why are forigners afraid of us?
salam,hi,hola,......etc
although Qatar is a multinational and multicultural country, english is like the 1st languege in this country, even we "qataries" used to speak english
however, i still wonder that look on forigners's faces that imply a fear to comunicate with us or at least we may understand it like that..
i'd like to see your responses
"I am a Qatari, I got a cruiser, and i do drive safely you babydrivers"
Perhaps the divide you mentioned among Qataris also applies to various other nationalities in their respective countries. I believe that it all lies in the exposure of the age-group (or socities in general) to the world. The exposure comes in all forms: through sports, IT & telecommunication, personal contact with other nationalities via tourism culminating in the acceptance to cultures alien to them, etc.
So in the case of Qataris, yes I strongly agree with you that the citizens between the twenties to mid-thirties are the most interactable of the lot. It's certainly not surprising given that it is an important age where young professionals seek to establish and potray themselves to the outside world. They probably understand more than any other group that it's a small world after all.
For the younger generation ie the juvenile or adolescent group, well, their perception of the world probably does not go beyond Qatar or the region - perhaps with the exception of exposure or influence of music, sports and fashion. There is no apparent need for them to accept other cultures and that leads to arrogance through sheer immaturity or ignorance.
For the older generation, well, that's another story altogether, isn't it? There is probably no real need for them to discover the outside world which unfortunately produces a similar-if not radical- outlook as the juveniles towards the world they see around them.
I don't think people are scared. It's just human nature to be apprehensive when meeting someone new or from a different culture. Once the ice is broken, most people get on. Look at the various nationalities, cultures contributing and sharing ideas on this site.
Ben Qatar, a belated welcome to QL, and I would be very interested to hear your opinion on what I am about to say:
I have been here for almost 5 years now, and I've noticed a marked distinction between different age groups of Qataris (and again, this is generalising which I know is not strictly correct). It seems that those who are in their late twenties to mid thirties have a real grasp of international issues, and are very welcoming to expatriates of all nationalities. They are urbane, sophisticated, friendly, polite, and very interested in how other nationalities view Qatar.
On the other side of the coin, those who are older but don't hold a high position in society, business or government, appear to be sullen, rude and arrogant. The same applies to most Qatari children and teenagers that I have seen - spoiled, rude and arrogant would be the description I would use for most of them. Of course, there are exceptions to this as there are in any group (my own teenage son has some Qatari friends who are polite to the extreme, and others who you just want to give a backhander to), but on the whole this is what I have noticed during my time here.
Is this something that other people have noticed, or is it just my imagination?
"You can't tell which way the train went by looking at the tracks"
i think iam improving my english in QL
YOU DONT KNOW ME, DONT EVEN TRY !!!
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hi again
i just would like you all to know that i really understand your concerns and complains about some experiences you might have faced or heard about here in my country which am proud of BTW for what it has given me, but what makes me sad is that you expats (and please excuse me for generalizing) don't feel the same about it although its your right to cuz its not your home land . what am saying is theoretically cuz i have never been through your situations (expat) and i dont know how it feels like , so theoretically these experiences that you have been through or you have heard of should definitely happen while you are an expat in any country in the world as kind of a tax for leaving your country and looking for a better economical status.
so asking for equality i think is impossible - even these football players who recently have been given the qatari nationalities some might disagree about their rights- BTW am not against these players at all.
but there are certainly rights for the expats, thats what the Human rights organization do , make sure that these rights are not to be taken.
And All my concerns about my country are to be the best in applying the human rights declaration which i have read
So in my next post i hope we will all work together to collect any suggestions or may be human rights violations and we will make sure that they will be worked out
enjoy living in qatar,,, c u
lol
IF EVERYONE WAS TO TAKE AN EYE FOR AN EYE, THE WHOLE WORLD WOULD'VE BEEN BLIND TODAY - MAHATMA GANDHI
Ever since i arrived here, i hear about the bad side of Qataris and in all this time ive met two Qataris and both times i have found them to be exceptionally helpful, friendly and great to talk to. I think its because of lack of exposure and all the stories you hear in Q about their experiences.
Dont judge a book by its cover, you will be surprised what you encounter if you keep an open mind and dont stereotype people, just because youve heard horror stories or had a bad experience with someone. Theres good and bad people in every nationality..
Me? Afraid of Qataris? Why would I be? Would you be afraid of my countrymen/women when you visit or work in my country?
Excellent. I have always felt that if the whole world could have a cup of GOOD coffee and a nice shower every morning, there would be less warfare.
