Tuesday, May 15, 2007

I don't know the answer to this one

why is society so segregated based on culture and ethnicity?

9 comments:

secretdubai said...

I dunno but it seems to be human nature. It's certainly not unique to this country. But the UAE does need stronger anti-discrimination legislation and enforcement of that legislation which would help matters. And above all more integrated schools.

Anonymous said...

I think this problem is world wide, not only to the Gulf nations. However, the problem with the Middle East is far worst with the fact that not only do the disciminat against non Arabs but with Arabs also. I mean WTF is that all about. With all honestly I do not know how the future of the Gulf will be and bright it is not.

Unknown said...

People fear difference.

What's different, is certainly bad.

RnD

rosh said...

I debate so often on this topic and right now am not sure where to even begin :)
Personally - it's conflicting & confusing at the sametime. We grow up in this multi-cultural society/country - yet can't have a more segregated lifestyle or less integrated society?

My brother's fiance is a "Pakistani Emarati" and my best friends fiance is "Lebanese Emarati" - that's how I have to describe whilst trying to introduce them to people within say the Arab or Indian/Pakistani communities.

Most often people just can't accept the fact - these folks are humans first and have "integrated".

You know, an aspect I am most sad about with respect to my life in the UAE, is the fact I didn't get to know of the many wonderful people who make up this nation, primarily given our lack of integration. Off late via blogging I've met some wonderful souls and hope continue to meet more with time. It is important you know, for people like you & I to know the country and it's inhabitants (locals/expats) so we are better aware where we come from.

I think with time, there will be more acceptance and segregation amongst various nationalities.

rosh said...

"And above all more integrated schools"

sah sah!

hut said...

Segregation here in the UAE stems probably from the different economic situations of the various 'communities'.
When I lived in London our neighbours were Indians, Iranians,English, Irish, Italian...all in the same street = with more or less the same middle class income.
Now, how do you expect people of various nationalities - ethnicities to integrate, or at least live alongside each other without any bad feelings, if they do not even earn the same wages for doing the same work, and if the law does not apply to all in equal measure...

KittySigurdardottir. said...

I live in the south ,in America,the beautiful,and it makes me sad,how the churches here are segregated,I am praying for mixed churches not mixed-up once.We need to get TOGETHER,slowly but surely.

Susan said...

The absense of anything permanent in the society. The inability of outside cultures to assimilate.

Salomie said...

You're most welcome. Plz do recommend the book to others, you know... pay it forward. So many people could use insights like that.

Peace!