An Ordinary Man Outside reading #3

This week in An Ordinary Man by Paul Rusesabagina we learn about a new rule that came into play in the Rwandan culture before the 1994 genocide. All citizens were expected to wear a pin with the president's portrait on it. Again, Paul is a hotel manager and is seen by many important people daily. He chose not to wear the pin and people got very mad. "'You are not wearing your portrait of the president,' he told me"(Rusesabagina 56). This is a great example of standing up for what you believe in and not advertising something if you do not agree with its view on things. A connection to this in everyday life could be a proud American wearing something like Canada socks. This American might not want to move to Canada, but they just got the socks form a friend. However, a Canadian might see this American and think he doesn't like America, or likes Canada better. In An Ordinary Man Paul simply just did not want to be viewed as someone who agrees with his government at that time. He did not want to support the government because I believe that he thought it was wrong. This is an important lesson and people should always remember to show what they support, but keep away what they do not agree with. Although, just like all ideas that are important, people should not take this idea to extremes. For example, if you don't like the color green I do not think it is right to yell at everyone wearing green. Important lessons are shared all throughout this book, and I highly recommend reading it.