Job Discussion Forums

[randall020105]

Hey all - I am not there yet. I felt I needed to know this before hand... How are the darker skin colored expats treated in general over there?
Sincere answers please... i get it that some may have some time on hand to poke fun, i honestly don't mind that(given an opportunity i might even do the same...hehe), but some insight and honest responses would be appreciated... sorry if it seems I am hi-jacking the thread!

R.

[johnslat]

Dear randall020105,

Is there prejudice in Saudi? Of course there is - there's prejudice everywhere.

How are "darker skin-colored expats" treated in general over there?"

Well, that's not so easy to answer. I worked, in both Jeddah and Riyadh, with about half a dozen such expats, a couple from the US, the others from African countries. I never personally saw any incidents of biased behavior and I never heard any of those teachers complain of any.

However, it's simply a fact that in Saudi, as in every other country, people who harbor racial (and other) prejudices are present, and there's always a chance that you will encounter some.

If you're a "darker skinned expat" chances are people who don't know you will usually assume that you're from Africa, and, in general, there IS a "pecking order," based mostly on nationality there. Africans are not so high on that "pecking order." There are "darker skin-colored" Saudis, too, and, in my experience, there's a tendency for other Saudis to treat them more often as "second-class citizens" (kind of like in the States, huh?). I can recall "lighter-skinned Saudis" admitting freely that they wouldn't let one of "them" marry into their families.

So, yes, there's prejudice, but I'd say it's likely that you won't be greatly affected by it - again, maybe kind of like here in the States.

Which is NOT to say that there isn't any chance that you won't encounter it; however, if you're a "darker-skinned individual," I suspect such encounters may not be all that unfamiliar to you, no matter where you're from (unless it's Africa - and even there, I've seen lighter-skinned Africans
flaunt their "superiority" over more darkly-skinned ones.)

It's a crazy world, after all.

Regards,
John

[cmp45]

[scot47]

One tactic is to accept the path to insanity. No one will notice - there are so many crazies around KSA.

Someone might spot it when you leave.

[al-Californian]

[randall020105]

cmp45 wrote: ... but do think John answered it pretty well...

+1 as did you cmp45...

I do appreciate any input, whether it be positive and whether it be poking

a bit of fun... i'm easy going.

generally i don't let things irrelevant to my own personal growth affect me

like racism and/or other shenanigans... water on a ducks back...

My Momma raised me right!

I need to add though that as a darker skinned individual it's quite an event

though living the actual life of one who is being treated a certain way when

one didn't choose one's own situation(if i could though...i wouldn't for any

amount of money make any changes). some people just get awkward a

suddenly 'politically correct' around a person - a kinda uneasiness...

and I get it... to be honest, I too get slight undercurrent itchy skin around

people who aren't LIKE me... that's not racism though... I'll refer to it as

'clicking' ... we just don't click! not to say there won't be any interaction at

all... man were not created to be an island! i'm all for going out mingling

and all those other good stuff! I have friends from all over the globe, and

we grew up with my parents working in 3 or more continents with their

friends vacationing with us from all walks of life from bunking on a yacht

spinning our arms off to get the sails right to avoid collisions and tipping to

the humblest of dwellings where you really appreciate what you have and

your blessings in life... Asia has taught me to really try... REALLY TRY to

put yourself in another man's/woman's shoes/slippers and see things from

another angle... actions of possible discriminatory intentions are actually

really funny(that's what it boils down to) since sheltered mono-cultural

habits tend to steer you in a direction where general logic may not suggest

the best possible way to behave around people other than yourself.

After selling my book on this I'll forward my letter of apology to the kind

sir/madam aptly named "al-Californian" along with some proceeds to show

good spirit!

I just need to mentally prepare myself all over again for a similar

experience as the one I had all over Asia...

Whoo-Sah!! *gently massaging my temples* I may already be insane!

R.

[cmp45]

Yes al-Californian is correct. You will by ALL accounts realize that you are not in america...

Philosophical ruminations aside... the color of your skin will be the least of your worries...(you'll be part of the majority) so do not lose too much sleep over it.

[al-Californian]

[randall020105]

[Charliedontsurf]

Staying sane, afraid of losing it? I guess I never had it to lose in the first place.

Strategies? Keep plodding...keep calm and carry on. That is certainly my experience in the work arena.

Being an economic refugee anywhere is difficult but there are higher degrees of difficulty associated with the Kingdom. Saudi presents you, if you live over here as a single fella, with a myriad of social, cultural and climatic restrictions. Stating the obvious I know.

Strategies. Depends on the type of person you are....you have to look to yourself. The Kingdom allows you the luxury of introspection, certainly.

There are however, certain rules of thumb, practised by the more cannier and economically advantaged citizen.

Plan your holidays outside the Kingdom and plan them well.
Use technology to keep you connected to people...Skype, e mail, Twitter, Facebook.
Plan breaks within the Kingdom.....a weekend away in Taif hits the spot for me.
Play sport....a good way to build up your social network.
Buy a Kindle equivalent...reading cannot harm you.
Embrace cafe culture
Retail therapy is good.....smarten up your appearance. Quality clothes and shoes are far cheaper here.
Look to connect with people...even if it's only the local shopkeepers and cafe owners
Take an interest in the culture, politics and social life of the country.
The list is limitless really....

We are all looking for tips on a daily basis. We look to supplement the time away from our family and loved ones.

Enjoy the journey, the destination is a bonus.

All the best

[al-Californian]

Thanks for the great tips, Charlie!

[scot47]

Going crazy is just a way of adapting to your environment.

[veiledsentiments]

Or you could take lessons in driving / car maintenance from the local boys:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/16/changing-tires-on-two-wheels_n_2702583.html?utm_hp_ref=comedy

This is on the comedy page of Huffington Post of all odd places.

VS

[sicklyman]

[johnslat]

How not to go nuts in Saudi? That's easy - be crazy when you go there. Saves a lot of time.

Regards,
John