HW 34: Responding to Riverbend, "Cultural Literacy"

In Baghdad Burning, Riverbend talks about the role that gold plays with families. "Gold is a part of our culture and the roll it plays in 'family savings' has increased since 1990 when the Iraqi Dinar began fluctuating crazily" (Riverbend, 100). People were converting their money to gold, as ways to make items for sale, because the value of gold was something that wasn't going to change. Before the war hit, Iraqi's were withdrawing all their money to get gold. What I found most upsetting about this part of reading was when Riverbend talked about how troops took money from people's homes because they didn't think people like "that" owned gold.

In Iraq a garden isn't complete without a palm tree in it. "In the winter months, they act as 'resorts' for the exotic birds that flock to Iraq. We often see various species of birds roosting between the leaves, picking on the sweet dates and taunting the small boys below who can't reach the nests" (Riverbend, 103). There are more than 300 different types of dates, with all different characteristics, and have all different uses. They are used to make "dibiss", syrup that is eaten. "Khal" is also produced, olive oil that makes great seasoning. "Palm trees have represented the rugged, stoic beauty of Iraq. They are a reminder that no matter how difficult the circumstances, there is hope for life and productivity." (Riverbend, 105)