Cultures are unique in many ways; it is irregular to see cultures exactly identical to each other. Although some may borrow elements from neighboring countries or villages, overall it is their unique differences that make each culture significant. One of the characteristics of Saudi Arabia and its culture is how it is derived from history, faith, marketing, control and how Westernization affects the country. Other topics that will be discussed about the country, Saudi Arabia, concern not only what is important to me, but also how we Americans culturally identify with the women of the country. The topics covered in Chapter 9 were all relatively new to me. , so I would consider this whole chapter as something new that I learned. The first topic covered was the history of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic faith. To know where something is today, you have to know where it started, because for Saudi Arabia, the country has been around for almost 5,000 years. It is also the 12th largest country in the world and became wealthy around 1970. Islam is considered the second largest religion, behind Christianity. People who follow the Islamic faith are considered Muslims; this faith is practiced by nearly 1.2 billion people. In 610, people of the Muslim faith believed that the prophet Muhammad, considered the last prophet after Moses, Abraham, Noah and Jesus, received a revelation from the angel Gabriel. By agreeing to be part of the Islamic faith, you must agree to respect the 5 religious obligations. These obligations must be undertaken and performed when deemed necessary. The first is public testimony or Shahadah, the second is the short prayer or Salah, the third is almsgiving or Zakat, then fasting or sawing, finally pilgrimage or...... middle of paper... ...women are these women. don't talk to men, don't go out alone, and even public establishments such as McDonalds are segregated by race. In my opinion, the way Saudi Arabia treats its women is humiliating. However, I know that women in this culture are used to this and do not consider it judged but only comfortable. Learning how a culture works that is new to someone and has been started is, in my opinion, the point of the course. International Communication wants us to be able to see cultures and learn how they function not only in themselves but also in our relationships with the United States. “In the face of westernization, Saudi Arabia remains attached to traditional values. » Although this chapter of the book contributed to the further education of the country Saudi Arabia, it also showed how this country struggles to maintain strong traditions in the face of overwhelming Western influence..