Racism a la Kuwaiti Style
I am completety and utterly incensed!
Last night, I went to Souk Sharq with a couple of Egyptian friends. We sat in my car for almost a 1/2 hour, waiting for a parking spot to open up. When one finally did, I tried to maneuver my car into the spot but it had a sharp turn before it, so it took me a failed few tries. Finally my friend's husband, Freddy, said "Why dont u girls get out, and I will try parking the car for you". So as we were getting out, this other car, with 2 Kuwaiti muhajabat and 2 little girls, attemted to take our spot. I quickly ran and stood in the empty spot to ward them off fromtaking stealing it, for they had seen our left signal, and that we were trying to park there for the last few minutes. My friend and I proceeded to quickly tell them that this spot was ours, and that we had been waiting a long time for it.
The woman in the passenger side rolled down her window and with an unpleasant tone asked my friend "Where are you from?!" "Ana misreea" she replied, and pointing in my direction, told her "Wa heya Kuwaitia".
I was very pissed and waved them off dismissively.
WTF! So, if you're not Kuwaiti, you're not entitled to your rightful parking spot?!
Oh, but it didn't end there. The 2 women with their brats found a spot up ahead, and later on, in the mall, they set their brats on us. Whenever they would run into us, or be within earshot proximity, their girls would let out a mocking laugh. Man, I just wanted to spank the crap out of them.
These 2 women were encouraging and raising their daughters to be as ugly, racist and unpleasant as they were!
What is it going to take!? I say all foreigners leave, and let Kuwaitis friggin fend for themselves. Let them clean their own streets, and carry their own trash, and clean their own toilets, and bake their own falafels and fatayers, do their own construction work in the mid-day summer heat. Maybe that is what it will take for them to treat foreigners with more courtesy and truly appreciate them!
I have seen this very kind of mentality and prejudism on a blog belonging to a Kuwaiti woman, and I have seen in in real time. And it all disgusts me.
Peace.
Last night, I went to Souk Sharq with a couple of Egyptian friends. We sat in my car for almost a 1/2 hour, waiting for a parking spot to open up. When one finally did, I tried to maneuver my car into the spot but it had a sharp turn before it, so it took me a failed few tries. Finally my friend's husband, Freddy, said "Why dont u girls get out, and I will try parking the car for you". So as we were getting out, this other car, with 2 Kuwaiti muhajabat and 2 little girls, attemted to take our spot. I quickly ran and stood in the empty spot to ward them off from
The woman in the passenger side rolled down her window and with an unpleasant tone asked my friend "Where are you from?!" "Ana misreea" she replied, and pointing in my direction, told her "Wa heya Kuwaitia".
I was very pissed and waved them off dismissively.
WTF! So, if you're not Kuwaiti, you're not entitled to your rightful parking spot?!
Oh, but it didn't end there. The 2 women with their brats found a spot up ahead, and later on, in the mall, they set their brats on us. Whenever they would run into us, or be within earshot proximity, their girls would let out a mocking laugh. Man, I just wanted to spank the crap out of them.
These 2 women were encouraging and raising their daughters to be as ugly, racist and unpleasant as they were!
What is it going to take!? I say all foreigners leave, and let Kuwaitis friggin fend for themselves. Let them clean their own streets, and carry their own trash, and clean their own toilets, and bake their own falafels and fatayers, do their own construction work in the mid-day summer heat. Maybe that is what it will take for them to treat foreigners with more courtesy and truly appreciate them!
I have seen this very kind of mentality and prejudism on a blog belonging to a Kuwaiti woman, and I have seen in in real time. And it all disgusts me.
Peace.
posted by Truth Seeker at 12/30/2005 09:07:00 PM
42 Comments:
You have more power than all of those people combined, so use it when needed.
don’t generalize sweety and these women have issues.
anonymous: issues they have, yes. however this issue exists with many, many kuwaitis, and when it becomes part of this country's reputation among our 'guests', then it is something that is not to be taken lightly. Just the other day I was reading an article in either the Arab/Kuwait times by Samira al-Roomi, about the attitude that kuwaitis project, that reflects their belief that they are 'entitled' to anything.
Thanks for your input:-) No need for anonymity...
You took the words out of my mouth! sad but true it's known among the Gulf area the majority of Kuwaitis are the most people that act this way. This mentality among us is so wide spread whenever i visit back home i see it in a daily basis, every time I'd say to myself things would change but they don't it only get worse.
