311312 responses to “Can You Call It “Racism?””http%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldinconversation.org%2F2010%2F09%2F24%2Fcan-you-call-it-racism%2FCan+You+Call+It+%22Racism%3F%22++2010-09-24+06%3A27%3A52Sam+Richardshttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldinconversation.org%2F%3Fp%3D3113
“Everyone was two things at the same time,” that’s a very clever way of putting it and a keen observation as well. Arabs in the Middle East pride themselves in having a heritage that speaks volumes on Arab hospitality and 20% of the non-Arab population in the Middle East believes in the Muslim prophet’s words,
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white – except by piety and good action.”
From this Hadith we can conclude that the Islamic faith came to bring people together, make them more humble and tolerant towards other religions. But how many of those Middle Easterners are able to embrace this message and how many of those Arabs are willing to shed years of unspoken resentment towards people of different sectors.
In the United States segregation against the blacks was violent and when they were given their rights it was all anyone could talk about until this day. The Middle East has had similar segregations between people of different nations and beliefs but it was never two specific countries or two specific sectors so that people could deal with the issue effectively. As time goes by the hatred may still remain but people will never admit to it. On the surface it would seem as if no one was bullying a certain group of people because of their skin color or religion but really they are only being civil to each other while patronizing them mentally.
Is this racism? The answer is no and yes. It’s racism because there are known limitations of people that believe in a certain religious sector and it isn’t racism because no one walks in the streets and blatantly kills or discriminates against someone who’s roots are from Africa instead of Asia or who’s sector is Sunni instead of Shi’a and vice versa. It’s much more complex than it is the US and because there are so many Arab countries that don’t see eye to eye and many religions, languages and sectors it’s hard to tackle this problem from a certain angle. This issue requires an in depth study of the entire Middle Eastern and Arab structure, society, religions, people and how they interact with one another.
Yes, you can!! Does ‘racism’ exist in the Middle East? It most definitely does. Some people may look at it like its more ‘rivalry’ than ‘racism’, more the same way Philly people ‘hate on’ Pitt people but I disagree with this because in my opinion, it is in fact racism. I’m Sudanese originally but I was born in the US and I moved to Egypt when I was five and lived there for ten years of my life before returning to the states. Most Sudanese are dark-skinned because we’re Africans but Sudan is also considered an Arab and Muslim country. Egyptians on the other hand, are as I like to describe them ‘peanut buttery-skinned’. I mention this because, during my ten years in Egypt, growing up I experienced a lot of racism because I was darker than everyone else. Some people would blatantly call me ‘nigger’ in Arabic much the same way I experienced it here in the States in high school in a predominately white school. I also experienced ‘racism’ in Sudan when I visited once and like I mentioned before majority of Sudanese are dark-skinned and whenever they would see lighter-skinned people or ‘white’ tourists, they would make fun of them and point at them and definitely make them feel like they’re an outcast. The point is that racism does in fact exist in the Middle East just like it does everywhere else in the world. Ahmed made a good point and that is people back home (Middle East/Arabs) are racist and not racist, both at the same time; it’s difficult to explain.
Can you call this racism? No, you can’t the student who gave the Philadelphia and Pittsburg example was right. I’m from Philadelphia myself and I can admit to you I don’t like Pittsburg or the people simply because they are from there. But that is just a personal thing and not to be taken seriously I have many friends from Pittsburg, but I’ll make fun of them once in a while so would that make me racist? Many people in bordering countries or even cities tend to be more competitive towards each other. Just like India is in cricket towards Pakistan though both countries will hate each other for that time period at the end of the day we are all classified as Desi’s just as Kuwait and Saudi is at the end of the day they are all Arabs. So I don’t really know how you would be racist towards your own kind. I know there are differences in the people of Kuwait compared to Saudi just as I said earlier there are differences between Pakistani people and Indians but we are looked at as the same, and I think the same goes for the Arabs. People see them as the same and when people from those countries make fun of each other or anything I don’t believe that would be considered racist. Being racist would be to me when someone from Saudi went to Kuwait and the Kuwaiti person tells the Saudi you can’t enter the country because you’re Saudi.
