Sunday - March 29 - 2009
Facilitators: Jayme, Lina
I had noticed that this bowling alley had hired all black men from Africa as their cleaning staff. I also took note of how charming and gentlemanly each one was – all very cordial and polite. My heart sinks a bit when I think about their existence here in Lebanon. Simply, the racism in Lebanon is fierce, levels upon levels higher, and much more pronounced, than in the West, and especially compared to North America. It’s an ugly reality I’ve become aware of.
Many Africans in Lebanon actually live in Palestinian refugee camps, as, not only is it one of the only areas they can afford to rent in, simply, it’s also one of the only areas they’re actually welcome in.
One of these African cleaners was taking care of some spilled water and wiping down the table for one of our kids. I noticed him looking at the boy while going about his work. The boy looked up at him, and though only 8 years old, it seemed as if he knew that this man had shared something with him. While the two locked eyes, it seemed as if they both “got” one another – even if for just that brief moment.
The man looked at the boy with so much affection. And the boy returned it, seemingly, with a warm stare of empathy for this black cleaner. I truly believe they both knew a bit about each others’ reality here in Lebanon. I was waiting, hoping that this lovely man would engage the boy in conversation. He didn’t. Instead he spoke with his eyes. I think the boy heard what he was saying. And the man, I hope, was comforted by the boy’s reply.