The use of terms like "them" and "us" is only promoting more racism. The key is to object to rudeness, discompassion, or intolerance of any sort (by any nationality, race color or creed) rather than drawing additional lines by generalizations. Them in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
Anonymous: I wish someone would say that to them! And when I used the term 'them' I am referring to the 2 kuwaiti women and other kuwaitis who share the same ugliness.
Besides, as a Kuwaiti, how can I be racist against those I share the same nationality with?
Do you deny that such a dilemma exists within the social fabric of this country?
If I were you I'd probably give them a peice of my mind on how they preach islam, the religion that promotes equity between people, when they don't apply it on themselves and their children, but instead teach them to value themselves just because they're "Kuwaiti", be they good or bad, in front of a few people, embaress them, and walk away.
ay yay yay....one of the main reasons i don't live there anymore, and one of the main reasons my parents have decided never to go back!!
but i do miss Souk Sharq!
scrach their car! Kuwaiti style, i'm sure they'll understand
I am sorry, I am not following the story. What is the problem? They don't like what nationality? and why don't they like them?
just passing through - you have an interesting blog
oh wow u have every right to be pissed off and it is true but whats more sad is that this behaviour is so widespread thru the gulf populus that now when some of us do try to be friendly our attempts are faced with nothing but doubt or een unease because well theyre not sure whether we're being friendly or creepy
As a Pakistani who's lived in Kuwait practically all my life, I can vouch that Kuwaitis do not have the best reputation amongst most of us expatriates. The arrogance, attitude, racism; are some of the typical traits and we face it everytime we need to get something official done and also sometimes during our day to day activities. Mind you, I have worked with some very educated, polite and considerate Kuwaitis but the general feeling is that they're a rare species.
Having spent all of my life here (I'm 26 years old out of which 5 years were spent abroad for education), I do wish Kuwait the very best, it ought to be like my first home dammit, but it never gave me that feeling!
Unfortunately, a lot of times we reach a point where this is what we expats think, "What the heck, if these guys could do anything, we wouldn't be here in the first place. Lets avoid them as much as we can and make hay while the sun shines. We'll move off the day these guys draw their last drop of precious oil". I believe that oil is Kuwait's curse and on a similar note, I cannot guarantee that my people would have been any better than Kuwaitis (with reference to the above-mentioned traits) had we also found oil.
I still wish Kuwait well as nevertheless it has given me a lot.
I can't say anyone has ever been racist towards me in Kuwait, but things like women ignoring me and cutting infront of me at the waiting room (only in Kuwait Magic and those areas) has happened a few times.
I now know what to say in these situtions: Doory (my turn)(and in my head add: bin....(swair word inserted here))
As for men, well, they are usually a bit too friendly.
I guess the only stereotype people put on me is that since Im European I must be a slut, hence the friendliness from men.
But recently Kuwaiti/Arab girls are harassed just the same.
Hi Sultana,
All along I thought you were kuwaiti. Thanks for sharing. I think the racism kicks in once a person opens their mouths, and non-kuwaiti arabic exudes. I've been cut in line, but I usually say something about it in an audible voice, loud enough to attract attention, and the wrong-doer ends up going back to their place, sheepishly:-)
oops, the above was posted by myself... I forgot to log in
Nice Blog ;)
Yeah, to be honest, some Kuwaitis can be arrogant and inconsiderate toward the other nationality especially to fellow Arabs. However, I don't think this kind of racism exist in Kuwait only but mostly in all Arab countries. For example, when I went to Egypt, the instance you mention you are from Kuwait or any other Gulf country, they immediately assume that we are filthy rich and arrogant and their attitude change because of that (just like what happened to you).
Another example happened to my cousin who was studying in Jordan. He actually was discriminated and beaten up during the Iraqi war in 2003.
All in all, I completely agree with you but to narrow racism in Kuwait is wrong, cuz honey all Arab countries need some serious adjustment and so their people.
Hiya Fallen Angel,
thanks for sharing. well, i dont intend to narrow racism down to just kuwait, but on the same token, i dont live in other arab countries. i live in kuwait, so i can only address the issues of the country i am currently living in.
