next to you at a local café. A simple
conversation could lead to a lifelong friendship after you leave Morocco.
SHOW
ME THE WAY TO GO HOME……….
This operation was the subject of a recent meeting between the Spanish and Moroccan authorities. The aim was to ensure the safety of tourists and fluidity of road traffic and shipping. The traffic is expected to build up from June 15th when many Moroccans leave during Ramadan while others arrive to spend the Holy month with their families.
Ramadan and Eid will have a considerable impact on travel in Morocco. This year Ramadan coincides with the annual “Strait Crossing” and as it approaches it is expected that there will be a massive increase in traffic moving backwards and forwards from Spain.
It is worth noting that the actual dates are defined by lunar sightings and are not confirmed until very late. Dates for Ramadan and Eid in Morocco in 2015: Ramadan: 18th June - 17th July. Eid Al Fitr: 17th July and Eid Al Adha: 24th September
The wood and sawdust from the Moroccan cedar tree is highly valued. Loggers are illegally cutting down ancient trees and selling the wood on the black market. Cedar wood is used to make cabinets and oils.
Droughts are also affecting the cedar’s ability to survive. Water shortages are causing deforestation. The community that lives around this forest are making efforts to decrease the damage to the trees, but life in this area is difficult.
Overall, rise in temperature, droughts, and flooding are the true threats to the cedar tree population.
Since 2008 this prohibition even extended to cafes, bars and restaurants over 50 m². The law also prohibits the sale of cigarettes to minors, forcing tobacconists to request an ID to the client.
Petitions asking the Department of Health to enforce the law are regularly launched without any effect. According to figures from the World Health Organization, every year tobacco kills more than five million people worldwide - more than HIV / AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. Also according to the same organization, passive smoking is responsible for 600,000 premature deaths per year, of which a large proportion of children (31%) and this number is rising.
A really good video……The Kingdom of Morocco
