The Bedouin people, a tribe living in the deserts of Arabia and Northern Africa, think most highly of people who show loyalty. To them loyalty does not mean that one is devoted to a country, a place, or a leader. Loyalty means being faithful to one's family and tribe.The Bedouin people are proud of their ancestors(祖先). They do not admire a hero from an ordinary or poor family as much as one who comes from an honored family. They especially respect those who have inherited(继承) a good family name and then have passed it on to their children.A man's position among his people depends upon his ancestors, relatives, and fellow tribesmen. If they are honored, he is also honored. If they are disgraced, he, too, is disgraced. Therefore, one carefully guards the honor of his family and his tribe.A man can protect his family's honor by being brave and generous and by giving protection to those who ask for it. He also guards it by carefully watching the women of his family.A Bedouin woman cannot bring honor to her family, but she can bring disgrace. Even if a woman only looks as if she has done something wrong, she may be killed. The honor of her family depends upon her virtue(美德).