I also went to egypt for my first time, back in march, some people knew i was kuwaiti, and tried ripping me off... lol. but i learned how to bargain my way down. I didn't get mistreated there, in the sense that i was made to feel inferior because of my nationality. Maybe its because i dont look typically kuwaiti? and my arabic accent has engish undertones to it?
In the US I was often asked if i was Egyptian, or Latina. In Kuwait im mistaken for an American... so go figure:-)
hope your cousin recovered!
Thanks for complimenting my blog. Speaking of cool blogs, there's a really cool one called The Grenadine. Check it out!
hi dear . i'm French living in kw since long time now .... it is getting worth and worth . In life and especially in business .
I've lived in many country, and never in my life I 'v seen a nation that mush hated by it expatriate community
That is not coming from us .
zeldadesign@yahoo.com
Not all Kuwaitis are like that. You're calling kuwaitis rascists..well your doing the exact same stereotypical thing. I admit those women were very rude, but tht still doesn't give you the right to dub all Kuwaitis as rascists. And if you took the time to ask all the foreigners who work here how thankful they are to be here, you'de be suprised.Oh, and if you don't like it here honey, leave.
sWOW, a French man say that we are racist. I hate when an expatriates complain about Kuwaitis, If you do not like US just leave (to Saudi Arabia). In 1990 we did clean our street, pick up the garbage. We did it before and we can do it now.
KWA
Kuwaiti With Attitude
In 1990 Kuwaitis picked up their own trash. See what it took for them to humble themselves to the point of cleaning up their own streets? an invasion.
Not exactly by choice, now is it?
KWA, tell it like it is.
I totally know what you mean, and it is sad to see this happening!
I have never seen a blog entry that so entirely resonates with me. You are so right, in a county where 'kayfee kuwaiti' is part of the local slang - something is seriously wrong.
this is NOT something that is shared in most other gulf countries. Only in Kuwait and Saudi do people actually THINK they are better than other people. In Bahrain, even Indians are treated as comrades and equals. In Egypt sure they try and fleece you but they dont look DOWN on you.
Anonymous - 1990 was a long time ago. If all of us left now you probably wouldn't know the first thing about washing/wiping your own ass.Kuwait would fall apart if we all left.
Vivacious and anonymous - there are such things as generalisations that help you understand a culture better, and generalisations that are misconceptions - any cultural anthropologist will tell you that. The generalisation that Kuwaitis are racist, rude, cruel and exploitive may not be true of every single individual but it is definitely one of those that is more representative of the culture than not
Muslim artist - I often rant and rave about kuwaiti attitudes and cruelty and i really have less of a right to do it than you do. It really makes me one notch happier in this country to know that you being kuwaiti, are pissed off about this. If only the country was filled with people like you.
Wow, i am half kuwaiti myself and i dont have nething against any other race or nationality. I dont think im the best and i think we all have the rights.. but when i hear stories like this, i really hate the idea that i am even HALF kuwaiti! these kuwaiti women are brought up in the most messedup ways..jus totally spoilt and not worth being looked at in my opinion. Alota ppl get shocked when i talk bout my countrys ppl this way, but its the truth...and it really bugs me..
im glad u didnt let them get away wit getin into ur space.. and i really hope u dont have to go thru it again...
"Pride and Prejudism". LOL
I don't mean to be condescending, I just find it cute when girls make up words.
Once at the Sultan Center a big American stoe our place and as we looked at him, he nodded and said, 'but look how we saved you in the Gulf War.'
What can you do?
wow all of this is so over whelming its an actual problem that most Kuwaitis have and thats a fact .. no matter how many times you sugar coat it!!! all Kuwaitis are racists all of them and the ones who are not they are sweet enough coz they lived abroad and they realize that they are equals anywhere and everywhere!! its just sad that such a beautiful country with such generous people would have this kind of a backward mentality.
Hi,
I have read your full story with great amusement... I think you have described the situation very well. However, i would like to tell you that these stories tepeat here in Qatar, but we should be honest and Frank in that these behaviors are not general, i mean some Kuwaitis (very few) behave this way?. Please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you. This kind of discussion interest me... If you do not mind visiting my blog at i have very good staff there: http://tryittoo.blogspot.com/
Cordially, Khaldun
good post. racism needs to be addressed. good work.
babe its happens in Dubai ALL the time!! am with my friends (non-emarati) and you should hear the drama that happens to us!
