Struggling With a Staunch Muslim Roommate

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throwaway_999111's picture
Struggling With a Staunch Muslim Roommate

uouhoubou

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CyberLN's picture
Leave Ayaan Hirsi Ali's books

Leave Ayaan Hirsi Ali's books laying around. Maybe she'll read them.

Alembé's picture
Hi sr41489,

Hi sr41489,

Welcome to our world.

As a former mentor of mine said (admittedly in a different context), "Science is easy, people are difficult."

I'd advise you to just stick it out till she leaves in October. You are doing stem cell work, which is great. This summer might be a good time to hang out in the lab, gather a lot of data, take a break for supper, then work up the data and start drafting those abstracts to submit to the next big conference or that next long manuscript.

You cannot fix your roommate. I agree with you that not believing in evolution is incompatible with in depth study in the biosciences. But she wants to be an MD and not a PhD, so perhaps it's not as important.

So hang in there and welcome again from another scientist.

hermitdoc's picture
I'm a physician and every day

I'm a physician and every day I am shocked at how many (over 80% I would guess) docs are religious and especially anti-evolution. So, if you are expecting people who study medicine to be rational atheists, you are going to be disappointed over and over again. Personally, I have come to the conclusion that it is not worth fighting people about their beliefs. I simply live my life and be the best person I can be and hope that I make a positive impact on other people's lives. If asked about my stance on religion, I'm honest but I don't bring it up unprovoked. I simply don't have the stomach for all the brain damage that comes with arguing with religious folks. One of my mantras that I have to remind myself of frequently is that as an individual, the only person I have any control over is myself, so I simply choose not to get worked up about other people's behavior. It has kept me sane, especially when dealing with people's goofy attitudes and beliefs.

Edricce's picture
Hi Sr41489,

Hi Sr41489,

I come from a Muslim background and from Pakistan as well (from where your room mate belongs to) but I have been an atheist since many years. I can relate to you and really feel the kind of suffocation you are talking about. At the same time, I appreciate that you have found a place to vent about. CyberLN has given you good advice, it is worth trying.

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