Race, Ethnicity, Culture or Religion - Markeila Howard

      As I’ve been traveling throughout Morocco, I’ve noticed that many aspects of identity, such as race, ethnicity, culture, and religion, are expressed differently than they are in the United States. Each has its own nuances and traditions. However, the one thing that truly stood out to me during my trip was the generosity and hospitality of Moroccan culture. It left a lasting impression on me within just the first few days.

     In my experience back home in the U.S., people can sometimes be more reserved or hesitant to fully welcome someone who looks different or comes from a different background. Of course, that’s not true of everyone, but there is often a subtle emotional or social distance when interacting with those who are seen as “other.” That’s why the warmth I experienced in Morocco felt so heartwarming. It wasn’t just polite; it was genuine, open-hearted, and deeply cultural. From the moment we arrived, people treated us not as strangers but as honored guests. Whether it was sharing meals, helping us navigate unfamiliar areas, or simply offering friendly conversation, Moroccan people consistently went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and included. One moment that stood out was when we visited a factory and they welcomed us with tea, milk, and traditional Moroccan treats. The effort they put into making us feel welcomed was obvious and deeply appreciated. I learned that hospitality is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture and Islamic values. According to a 2018 article by Morocco World News, Moroccan hospitality is not just a custom but a reflection of a long-standing cultural and religious tradition of caring for others, especially travelers. Islam encourages generosity and giving to those in need, and that principle is clearly alive in Moroccan daily life.

    The people of Morocco have their own struggles and challenges. Despite this, they continue to welcome us with open arms. It was humbling to witness how, even when meeting us for the first time, Moroccan communities remained focused not just on their own survival but on giving to others. Their generosity was not based on personal comfort or abundance, it was simply a core part of who they are.

“Moroccan Hospitality in Souss-Massa: Strangers to Friends.” VisitRuralMorocco.Com, 30 Apr.2025,visitruralmorocco.com/culture/moroccan-hospitality/#:~:text=A%20Deep%2DRooted%20Tradition%20of%20Warmth&text=Locals%20greet%20you%20with%20bright,respected%2C%20and%20treated%20like%20family. https://islamic-relief.org/news/the-people-of-morocco-have-a-generosity-of-spirit-stronger-than-any-earthquake/