Fulbright Orientation

Renaissance Hotel lobby, Washington DC

Back from Fulbright orientation in Washington DC!!  Getting put up in the Renaissance Hotel was sweet as pie but orientation was a great help.  There were alumn from Bangladesh sharing their stories, photos (check out Geoffrey Hiller's amazing photos of Bangladesh), literature and tips for buying cell phones and American waffles in Dhaka.  It has been inspiring yet complete information overload.  And if you looked at my first post, orientation confirmed the ability of Dhaka to give you vertigo.

This gathering also confirmed my contentment with this scholarship program.  I did not feel that any of the grantees that I met were in any way rude or undeserving of this grant. Everyone was trying to learn more about the next year of lives but were also sharing reasons for their decisions and hopes for their project.  It may seem obvious but everyone was motivated, and enthusiastic which is a great energy to thrive in.  I certainly worshiped my fellow NYC roommate, working on her PhD at 24.

I was able to listen to other alumn on their first international research grant who admitted that it was difficult to be their own boss.  I was comforted in my own lack of focus, slightly fearing my own inadequacy of completing goals with no pressure from outside sources.  My fellow grantees traveling to Bangladesh were intelligent, and warmhearted with a sense of humor.  I met other intelligent alumn from different countries working on similar anti-trafficking projects that I plan to keep in touch with.

One of the research alumns from Sri Lanka (who, coincidently, research anti-trafficking programs) said something that rang completely true: for anytime that you are feeling alone, remember why you choose this scholarship, this project and this country.  Lucky for me, it's written on my wrist - paagli didi.

the tattoo in Bengali on my right wrist

And of all the things that must be done before my departure (you know, like vaccines and paperwork and packing), I feel that I am ready with the right attitude: flexibility, perseverance, and an openness to serendipity.

Am I an imperialist?

I have been asked some good questions my move to Bangladesh -- questions concerned about imposing Western values onto another culture.  That I, as a Western women human rights advocate, am forcing ideas and beliefs on another culture.

Exploring the evils of ethnocentrism is covered in Anthropology 101.  But it's one thing to discuss in a classroom, and then put into practice in a very foreign country.  

I consider myself very academically sensitive to modern imperialism (if you interested more, please email me and I will send you my thesis). My intent is to go to Bangladesh not as an imperialist but as an ally.  There are Bengali women on the ground fighting  to stop trafficking, the victims themselves wish for better options and lives for themselves, their families and their trafficked peers.  In the end, it comes down to voice and the ability to have it heard.  I go to Bangladesh on this project to support them, learn about them and exchange with them to find the best ways for them to achieve their goals.  I lend my voice and writing to their cause.

Of course, my intentions are not what always will happen: there will be people who will view me as an imperialist and find my presence unwanted.  I must respect it and be ready to step away, no matter how passionately I feel.

However, above my role as an anthropologist - I am a human, and a humanitarian. If atrocities continue, I won't go down without a fight.

Instant Hospitality

Before I even arrive, I am completely enthralled by Bangladeshi's hospitality. For only knowing a few people, I have had many offers to visit homes and families. Thanks to the Iqbal family, I am first living in their friend's guesthouse when I take language classes, then with a small family near Dhaka University.

I serendipitously met Sunita in my social theories class when she noticed my Bengali tattoo. She and her family offered to play real estate agent, car service, and social coordinator. I went with the Iqbals to a Bengali BBQ and was again met with warm prospects for friends in Dhaka.

Being at the BBQ was a sweet reminder as to why I love Bengalis: their accents, their food, their warm souls. I am ready to dive into the culture once again!

My flight is booked!!

I leave Monday morning of July 13th from JFK. I have a day layover in Tokyo on Tuesday July 14th to hang out with some friends. I fly to Kuala Lumpur the morning of Wednesday July15th then a flight to Bangkok to visit Mark for three full days, where "we will see the reclining Buddha and eat delicious street food and go swimming" (and by Erik's advice, go to a pong show...) Then the morning of Sunday July 19th, I fly back to KL then land in Dhaka around 4:oopm.

PHEW! This includes me, my nerves, my patience, my big backpack, my new Canon G10 named Harvey, and my new Mac named Clarence... and my hopes that my luggage won't get lost!