I think this would be a good time to step in and mention i just had a nice shower. Thank you.
"Famous weird quote that makes no sense" -Some important famous person
lol...true Tweety...I was subjected to that today and admin banned the user. But the good outweighs the bad. If I can help anyone to understand Qatar and Qataris more and be of any assistance then I'm happy. Also, I get a slice of expatriate opinion and life which is interesting.
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www.nfcr.org
I agree. Good people come in different gendrs, shapes, sizes, colors and from all cultures and walks of life. The same can be said for the not so good. It is unfair to lump people into a single category based on stereotype. Unfortunately that is easier said than done. I myself am guilty of it and I have also beem the victim of it. The best we can do is recognize prejudice for what it is and try to do better.
I enjoy the glimpses you give us of your culture as well as your perspective and I sincerely hope you continue to post here in QL. The abuse that is occasionally directed towards your country and countrymen in this forum would be enough to make me never log on again.
What a strange illusion it is to suppose that beauty is goodness.
~Tolstoy~
Tweetybird, no offense taken at all! It's a forum and everyone is free to express themselves. I hope I can put across my own personality as well as provide an insight into my culture and country. We have similarities but are all different. This is true of all the world. There are no two the same if you get beyond the stereotypes and get to know people.
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Mmmm, it is my perception that there is a definite generation gap among man Qataris. I have found many of the older generation of Qataris to be genteel and kind, but I see, from my perspective anyway, many young Qatari men becoming more and more like Kuwaitis. I feel safe in saying that many would think that there is little to emulate in the attitude of many Kuwaitis...
Exactly! With power comes responsibility. Also, I apologize if my sentiments offended you (I hope they didn't) and I say that not because you are Qatari but because you come across in your posts as a decent and caring woman.
What a strange illusion it is to suppose that beauty is goodness.
~Tolstoy~
I have always believed that if you have 'power' then it comes with a big responsibility not to abuse it.
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www.nfcr.org
Word does get around. I have heard from people who have had experiences with Qataris that are similiar to what Oryx described. For the record I don't believe that these instances represent the entire population. I actually think that these types of people are in the minority but the fact is, it still happens and you realize as an expatriate that it could happen to you as well so it is understandable that expatriates approach Qataris with caution. I do agree with Diamond Girl when she said that people with the least amount of power are the ones who abuse it. We call that "little man's syndrome" where I come from but it should be noted that even those with a little power can make it really rough for those with no power. On a positive note I do believe things are changing in Qatar for the better.
What a strange illusion it is to suppose that beauty is goodness.
~Tolstoy~
lol spicemom...
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tobyson - einstein really said that??wow blimey.......
life's too short so make the most of it, you only live but once.......
I try not to judge people by what they wear. Everyone is unique in their own way and deserves to be thought of as such.
There's been a couple of threads recently about Filipinas. To me, to talk about nations of people as all being the same is wrong.
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You're right, I was generalising.
I assume you are generalising and not speaking to me personally. No I don't think it is an identity crisis. I think it is up to the individual how they decide to present themselves.
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I don't mean to offend Diamondgirl, but if you wear an abaya to dress modestly, then wear an inch of makeup, a bottle of perfume, and designer clothes underneath, isn't this an identity crisis???
I've just checked wth myself and I'm definitely not having an identity crisis lol.
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Gumby said BTW, Qatari is most ...
BTW, Qatari is most definitely NOT a multi-national and multi-cultural country. It may have many nationalities living here, but it is very very far from being multi-cultural.
This is spot on. With all expats oppressed in one form or another, and Qatari's having an identity crisis, there is no culture.
BTW, Qatari is most definitely NOT a multi-national and multi-cultural country. It may have many nationalities living here, but it is very very far from being multi-cultural.
Hmmmm, complicated question. Yes, many Qataris are to be feared. You have enough interactions with abusive and aggressive Qataris that you learn to treat all of them very cautiously and with little trust. It is not correct, but it is the whipped dog syndrome. It is a small percentage, but it is a real percentage, and enough to colour your perception of the whole people. It takes a long time to really get to know a Qatari, the safest option is to keep them at arm's length until you really know them.
Seriously, there are people like this everywhere, the individuals are not uncommon or unique, but the power that they have is. Qatar has an under-developed legal human rights system and few checks on the behaviour of nationals-capricious abuses are not uncommon and word gets around.
should i be scared or worried in case i meet a Qatari one day????
lol
seriously i think it is like everywhere.there are nice ones,some are polite.kind,friendly and helping,others could be cold and rude.
depends on the person and maybe on how his day was/is.
so no,i will take it how it comes.
cheers and good morning.
