Suggestions for Afghanistan presentation

[brinker]

The local librarian asked me (about a year ago) to do a presentation about Afghanistan at the local library, so I'm doing so.

I could talk for hours, but I'm never quite sure what people want to hear.  So if you have any favorite stories I've told, or questions/topics you think I should bring up, please offer suggestions.

Comments

[colonelperry42n]

I'm presuming it's a local library in the US?

I think you should mention how your perception has changed since living there, and mention the small day to day challenges of living there (crazy loadshedding, security, bombs, etc.). You should also mention how cool the Mayor of Kabul is, how beautiful the city is and what people do for fun there.

I think that, interspersed with your amazing anecdotes, will give them a good idea of what the country is like.

[brinker]

Laugh. Can't say I'm inclined to say how great the mayor of Kabul is. But that would be a funny joke to explain. True about the rest, though, so thanks.

[colonelperry42n]

He's probably involved in corrupt dealings (as most any politician in this part of the world), but I saw a short documentary about Kabul, which included a segment on him. It showed what he did on a daily basis, like tell construction workers how to build better roads; he also spoke to gardners on how to plant trees more effectively. . .he also took the time to do this in public despite being a prime target for the Taliban, . .of course I don't know what he's doing in other, more serious aspects of taking care of the city, but none of that care takes place in Pakistan. . .everything is falling apart over here, and no one could care less! I remember just thinking that it was cool he paid attention to those small details and had the know how to do it.

[zeusgirl]

If I was coming along to the presentation, here's some things I'd like to hear about:
What's it really like? We see news reports, but what is t really like?
What's your day to day life like compared to living in the States? Do you eat the same food, wath the same TV shows?
What are the people like, and what do they think of the West?
How has the situation changed since you've been there? Better? Worse?

[brinker]

I used a bunch of this. The presentation went well. Thanks for the suggestions...