Saudi Arabia Culture and The Islamic Faith

Cultures are unique in many ways; it is irregular to see cultures that are exactly the same as another. While some may borrow parts from neighboring countries or villages, all in all, their unique differences are what make each culture significant. One of the things about the Saudi Arabia and the culture is how derived it is around history, faith, marketing, control, and how westernization affects the country. Other things that will be discussed about the country Saudi Arabia relates to what is important not only to me, but also the way we as Americans culturally identify ourselves with the women of the country.

The topics covered in chapter 9 were all relatively new to me, so I would consider this whole chapter to be something new I learned. The first topic covered was history of Saudi Arabia and The Islamic Faith. To know where something is today we must know where it began, as for Saudi the country has been around for almost 5,000 years. It is also the 12th largest country in the world and came into riches in about 1970. Islam is considered to be the second largest religion, second behind Christianity. People who follow the Islamic faith are considered Muslims; this faith is practiced by nearly 1.2 billion people. In 610 people of Muslim faith believe the prophet Mohammed who is considered to be the last prophet following Moses, Abraham, Noah, and Jesus was given a revelation by the angel Gabriel. By agreeing to be a part of the Islamic faith you must agree to abide by the 5 religious obligations. These obligations must be committed to and performed when deemed necessary. First is public witness or Shahadah, second is short prayer or Salah, third is alms giving or Zakat, next is fasting or Sawn, lastly is pilgrimage or...

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...women are that women do not speak to men, do not go out alone, and even public facilities such as McDonalds are segregated by race. In my opinion how Saudi Arabia goes about treating their women is demeaning. However, I know that the women in this culture are used to this and do not consider it deeming but only comfortable.

Learning about how a culture that is new to someone functions and was began is what I think class is about. International Communication wants us to see cultures and learn how they work not only by themselves but also in relations to the United States. “In the face of Westernization, Saudi Arabia remains committed to traditional values.” While this chapter of the book helped the further education of the country Saudi Arabia, it also showed how it is struggling to keep traditions strong in the face of an overpowering influence from the west.