;-))
*WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU KNEW YOU COULD NOT FAIL?*
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en.cfm/home
Ben Qatar, I believe I have seen you many times while driving. You let in me front of you even though I'm driving an old car. You opened the door for others at the mall. You smiled as you walked along with your child. Yes, there are some very kind Qatari's.
Here are two things that make you think we are afraid of you:
(1) We don't KNOW you. We work at our jobs for long hours and go home. We don't work with any Qataris. We don't have a chance to mingle with any Qataris. We must avoid what we don't know from fear.
(2) We hear the stories from friends of how, during heated moments on the road, a Qatari writes down the plate number of a car. Then he files a complaint with the police and the road battle then becomes a legal affair with fines and such for the expat. So, yes, we are "afraid" that this may happen to us.
Einstein came up with his last theory before he died.
"The Dish-dash syndrome" (Thobe)
"When you see a qatari you tend to overestimate his power and underestimate his intelligence"
BenQ,
Sorry for the late response, but if i wasn’t late i wouldn’t have responded to this thread... I’m just back from my late night drive, i usually go to long drives in the night. lemmi explain you an incident happened to me tonight...
I was driving in a normal speed near pearl Qatar and found two black land cruisers at my back, i reduced my speed and gave them the left lane to cross by, but they didnt overtaken me and kept following, suddenly both the drivers made an over take in lightning speed one from my left and other from the right and that also on a two lane road, where i had no space to move right or left...
Now tell me, what would you think about a person who drives like this...
and what would you call this, i wasn't scared with their driving but my impression was like " ahh idiots with a smile on my face"
Keep smiling
“Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.”
Martin Luther King.
hi again,
i would like to bring this topic back cuz i felt like i should apologize for the misunderstanding that some people had from my topic's subject.
my topic was only about the communication and its difficulties between locals and expatriates. IT WAS NOT EVER ABOUT RESPECT AND DISRESPECT.
also i would like to thank the people who came late to the topic and posted some really honest good points that i read after i presented my paper and wished i read it earlier
this topic for me started as just a simple socializing issue we all face in this country but unfortunately it kinda end up by some serious deep issues like
qatari culture is behind by some 400 years thing ( really doesn't make sense at all) and has nothing to do with the subject... sorry ,
also there are some trash comments that i think no body cares about
also some comments made me feel like we r in some kinda war with the expatriates or something
AND to have an opinion about all that, as a qatari i think being the minority in our country is becoming really tough on us and i think you all understand our concerns about our culture and the stability
good to talk to u all and again i apologize for any misunderstandings.
@ Ben Qatar. Where'd u get a crazy idea like that? We are afraid of Qataris. Hell no 7bibi. I aint letting no qataris mess with me, belie that homie. Word!!
Mr Ben... we are not afraid to talk to Qataris but being the "owner of the country" I think its a good thing that we fear you.. it might not be "fear" but its "respect".. when you respect someone.. fear and reserve is there already... I hope someday, everybody (including girls) in Qatar can talk to each other either by English or by Arabic.... without the fear of being apprehended by CID ... just a though ;)
Thouroughly Agreed. hah
Hmmmmm weird, why do i get the feeling one of you in this thread faked their death on youtube? hmmm beats me ;) :D HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Anyway i agree its the younger generation that has the punk attitude and i think its because their parents arent doing their job properly bringing them up. The parents need to teach them moral values, what is wrong and what is right. Its freaking disrepectful to make fun of a poor miniumn wage larbour, to him and to your religion cause it says if you treat a poor person this way you get punished. But its not always the case. My Qatari friend is 18 yrs old and man hes soo kind and nice. He buys a birthday cake for his friends on their birthday and wishes them a happy birthday. He has lot of international friends.
Now because of this punk attitudes from all the racists in Qatar i refuse to enjoy life and i will stay sitting in the corner untill its safer to come out.
Good day to you sir. May puggy be in ur hearts and minds forever
I fully agree with you all .... we should not be sacred of ANYONE although we are expats but we have right to defend ourself ! Qataris should respect us to get back the respect .... well said Spidey "GIVE RESPECT TAKE RESPECT" ... if anyone expect people to respect him and he doesn't do the same to other then no way he will be respected in the society
--"Live amongst people in such a manner that if you die they weep over you and if you are alive they crave for your company" Imam Ali(AS)
alexa i agreed with peabush and his methods...
but if they are making comments about how he is a show off american and then he confronts them in front of everyone else in the mall that basicly brings truth to what they were saying...
i would have done the same... but i dont think it is the proper way to handle the situation... just speaking from an outsiders point of view...
