Leila thinks the world needs to stop looking down upon or romanticizing and fetishizing Kurds and instead should accept them as a nation with strengths and weaknesses. How can you as a reader make that shift within yourself?

Leila thinks the world needs to stop looking down upon or, on the contrary, romanticizing and fetishizing Kurds and instead should accept them as a nation with strengths and weaknesses, just like any other group of humans. What does she mean by that and how can you as a reader make that shift within yourself?

I dont believe I had these prejudices about Kurds before I started reading the book, and after reading it, I definitely don't. I try to look at all people as equal but different, I hope that I don't look down upon or romanticize any specific group.

I support the Kurdish people who have been persecuted so much. People are people. While they have their strenghts, they also have weaknesses. I need no shift in thinking as I already thought this way.

I think the actual problem for most Americans is a complete ignorance about the Kurds and their often tragic history. Invisibility is the worst fate, but neither Leila nor the author may not realize the level of ignorance they battle against.

I agree with paulagb in that I believe we have been mostly ignorant about the Kurds and who they are and where they are in the world. This book did educate us a great deal about these people and their suffering. I will certainly have more empathy and follow their plight more in the news after this reading.

I myself am guilty of not knowing the history of the Kurdish people so came to the book selection as a means of learning about this part of our world and their culture. I definitely feel that the oppression of the Kurdish people is complicated and deeply rooted in multi-generational families. I can understand the need to preserve traditions, but all cultures face the challenges of honoring the past and adapting to present circumstances. Hearts need time to heal. Younger generations need encouragement to move forward and find new ways to succeed in life or at least find a level of contentment that is acceptable. Honorable reputations must be earned. Leila is part of that processs as her films will provide educational and historical references.

I am so ashamed that the U.S. abandoned the Kurdish allies that fought with them.