Can you call this racism? I really think that this guy has a whole different understanding of racism. People from different places that actually share the same culture can't be racist to each other, specifically when it's in the middle east. I think racism as far as I understand is, "a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others". But the example Nasser gave in this video is so weak and doesn't support the definition of racism. And I really agree with what the guy on blue said, people in philly make fun of people from pittsburg all the time and they aren't called racist, because they share the same culture but they just want to show their pride. The exact same thing happens in the middle east between countries. Everyone tries to show his pride of his country by making fun of things other countries have or do. Even in soccer, when the gulf soccer club starts, people in the middle east start making fun of every other team which definitely doesn't mean they are racist. This happens even between different regions within Saudi Arabia, people in the east make fun of people in the west because of their accents or because of the way they dress, which again doesn't contribute to the definition of racism.
First off, though the people in the conversation deny that Middle Easterners are racist towards each other and just act the way we do because of sports probably haven’t done their research. They have obviously forgotten that many countries today have issues with one another. What about countries such as Kuwait and Iraq or even Yemen and Saudi Arabia because of the current and past political encounters? Is there no tension between all parties? Let’s see, how about all the Arab country and Egypt because they closed the gates between them and Palestine. Oh, let us not forget the situation with the Sunnis and Shi’as, to name a few. In the end, I believe that you are either one thing or not, you cannot be two things at once. So, how can we be racist and not racist at the same time? How can someone deny that they are racist and back it up with talk of how Indians deserve to be treated the way they are currently being treated? Apparently, people will place a whole ethnic background when talking about lower classes such as Rami when he repeated ‘Indians’ several times after Nader mentions lower class. Also, the people in the conversation do believe that this is because of traditions and that even though it is wrong, it is still our culture and we must respect that. Well, there are undeveloped countries today that still use human sacrifices as a purpose of making and offering. I guess because that is a tradition, we should probably leave it as it is.
Racism is always hard to define, and yet it’s probably the most over-used words in our vocabulary. In an age of political correctness, the best thing seen about this word is how some over-use it and automatically declare one racist when there is a difference of opinion and the person is being frank; or that the term is correct in understanding that a people or person of a certain background is receiving unfair judgment and treatment in a way that directly shows that the reason behind it is not due to the character of the person. This clip shows the exact tensions between these two opposing forces which are manifested in a discussion of whether there is racism towards the Middle East and between Middle Easterners themselves (example of the Kuwaiti dude and Saudi Arabian dude).
I understand that sometimes dislike can sprout up just between cities or regions merely on thinking that their culture or city is better than others. The Pitt and Philly comparision is perfect in showing how the two cities are at a war in sports and some verbal arguments; however, there are never any truly unfair comments or treatment towards the other city’s people. This is merely a rivalry. It may even be seen that it is simply friendly bickering. I think the example of the Kuwaiti and Saudi Arabian can not be racism, simply because they are of the same race. More likely, if they are truly at tension that is affecting the interaction between them, then it is more nationalistic pride or “nationalistic ethnocentrism” that would be truly correct in defining it. Although, there are definitely cases where racism can show through it is still hard to discern. An example of this is the Ground Zero Mosque. It is Islamophobia blatant racism or is it simply fear of the unknown or the mere willingness to be led by the media, or is it just political motivations clashing in an issue where it is disguised. I would like to answer that, but that’s for a different blog discussion at a different time.
I think during this discussion what Ahmed said towards the end was very valid point. Many people not only in the Middle East but all over the world are two things at once. In this particular discussion we were arguing whether or not the practice of marring only within your nationality and/or culture (which is more a more common practice in the Gulf countries) is fundamentally racist. Personally, when I first heard about this during the discussion I was very much shocked. I didn’t understand why ones nationality or ethnicity should play an important role in marriage, but most of all I was surprised by how certain people wouldn’t even be considered marriage material just because they are not of the same background. And that is what I felt was blatantly prejudice.
