Summary
Highlights
She reflects on her four months in Turkey, acknowledging a language barrier and cultural/religious differences compared to Germany. She finds it difficult to articulate specific differences but notes general observations. A key experience she shares relates to playing football. She enjoyed playing with a mixed-gender team in Turkey, where the focus was on fun rather than skill or gender.
The speaker, a 23-year-old German social work student on an Erasmus term in Turkey, introduces herself. She identifies as a woman and feels that while it makes her a 'normal person,' it often leads to difficult situations not chosen by her. She emphasizes that her perception of herself is often overshadowed by how others perceive her based on her gender.
Having lived in Sweden and Argentina, she notes the vast cultural differences. In Argentina, she experienced 'machismo,' with men calling her names or whistling on the street, an experience amplified by her appearance as a 'white and blonde woman.' While street harassment happens in Germany, it had a different, more intense character in Argentina. She describes an emotional journey of confusion, anger, and eventual acceptance and humorous reaction to these encounters.
She recounts an incident with an Erasmus football match organized for students. Despite her interest, she was the only woman who wanted to participate. When inquiring about the organization, she was told by a male organizer that he preferred playing with people who 'know how to play well' and found it less fun to play with women due to perceived competitiveness differences. Consequently, she was not included in the activity, highlighting gender-based discrimination in sports.