Teaching in other country

From attending Bradley’s drumming workshop, I felt that it was a real “multiculturalism lesson”. I think in order to teach multiculturalism and to understand different cultures; it would be best, if we traveled around the world and have real cultural experiences. However, Prof. Bradley provided us a great opportunity that we could experience Ghanaian culture without traveling there.
From reading Dave’s blog, “teaching music in other country” got my attention. What can we do as a music educator? I believe, before we even try to take action of changing something, we should try to adapt, learn and understand their culture. Without learning and understanding their culture, it would be nonsense to educate people in another country. Therefore, it would be hard for them to accept the new idea from someone, especially, foreigners who does not understand their culture. Like what Dave said, “How do we go to another country and tell people how to live?” If it makes a positive influence to others, I believe, it is necessary to help them. I think “help them” contains more of a positive meaning than “educate them”.
An issue like gender bias in Ghana is a serious problem. It is not just about woman’s right or human right issue. This issue reminds me of the TV show, “American next top model”. There was a probable winner who came from Ghana. She shared her story about her terrible experiences at Ghana. There she got sexually abused by several men that caused her to become sterility. She said there are so many victims who went through this terrible situation.
For us to do as a music educator is we should help them as another human being instead of educating them and to make changes in a view of another foreigner’s eyes. I think if we connect these concepts of teaching music in other countries, then it will be much easier to make a difference. We are all human beings and so in order to understand others better we should see people from other countries as another human being.