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just hanging out and watching dvd's with helen keller... kind of a quite night.
Honestly, I don't talk to Qataris because of their attire. I have a friend, Qatari who's a jeans and t-shirt guy and one day I saw him in thoupe (sp?, apologies if incorrect)and I was petrified. Wouldnt go near him...I don't know, I find Qatari's dressed in their traditional wear very reserved and a bit frightening. And Im not talking about terrorism etc etc, they just look very majestic and aloof...??! And because they dont make eye contact, I assume they're simply not interested in interacting. Before coming here I heard the ladies shove people in the supermarket and stuff but Iv never experienced that. I suppose though that "image" is implanted in my subconscious because I avoid walking near them, afraid I'll step on their abaya more than anything, lol. All 3 Qatari ladies Iv met and chatted with are really nice. A friend was telling me that Qatari's view their reservation as a sign of respect to others. And yes, I do think the older generation of men especially are much more courteous and friendly and interested in cultures other than their own, but thats the trend in most countries.
Honestly, I don't talk to Qataris because of their attire. I have a friend, Qatari who's a jeans and t-shirt guy and one day I saw him in thoupe (sp?, apologies if incorrect)and I was petrified. Wouldnt go near him...I don't know, I find Qatari's dressed in their traditional wear very reserved and a bit frightening. And Im not talking about terrorism etc etc, they just look very majestic and aloof...??! And because they dont make eye contact, I assume they're simply not interested in interacting. Before coming here I heard the ladies shove people in the supermarket and stuff but Iv never experienced that. I suppose though that "image" is implanted in my subconscious because I avoid walking near them, afraid I'll step on their abaya more than anything, lol. All 3 Qatari ladies Iv met and chatted with are really nice. A friend was telling me that Qatari's view their reservation as a sign of respect to others. And yes, I do think the older generation of men especially are much more courteous and friendly and interested in cultures other than their own, but thats the trend in most countries.
Brilliant absolutely brilliant. Nice work mate ;) Give Respect Take Respect. I Respect that and support it 100%. Plus do they ever hit you first, i mean ever? Tough guys come out of the cars but never enough balls to throw one at you. I believe the Qataris have realiced that they are not the only power anymore, and that the realisation that their reign is comming to an end. We expatriates are the ones earning the money for them, where would Qatar be without us? Extremely poor. So perhaps in conclusion, to the threads question "Why Forigners are so afraid of Qataris" Answer is simple, we are not afraid, we are here do do our part in making our share of the money. It is rather the other side thats lacking the social gene. And the brain power to move onto a friendlier future. It seems that because we are different we must be enemies. This is wrong obviously, yet you Qataris try so hard to make us respect you, almost fearing you. I dont fear you nor should any, you are people like myself and everyone in here.
You should really try and get out of that evil circle and reputation you've got. Prove us all wrong.
Fukc Qataris. I'm afraid of them, hahahhahaha, my ass. lol. I'll put them in chokeholds, nigga.
GIVE RESPECT TAKE RESPECT ! very simple
by the way yestarday i had a fight with a Qatari, he was try to overtake my car but i did not give him a chance and raced with him .. finally he got pissed off and hit my right mirror .. i stopped his car in the middle of the road and we came out of our cars !
I was calm and wanted to see his reaction... GUESS WAT ?? He came angerly towards me showing his PUNCH saying "I WILL HIT YOUR FACE" anyhow i told him to hit me 1st and next he will find his GRAVE here... lol ,, anyhow we went to Mamoura police st. where a Sr. officer listen to both of us and finally told Qatari that he is at mistake "Speeding and overtaking car and risking ones life" and i have right to defend for my life.
When we came out of the police station i told Qatari DON'T EVER THINK THAT WE EXPATS ARE WEAK ! AND YOU SHOULD RESPECT US SINCE WE ARE YOUR GUEST IN YOUR COUNTRY.
Despite that he truned his face with hatered and went !!!
Thats really funny hah. The point im trying to make and the point that a few others has put forward is that Qataris are extremely antisocial out side their own flesh, blood, kind. They are closed in and not very open for anything. Why it is important for them to criticize anyone i do not know, but yet again their culture is still 400 years behind the western. Im sure we did the same thing back then, or not. The thing is that I have a zero tollerance for that kind of behaviour, it is ridiculous, its immature and it doesn't put Qataris on the "Good List". I stand by my word and suggest them to shut up and be quiet for another 400 years.
