Job Discussion Forums

AnneCO · Joined: 11 Feb 2012 Posts: 53 Location: US

Pepper spray?

2buckets · Joined: 14 Dec 2010 Posts: 515 Location: Middle East

Pepper spray is not available. If you get caught bringing it in, you will go to prison. If you use it, you will go to prison. If you get caught with it, you will go to prison.

Get the picture.

AnneCO · Joined: 11 Feb 2012 Posts: 53 Location: US

I figured I'd wind someone up with that one - sigh.

ellethom · Joined: 29 Sep 2011 Posts: 39 Location: Wherever I May Roam

For the purpose of clarification, it is not only cars full of teenaged boys, its grown men as well, its as if they have no filter.

i leave my home covered every day, and still, they see the pale skin and assume it is ok to taunt. the fact is, this is how it is. yes, it is tough, yes it is relentless, and many of the teachers i work with also say that wearing the niqab helps....But, it is not for me.

Leanr two phrases in Arabic that do help.

!. Ask if they are Muslim,

2. Say shame on you

Both of these, in the proper Arabic, tend to help

i don;t want to get into a whole discussion about it, but the situation does force you to grow a thicker skin. i am fortunate that in my building where i am, there are very respectable workers here, who look out for the female teachers under their 'charge.' Perhaps its time to move?

AnneCO · Joined: 11 Feb 2012 Posts: 53 Location: US

2buckets comment got me thinking although I was mostly joking about the pepper spray. I contacted a woman who lives in Jeddah and she asked her friends and got the following response about pepper spray:

"One woman hid hers inside her checked bag and got it into KSA without incident. Just be sure that the device is locked so it doesn't expel its contents during the flight. However someone pointed out that it is illegal everywhere to take it on commercial airline flights. Another woman responded that she brought in a stun gun hidden in her checked bag, and another one brought in a retractable steel baton."

NOTE: pepper spray is illegal on commercial flights!!!

Also I found an article on some young women using pepper spray on the religious police in 2007. I would have thought 2buckets would be right in a consequent prison sentence however:

"The two females were then escorted to the police station where they apologized for the attack, were cautioned and then released."

As far as the threat of prison, there are occasional stories of Muslim women who choose to remain in prison as it is a better place for them then society - pretty sad.

And now after REALLY getting off topic: from what I've read, the worst place for a woman is anywhere where they do not have a supportive community of other women as well as men (drivers, guards, managers) who protect them. Unfortunately all this can probably change from good to bad or vice versa in the time it takes to obtain a visa and arrive in SA.

Bebsi · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 958

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

johnslat · Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2012 1:09 am Post subject:

Dear veiledswntiments,

True - it's a "shame society" whereas we're a "guilt society." Has to be done in public, though.

Very Happy

Regards,
John

posh · Joined: 22 Oct 2010 Posts: 430

I often get kerb crawled and have lewd comments sent my way and I'm male. Young guys step into my path but it's not a confrontational thing it's an attention seeking device. It's amazing how annoyed/aggressive they get when ignored, which I put down to the maid at home at their beck and call. Seen it in the classroom from adult males too.

On the way home one evening I was walking through a posh residential area when a crew in a car gave me the usual expletives learned from movies and I gave them the customary finger. These guys didn't stop though and were circling the block and coming back to give more abuse. When they mentioned my mother I found a good-sized rock and decided they would be on the receiving end if they came by again. Sure enough the car appeared and as it went by the rock flew through the back window as if it was made of paper.

Wouldn't exactly recommend this to females but just show them the contempt they deserve and you'll hit a nerve.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Take great care giving anyone the finger in the rest of the Gulf. I know of expats being arrested for doing this in Oman and in the UAE.

VS

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

bulgogiboy · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 803

I had co-workers who were propositioned more than once, both in the street and by students. (car) Horn honking was pretty brazen. This was towards male co-workers. I can only imagine what the ladies have to put up with. Saudi is a truly dreadful place!

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 3:42 am Post subject:

Where I lived, women tended to find good, honest, protective drivers. Often you can " inherit" a good one from someone who is leaving. He will keep you safe and advise you rather strongly about where to go and not to go. Best case is two or more women regularly sharing the same taxi driver. Tip him generously, especially at the Eids and during Ramadan. Ask to see pics of his kids and remember their names. When you bake, save some cookies or cake for him. Chances are, he will guard you with his life, as you are"his" foreigner and to dishonor you would dishonor him. I miss so many friends in KSA, but no one as much as my dear driver. We stay in touch by e-mail Very Happy

PeterParvo · Joined: 18 Dec 2011 Posts: 103

Don't forget that you will be living in the world's largest female prison.

There may be you out there who will say it's not so bad if you find friends...blah, blah, blah. They will eventually get you (women), sooner or later. They will treat you like a beast of burden and that's it.