1 2 3 1. Fabian Gammo,
1 2 3 1. Fabian Gammo, Raven Atisha and Scarlett Akkam 2. Krista Flanders, Nadine Griffith and Randall Wilkes 3. Matthew Thomas writing names in Aramaic MICHIGAN STATE continued from page 43 cousins and I’m as close to them as I am with my own brothers and sisters.” A young man chuckled while studying the display called “You Know You’re Chaldean When.” “My mother probably couldn’t win a shoe-throwing contest, whatever that means,” he said. CASA members explained that the system of discipline Chaldean families often use relates to an authoritarian approach; throwing shoes at young children is a form of punishment that tends to humiliate more than cause physical pain. Attendees learned of the plight of Iraq’s Christians who are facing political persecution and had the opportunity to donate on behalf of Chaldean refugees. As the crowd died down, some CASA students stood on the sidewalk hitting the dunbug (drum). “Would you like to learn about Chaldeans, have your name written in Aramaic, get a henna tattoo, try our complimentary baklava or smoke-flavored tobacco?” they asked passersby. “I would love some baklava!” said one woman. Gazing at a historical display, she became filled with excitement as she identified the picture of the goddess who ruled the city-state in Mesopotamia from which Chaldeans originated. “That’s Ishtar, the Goddess of Chaldea!” she said. “Yes, you’re right! We are Chaldean, a continuation of all the indigenous Mesopotamians who converted to Christianity,” a CASA member explained. “I’m a world history professor, I know all about Chaldeans,” replied the woman. “Much to my chagrin, I didn’t even know you people still exist. I’m even more stupefied by the fact that there is such a large community right outside the Detroit area.” CASA President Fabian Gammo shouted over to one of the participants near the food and beverage station, “Grab this nice lady a couple more baklavas to take home with her.” 44 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2008
MAY 2008 CHALDEAN NEWS 45