But back to Ahmed’s statement of people in the Middle East being two things at once such as “racist and not racist” I think that he is right on the dot. For example, a few students in the discussion expressed that they agree with this practice of marrying only from their own background, and would not consider somebody who is not…then seconds later say “oh but im not racist…” those who don’t fit the “standards” are still treated equally, just not when it comes to marriage. Well, how that not discriminatory? You can stand at the top of the highest building and scream you are not something…but like the old saying actions really do speak louder than words.
we talked about rascal in the middle east and how it's affecting the people, the mentalities and how people think. there was a lot of aspects put on the table in the last conversations.
people in the middle east might discriminate between the locals of the United arab emirates and other nationalities. For me, i don't think they want to discriminate, because everyone knows how a welcomed and loving the people are back in the United arab emirates. They show other people from other countries how a generous nation they are. yet, because of the standers of living back home are on their top rates, that's why some people might feel discriminated when they come and live in the UAE. Locals have the priority in our country.
Moreover, when Nasser talked about some issues happening between Kuwait and Saudi. I believe theory are only stereotypes between both countries, yet there are no problems and both countries or let's say all gulf countries have good relations with each other.
To add more information, i think when we talked about the traditions in middle east and how they are discriminating and when they through the idea of change.
i believe what ever happens in the future i want the tritons to be kept in our lives. This is why we're living. it's like we have certain attitudes we walk on, Certain believes and most important certain priorities.
i believe Middle eastern countries are not racists, yes back there people are treated differently, yet, this doesn't mean it's racism. Back home we give our respect to every other nationality. However, The local people of the country have the priority in living and every other aspect. If you realize, other foreign people who come from some asian countries to work come by their own will to work and get money to live. This is life. We can't be perfect and people can't be treated the same in some aspects. there are the richpoor, educated non educated. People are just not the same. Yet, we don't discriminate and think we are better. but, Locals in any country have the priority, we cant call this racism.
Moreover, when some people talk about the middle east. I believe this is not our topic and we are getting out of track. The class is discussing the West and the middle east and their issues, not the issues in the middle east and how do we change it.
In my opinion, i think the problems that some people are raising between the middle eastern countries are not that big of a deal because at the end of the night we are one and the issues between us already have a solution. our main discussion here is about the West and the middle not the middle east and the issues in the country. It's the way we live and deep inside i believe every middle eastern is satisfied with the way they live.
I am against with what the guys said about racism especially with Indians or foreigners whom are not within the average class. Most of them came to the Middle East for a purpose that is to make a living. They are not forced to do this; we didn't grab them and treated them like slaves. They had the chance to choose, and they were responsible enough to take it. You guys claim that they are not treated well!! How come and everything is available for them. Transportation, food, accommodation, and off days … etc. I am saying it again, they are NOT slaves, but they are “foreigner workers." I am not being racist, because I am putting myself in their shoe right now. I am an international student, I came all the way from the Arabian Gulf, I left my family, social life, friends, everything for the sake of education. I am not forced to do this, but I chose it for my own reasons, and I am responsible of all the consequences that would be derived from it. For example, back home am not used to riding buses or cabs, but since I am here now, I am living with it. Many times I faced rude taxi drivers who gave me an attitude. It hurts but as I said I am living with it because it was my choice.
I think what the person above wrote is very interesting and that he has some good points that i havent thought of before, however we come here as students not to work for americans. We do face random people who are racist towards arabs, however we do not have to work for those people. I dont think that many people treat foreign workers badly but there are still people who do. I agree with what akf5056 said about them choosing to come here. They come hear because they want to work or because a friend or family member told them about a job opportunity. I have mixed feelings on this issue because i do think that they are in worse conditions than they should be and that not all foreign workers in the gulf are treated this way. Some foreign workes have 6 figure salaries but some of the ones that work for very little money do not get the rights that they deserve are not treated as well a they should be. Not all people treat them unfairly and I think that more people treat them well than bad, however they should not have to deal with those who treat them badly. akf5056 missed a point when saying that he was putting himself in their shoes because i am sure that he came to america with money in his pocket, the people that came to Qatar to work for little moey came because they needed to support their families who are in bad conditions.
