“A chain is only as strong as its weakest link”… I am teaching hundreds of students from all over the world, age 17-70.. all walks of life, various educational backgrounds: poorly educated, well educated, super educated and over-educated. Great folks, no matter the character, race, attitude, beliefs… There are many things that have fascinated me throughout the years about my students, but there are two that surprise me the most for their contradicting nature. On the one hand, all these great people, who learned all the “right” things (values) at home and in school, and generally in their respective societies, quickly agree that it’s thrilling to be together in such a colorful, culturally diverse environment and enjoy this mutual sharing, enriching each other with their unique flavors and vibe. On the other, how often I hear them bragging about their national soccer team – “we are the best,” or “she is the greatest singer in the world” (some girl from their native country), or “we have the best coffee”… And when they return to their ethnic “clicks,” the most entertaining thing to do after a dinner party is to discuss other “tribes” for how “stupid and arrogant” they are, and how, by comparison, “we” are by far superior. And it doesn’t matter that a soccer team is only a couple dozen players out of the entire nation, that a singer’s voice is, just like that coffee’s flavor, is a matter of taste. I sometimes ask my students “What’s in it for you to brag about someone you have never met as if they are you closest family? Does anybody...
