Last night I was with friends and we talked about acceptance of the “other” (those who have different belief systems, not only religious but social, economic, etc.). The argument was that to live in a world that is based on differences and accepting these differences, we should accept the different belief systems even when they infringe on our own systems. For example, currently in Amman uncovered women are often asked by strangers why they do not cover and given a speech about their lack of religious practice and how hell is awaiting them I the after life. This happens at ice cream parlors, pharmacies, taxies, doctors’ offices, universities, work places, in short everywhere. Uncovered women are not accepted in Amman and my question is- would it be possible to accept the “other” if that “other” does not accept you? When would it be the right time to struggle for acceptance and against the constant harassment? Should the Black South Africans have accepted the Whites’ apartheid that did not accept them, until the Whites saw differently? When is this harassment and lack of acceptance considered an act of systemic erasing of marginal cultures? Should we await the gas chambers before we speak critically of this abuse? Again, my question is: Is it possible to accept someone if he/she does not accept you?