“Everyone was two things at the same time,” that’s a very clever way of putting it and a keen observation as well. Arabs in the Middle East pride themselves in having a heritage that speaks volumes on Arab hospitality and 20% of the non-Arab population in the Middle East believes in the Muslim prophet’s words,
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white – except by piety and good action.”
From this Hadith we can conclude that the Islamic faith came to bring people together, make them more humble and tolerant towards other religions. But how many of those Middle Easterners are able to embrace this message and how many of those Arabs are willing to shed years of unspoken resentment towards people of different sectors.
In the United States segregation against the blacks was violent and when they were given their rights it was all anyone could talk about until this day. The Middle East has had similar segregations between people of different nations and beliefs but it was never two specific countries or two specific sectors so that people could deal with the issue effectively. As time goes by the hatred may still remain but people will never admit to it. On the surface it would seem as if no one was bullying a certain group of people because of their skin color or religion but really they are only being civil to each other while patronizing them mentally.
Is this racism? The answer is no and yes. It’s racism because there are known limitations of people that believe in a certain religious sector and it isn’t racism because no one walks in the streets and blatantly kills or discriminates against someone who’s roots are from Africa instead of Asia or who’s sector is Sunni instead of Shi’a and vice versa. It’s much more complex than it is the US and because there are so many Arab countries that don’t see eye to eye and many religions, languages and sectors it’s hard to tackle this problem from a certain angle. This issue requires an in depth study of the entire Middle Eastern and Arab structure, society, religions, people and how they interact with one another.
Yes, you can!! Does ‘racism’ exist in the Middle East? It most definitely does. Some people may look at it like its more ‘rivalry’ than ‘racism’, more the same way Philly people ‘hate on’ Pitt people but I disagree with this because in my opinion, it is in fact racism. I’m Sudanese originally but I was born in the US and I moved to Egypt when I was five and lived there for ten years of my life before returning to the states. Most Sudanese are dark-skinned because we’re Africans but Sudan is also considered an Arab and Muslim country. Egyptians on the other hand, are as I like to describe them ‘peanut buttery-skinned’. I mention this because, during my ten years in Egypt, growing up I experienced a lot of racism because I was darker than everyone else. Some people would blatantly call me ‘nigger’ in Arabic much the same way I experienced it here in the States in high school in a predominately white school. I also experienced ‘racism’ in Sudan when I visited once and like I mentioned before majority of Sudanese are dark-skinned and whenever they would see lighter-skinned people or ‘white’ tourists, they would make fun of them and point at them and definitely make them feel like they’re an outcast. The point is that racism does in fact exist in the Middle East just like it does everywhere else in the world. Ahmed made a good point and that is people back home (Middle East/Arabs) are racist and not racist, both at the same time; it’s difficult to explain.
Can you call this racism? No, you can’t the student who gave the Philadelphia and Pittsburg example was right. I’m from Philadelphia myself and I can admit to you I don’t like Pittsburg or the people simply because they are from there. But that is just a personal thing and not to be taken seriously I have many friends from Pittsburg, but I’ll make fun of them once in a while so would that make me racist? Many people in bordering countries or even cities tend to be more competitive towards each other. Just like India is in cricket towards Pakistan though both countries will hate each other for that time period at the end of the day we are all classified as Desi’s just as Kuwait and Saudi is at the end of the day they are all Arabs. So I don’t really know how you would be racist towards your own kind. I know there are differences in the people of Kuwait compared to Saudi just as I said earlier there are differences between Pakistani people and Indians but we are looked at as the same, and I think the same goes for the Arabs. People see them as the same and when people from those countries make fun of each other or anything I don’t believe that would be considered racist. Being racist would be to me when someone from Saudi went to Kuwait and the Kuwaiti person tells the Saudi you can’t enter the country because you’re Saudi.
