Job Discussion Forums

Cobra · Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Posts: 436

Denise my students were laughing so hard at these clowns (they watch "Dialogue" as part of the oral English class) that I did not have a chance to ask them!

Cleopatra · Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2003 11:18 am Post subject:

The whole issue of 'going native' has an entirely different meaning for those of us here in the K of SA than it does just about anywhere else.

First of all, hardly anyone would choose to conform to Saudi ways, even if it were possible for them to do so (which it isn't). For example, I'm not going to cover my face and not go anywhere without a male escort - assuming I had one, which I don't. Nor am I going to entirely give up on the simple pleasures of life such as men and similir vices. Not that all Saudis do either, but that's another story ...

Another vital point is that 99% of expats here are in it for the money. So, unlike a teacher in, for example, China, they do not neccessarily have the slightest smidgen of interest in the country and the people. Most expats here haven't a clue about what goes on outside or thier compounds - it's a safe bet that quite a few of them wouldn't even know the King's name. In fact, anyone who shows 'too much' interest in Saudi culture is regarded with bewilderment and even suspicion by a lot of expats. It's all a bit "Passage to India" style.

In all fairness, it has to be said that expats aren't exactly encouraged to get involved with Saudi society. The country is very self-protective and it's rare for people to be invited to Saudi homes etc. So, even if you are interested in the culture, you have very few opportunites to get to learn about it. A shame really, but that's the way it is.

So, in answer to the question, no, I could not say I have 'gone native' nor in truth would I want to. However, I try to blend in as much as possible and do my best not to aggravate people by behaving inappropriately. I've tried to learn Arabic but there are so few opportunites for me to practice. Strange, but true.

Cobra · Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Posts: 436

Hey Cleo -- Anthony here. Don't we have some unfinished business? Very Happy

By the way, lose the signature. It does not suit royalty like you darling.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

In Saudi for some "going native" means accepting Islam. How many foreigners living in the K of SA are prepared to do that ? Well there are some. Some of these converts adopt Saudi dress and attempt to live like Saudis.

Comments anyone ?

Cobra · Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Posts: 436

Scot isn't one of them on trial in the US for treason, the American Taliban?

double agent · Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2003 2:47 pm Post subject: treason uuuhhh

Treason without trees.

um. To the last poster.

Do you think it is treason for having Arabic Friends, lovers, food,
and clothing?

Johnny not the scotch Walker is on prison for participating
with a military group called the TALIBAN. Not for converting
to Islam.

Religious freedom is a part of the American constitution. Or at least
that is what is in print.

But I am curious. Do you think that Teachers currently working
in the Middle East are making Blood Money ?????

Just wondering what is in the hearts of those OUT THERE:

PS... Twisted Evil

Corey · Joined: 05 Jul 2003 Posts: 112 Location: Canada

Am I the only one who thought this was about wearing / not wearing underwear??!! Razz

Cobra · Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Posts: 436

First Johnny converted to Islam; then he became a radical; then a traitor (or so it is claimed but not yet proven); the progression seems so natural!!

Isn't this thread about underwear????

khmerhit · Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2003 12:36 am Post subject:

Absolutely, Cobra. Good point.

Don't neglect to wear your underwear, because you never know when the CIA and the SAS and CNN are going to capture you and show you off to the world. Very Happy

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

John Lindh who became a Taliban was never in Saudi. As far as I remember he converted while in California - home of loopy religions, sects and cults.

He then went to Yemen to learn Arabic and Pakistan to study the "One True Faith".

Within Saudi i have met many from Britain and the US who have converted. Some seem well-adjusted. Some are barking mad.

The Saudis on the surface welcome convertys but are in fact usually suspicious. Perhaps these guys are "just pretending" to get the material benefits of being Muslims ?

Incidentally, in Saudispeak they are "reverts" not "converts". since man's natural state is to be a Muslim. Someone who publicly recites the Shahada is merely reverting to his natural state of accepting the One God and his Last Messenger Mohammed (Peace and Blessings upon Him).

seriouslydog · Joined: 02 Jun 2003 Posts: 32 Location: states

Nine to five I wear boxers but it's au natural when I'm feeling zany.

I've edited the above due to extreme guilt. Usually I don't work so blue, and for that I apologize.

But seriously folks, I'll be here all week.

dog

double agent · Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2003 12:01 pm Post subject: whadda ya mean cowboy

Natural Progression. Shocked

You are stating that Islam leads to Terroism.

shit..you are an *beep*. Get out of teaching-

Corey · Joined: 05 Jul 2003 Posts: 112 Location: Canada

I have gone native. I will leave it to the esteemed posters here to discover in which sense I speak. Cool