Have lived in Kuwait almost ten years now. I hate to say it, because there are some really nice Kuwaitis that I know, but most of the posts on this blog are dead right.
The parking space story sums up the mentality of a large number of nationals. While some of the youngsters regard themselves as Muslims, they seem to forget that this means being a responsible citizen who is respectful to others.
Yet many young Kuwaitis would happily carve you up on the Fahaheel Expressway in their dad's car or their own yellow Hummer 4x4 (which they have never worked a day in their life to pay for), get you killed in a car accident, and then get all their mates to stand around while your dead body was dragged out of the wreckage - oh, and then get let off by the police because they have "wasta."
It is all pretty tragic really. On the one hand, you have many well-spoken, polite and traditional Kuwaiti families who genuinely want to bring the country into the twenty-first century. Many of them are western educated and speak better English than myself.
On the other, you effectively have a society with few, if any morals, whose national pastime is shopping and eating out, that can't clean up after themselves, get maids to make their beds, drivers to wash their five or more gas-gussling cars, but still claim to be a good Islamic society....
Stay safe. Don't drive after 7pm.
They surely have issues.. يسمونه بالكويتي
"فيها عقدة نقص"
Don't generalize as anonymous commented..
and its a Nice blog u have btw ;>
Such behaviour is totally unexpected and as a Kuwaiti apologize dear.
girl.....dont be no hater....(like them)...spread the love.....
I was in a mall last week with my family and a little brat (6-7 yrs) came out of nowhere and hit my dad. When the mother came walking towards us, we told her and her answer was 'What's the problem? He's only a child?'!!!
Forget giving the boy a stare let alone a reprimand, she actually laughed it off. I was with my daughter and if she did something like that to an adult or child, she'd be getting a stren word from me and an apology to the person offended.
But I guess that it was too much to ask. You can only teach ur kids to respect others if you yourself know how to respect others.
Fast forward to 100 years from now... when there is no more oil, what will your children do? Those with their heads filled with attitude and buried in sand, will most probably have passed on. What about your children (or their children)? Is this the legacy you want to leave.
P.S. the 'you' mentioned is not to anyone specific, but to all kuwaitis, both the callous and the decent.
Ha ha chill ppl...Pride always comes before a fall..Oil will not last forever...and when its out i really do wanna see these ppl(kuwaitis)..
interesting !!
u r totally right about this and i agree with u, but from where i see it, kuwaities are getting better in this issue and day by day they are accepting the fact that without foreigns, kuwait will fall apart
they should know that even if some of the foreigns are useless they still have to respect them!! i mean u dont have to be an affective person in kuwait to i can respect u !!
i lived my whole life here in kuwait and am egyptian, for us men, its much more simple, cuz men can deal with each other and they are frndly, but for women !! oooh maaaan they are just sooooo stupid to think like this and truly they deserve a slap to wake them up !! the bigger problem here is that living in such community and society makes u think like them automatically !! if i saw hindi or taxi driver and he pumped into my car and its his mistake, believe meeeee i will go and kick his ass !! just bcuz he is hindi !!! i hate this, but ask ur self the same question, wt will u do?? living here in kuwait made us think like this, and it has to stop !!
thanks and i hope that all of us (me included) stop treating others according to their nationality.
Yes thats 100 percent agreeable, im with you about racisim, but hey dnt forget that the only, well not the only bs the a'3labiya bilkwayt who are like that are most of the time beduins! They are the only people in kuwayt who are not sivilized and act like savages and treat their women like crap! Ana mu ibduwiya oo im not trying to be judgemental but from what ive seen and delt with i think i pretty know whats going on in their lives. Im not saying that all beduins are unsivilized, bil3ax i have many friends who are beduins and are educated and even smarter than me! What im trying to say os dnt say kuwaitis in general, intay kuwaitiya and you should understand. After all bil islam ur supposed to defend ur wa6an and atleast try tastreen 3alayhom bedal ma tufthi7eenhom on a blog:) oo seriously im not suprised to hear that youve studied abroad, 5% of kuwaitis who studied abroad come back with a typical idiotic american fikra about kuwaitis...oh and dnt forget sweety americans are much bigger asshole racists than us:) i hope you dnt take my comment as an insult, thankyou
thank you
مدير موقع عرب كول
thank you
مدير موقع بي اس آي جيرماني
thank you
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