Can you call this racism? I really think that this guy has a whole different understanding of racism. People from different places that actually share the same culture can't be racist to each other, specifically when it's in the middle east. I think racism as far as I understand is, "a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others". But the example Nasser gave in this video is so weak and doesn't support the definition of racism. And I really agree with what the guy on blue said, people in philly make fun of people from pittsburg all the time and they aren't called racist, because they share the same culture but they just want to show their pride. The exact same thing happens in the middle east between countries. Everyone tries to show his pride of his country by making fun of things other countries have or do. Even in soccer, when the gulf soccer club starts, people in the middle east start making fun of every other team which definitely doesn't mean they are racist. This happens even between different regions within Saudi Arabia, people in the east make fun of people in the west because of their accents or because of the way they dress, which again doesn't contribute to the definition of racism.
First off, though the people in the conversation deny that Middle Easterners are racist towards each other and just act the way we do because of sports probably haven’t done their research. They have obviously forgotten that many countries today have issues with one another. What about countries such as Kuwait and Iraq or even Yemen and Saudi Arabia because of the current and past political encounters? Is there no tension between all parties? Let’s see, how about all the Arab country and Egypt because they closed the gates between them and Palestine. Oh, let us not forget the situation with the Sunnis and Shi’as, to name a few. In the end, I believe that you are either one thing or not, you cannot be two things at once. So, how can we be racist and not racist at the same time? How can someone deny that they are racist and back it up with talk of how Indians deserve to be treated the way they are currently being treated? Apparently, people will place a whole ethnic background when talking about lower classes such as Rami when he repeated ‘Indians’ several times after Nader mentions lower class. Also, the people in the conversation do believe that this is because of traditions and that even though it is wrong, it is still our culture and we must respect that. Well, there are undeveloped countries today that still use human sacrifices as a purpose of making and offering. I guess because that is a tradition, we should probably leave it as it is.
Racism is always hard to define, and yet it’s probably the most over-used words in our vocabulary. In an age of political correctness, the best thing seen about this word is how some over-use it and automatically declare one racist when there is a difference of opinion and the person is being frank; or that the term is correct in understanding that a people or person of a certain background is receiving unfair judgment and treatment in a way that directly shows that the reason behind it is not due to the character of the person. This clip shows the exact tensions between these two opposing forces which are manifested in a discussion of whether there is racism towards the Middle East and between Middle Easterners themselves (example of the Kuwaiti dude and Saudi Arabian dude).
I understand that sometimes dislike can sprout up just between cities or regions merely on thinking that their culture or city is better than others. The Pitt and Philly comparision is perfect in showing how the two cities are at a war in sports and some verbal arguments; however, there are never any truly unfair comments or treatment towards the other city’s people. This is merely a rivalry. It may even be seen that it is simply friendly bickering. I think the example of the Kuwaiti and Saudi Arabian can not be racism, simply because they are of the same race. More likely, if they are truly at tension that is affecting the interaction between them, then it is more nationalistic pride or “nationalistic ethnocentrism” that would be truly correct in defining it. Although, there are definitely cases where racism can show through it is still hard to discern. An example of this is the Ground Zero Mosque. It is Islamophobia blatant racism or is it simply fear of the unknown or the mere willingness to be led by the media, or is it just political motivations clashing in an issue where it is disguised. I would like to answer that, but that’s for a different blog discussion at a different time.
I think during this discussion what Ahmed said towards the end was very valid point. Many people not only in the Middle East but all over the world are two things at once. In this particular discussion we were arguing whether or not the practice of marring only within your nationality and/or culture (which is more a more common practice in the Gulf countries) is fundamentally racist. Personally, when I first heard about this during the discussion I was very much shocked. I didn’t understand why ones nationality or ethnicity should play an important role in marriage, but most of all I was surprised by how certain people wouldn’t even be considered marriage material just because they are not of the same background. And that is what I felt was blatantly prejudice.
