The Hash House Harriers Contribution to World Peace!

Yesterday, I went on a hash run here in the Kathmandu Valley. As some of you may know, the Hash House Harriers is now an international institution that has spread around the world, since it was first conceived by a bunch of mad Britons in Malaya (as it was in the 1950’s). Apparently, this hash here in Kathmandu is quite famous, and certainly the countryside around Kathmandu is conducive to good trails, combined with plenty of suitably mad ex-pats (and quite a few locals) to participate in it!

I first came across the Hash in Benghazi, Libya, when I worked out there in 1985-6 (yes, I know, I don’t look that old, but alas, I am!). In those days, the country claimed to be one of these “socialist paradises” and had close political ties with the former Soviet countries in Central and Eastern Europe. In fact the office in which I worked in Benghazi had a number of Bulgarians in it, and the Hash (which was basically the only social event in town in those days) was always well attended by many nationals, including those from Bulgaria, Poland and Czechoslovakia (as it was then). (In fact, the only main country which was not represented was the USA, who at that time, banned their citizens from visiting Libya, although there were an unusually large number of “Canadians” there instead!)

Back in 1985, it was the first time that I had ever met anyone from the Soviet countries, and there were several things about the Hash events in Libya which particularly struck me. Firstly, the lingua franca was English! Everything was conducted in English and even those who had never visited an English speaking country (including those trapped from Soviet countries) all communicated with other nationals in English. Even the resident French spoke to us in English! Since then, this trend has become ever more pronounced, in virtually every part of the world. It puts us English speakers at a natural advantage, and this is a real privilege for us, which we should always respect. I always try and be sympathetic to others who must communicate (verbally or in writing) in a foreign tongue. I never laugh at their attempts to speak my language. I avoid idioms and slang, am conscious of not dominating the conversation, and give them the time they need to say what they must.

The second thing that really struck me about the Hash in Libya is that underneath all the often acrimonious politics, we are remarkably similar, regardless of our backgrounds. We all enjoy similar things and without the politics, we can all get on well with people from any other cultural background. (That is not to say that we will not still dislike some individuals, but this is predominantly for personal reasons, not cultural nor political.) And it is through our personal contacts with others from different countries and different cultures that we develop an understanding for them, their views and values, and thereby, a greater tolerance and acceptance for their differences. And of course, this works the other way round too. The Hash House Harriers is just one excellent way in which we can all promote this greater tolerance, something which is sadly lacking from the international stage these days. Long may such a wonderful institution thrive and prosper throughout the world!

Kathmandu's Hash can been seen at their web site: http://aponarch.com/hhhh