But back to Ahmed’s statement of people in the Middle East being two things at once such as “racist and not racist” I think that he is right on the dot. For example, a few students in the discussion expressed that they agree with this practice of marrying only from their own background, and would not consider somebody who is not…then seconds later say “oh but im not racist…” those who don’t fit the “standards” are still treated equally, just not when it comes to marriage. Well, how that not discriminatory? You can stand at the top of the highest building and scream you are not something…but like the old saying actions really do speak louder than words.
we talked about rascal in the middle east and how it's affecting the people, the mentalities and how people think. there was a lot of aspects put on the table in the last conversations.
people in the middle east might discriminate between the locals of the United arab emirates and other nationalities. For me, i don't think they want to discriminate, because everyone knows how a welcomed and loving the people are back in the United arab emirates. They show other people from other countries how a generous nation they are. yet, because of the standers of living back home are on their top rates, that's why some people might feel discriminated when they come and live in the UAE. Locals have the priority in our country.
Moreover, when Nasser talked about some issues happening between Kuwait and Saudi. I believe theory are only stereotypes between both countries, yet there are no problems and both countries or let's say all gulf countries have good relations with each other.
To add more information, i think when we talked about the traditions in middle east and how they are discriminating and when they through the idea of change.
i believe what ever happens in the future i want the tritons to be kept in our lives. This is why we're living. it's like we have certain attitudes we walk on, Certain believes and most important certain priorities.
hey i hope u can read my post i logged in using my email msartawi89@gmail.com
i believe Middle eastern countries are not racists, yes back there people are treated differently, yet, this doesn't mean it's racism. Back home we give our respect to every other nationality. However, The local people of the country have the priority in living and every other aspect. If you realize, other foreign people who come from some asian countries to work come by their own will to work and get money to live. This is life. We can't be perfect and people can't be treated the same in some aspects. there are the richpoor, educated non educated. People are just not the same. Yet, we don't discriminate and think we are better. but, Locals in any country have the priority, we cant call this racism.
Moreover, when some people talk about the middle east. I believe this is not our topic and we are getting out of track. The class is discussing the West and the middle east and their issues, not the issues in the middle east and how do we change it.
In my opinion, i think the problems that some people are raising between the middle eastern countries are not that big of a deal because at the end of the night we are one and the issues between us already have a solution. our main discussion here is about the West and the middle not the middle east and the issues in the country. It's the way we live and deep inside i believe every middle eastern is satisfied with the way they live.
I am against with what the guys said about racism especially with Indians or foreigners whom are not within the average class. Most of them came to the Middle East for a purpose that is to make a living. They are not forced to do this; we didn't grab them and treated them like slaves. They had the chance to choose, and they were responsible enough to take it. You guys claim that they are not treated well!! How come and everything is available for them. Transportation, food, accommodation, and off days … etc. I am saying it again, they are NOT slaves, but they are “foreigner workers." I am not being racist, because I am putting myself in their shoe right now. I am an international student, I came all the way from the Arabian Gulf, I left my family, social life, friends, everything for the sake of education. I am not forced to do this, but I chose it for my own reasons, and I am responsible of all the consequences that would be derived from it. For example, back home am not used to riding buses or cabs, but since I am here now, I am living with it. Many times I faced rude taxi drivers who gave me an attitude. It hurts but as I said I am living with it because it was my choice.
I think what the person above wrote is very interesting and that he has some good points that i havent thought of before, however we come here as students not to work for americans. We do face random people who are racist towards arabs, however we do not have to work for those people. I dont think that many people treat foreign workers badly but there are still people who do. I agree with what akf5056 said about them choosing to come here. They come hear because they want to work or because a friend or family member told them about a job opportunity. I have mixed feelings on this issue because i do think that they are in worse conditions than they should be and that not all foreign workers in the gulf are treated this way. Some foreign workes have 6 figure salaries but some of the ones that work for very little money do not get the rights that they deserve are not treated as well a they should be. Not all people treat them unfairly and I think that more people treat them well than bad, however they should not have to deal with those who treat them badly. akf5056 missed a point when saying that he was putting himself in their shoes because i am sure that he came to america with money in his pocket, the people that came to Qatar to work for little moey came because they needed to support their families who are in bad conditions.