Also just a minor detail, kids in school (western kids) are pretty much told from the beginning that if you fight, beat up / kick some Qatari a-ss you would get thrown out of the country as for some magical reason the Qatari would 1st Send you to prison.. 2nd Fine you alot of money 3rd Condemm you to death. This is extremely funny however its the reality some of the kids in school are brought up by. Im sure some kids here can vouch for this being true. Fight with a Qatari = Either some sort of gang fight 1 vs 20. Or court risk / prison. Obviously its not true, fighting a Qatari will not send you to prison duh. However it wouldn't suprise me if one day it did happen.. The court system is by far the most unserious business i have ever seen in my life.
So is it so important for Qataris to get so much respect, even as kids? I'd proove any Qatari wrong anytime. If they want my respect then they have to change their little tiny minds first. In the mean time ill keep an open ear when im in the city.
Actually i believe how u and peabush will handle a situation like that is way way to harsh and irresponsible.
I would have given those two 19 yr olds a time out and sent them to the naughty corner. Now thats responsible.
honestly if it was me i would have done the same thing... but in retrospect would it have been better if you just walked over to them and said... i know what your saying... and left it at that... or even just left it alone... because now they will possible hate you more for confronting them because it just made you look even cockier than before...
its a two way street... and from what i understand both sides are not wanting to give in ... but really good post Peabush
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just hanging out and watching dvd's with helen keller... kind of a quite night.
I'm afraid of pinoy's...
They keep winking at me and putting extra stuff in my fast food orders...
I think they may want something from me...
Not affraid of a Qatari...
Or any other man for that matter...
You can't teach experience...
A Qatari sees an Asian worker and ask him
Qatari: Are you afraid of me?
Worker: No. Why should I be afraid of you?
Qatari: You got some balls. Dont you know I am a Qatari
Worker: I know you are a Qatari but whi the hell should I be afraid of you?
Qatari: Because I am a Qatari
Worker: so should I be afraid of you?
Qatari: Yes
Workers starts running and yelling, run people run, there is a Qatari standing near by
Absolutey ridiculous indeed. Their attitude needs to change. Agreed Knox well played example ;)
Majority of Qataris has attitude problem, communication problem, It's all beacause of lack of Education. As of today, still Qataris has very high ratio of uneducated people.
Dubai was that same in before 1980. 1st step Sheikh Mohammad took to educated his Nation and now you can see Dubai, Majority of UAE Nationals, same people, same generation, very polite, respectable, sincere, and harworking ..
Qatar needs to educated his people otherwise this trend will continue ...
In my Opinion Qatari's Hospitality is off the chain, they are just like you and me .
Specially when we have a good subject in investing and finances. They love their country and all they want is common respect and social peace.
The Red Pope of Qatar Living
Egomania goes with the territory of decoding your own genome.
Of course not everyone is like that. I have lots of collegues who are Qatari who are very nice people, the difference is meerly that they are older and seemingly more aware of the society they live in. Where as the younger generation does not.
Perhaps if it wasn't because that you get dirt in your face when you start a conversation. Let me give you a pretty normal example that I experience all the time. I can walk through the mall, landmark what ever. Im a pretty big guy was a professional soldier before i got into the marketing business. Aight so im walking here, and out of no where two people begin to talk about me. And these are fairly grown up kids 19 + years old. Ive been in Qatar for 7 years pushing 8 and i know the language, speak it fluently however i dont write it or read it. They begin talking about me anyway. "Words out of their mouth." Pff show off American (Not American btw.. But to those people White = American) piece of shit who does he think he is walking there with his wife. *Laughs*" This is the point where i drop my bags and confront them verbally at first in Arabic. They stand shocked and amazed then they stand small as i was shouting at them like some tyrant parent. They apologized in arabic fair enough. But what the heck is wrong with you people. Yes you people. Instead of being so fucking retarded why don't you try and bring two different cultures closer together isntead if pushing it away with that kind of shit. (Note its also forigners that seem to do this eg Indians, Srilankans etc.) Pull your finger out your ass and shut up.
Double Post. Freaking unstable Internet.
wow... thats the best opinion i have ever seen
your smart
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just hanging out and watching dvd's with helen keller... kind of a quite night.
ya'll full of it!!!!!!
Well i was speaking more for the people who were afraid... and i my self am not nor will i ever be afraid of anyone due to social stigmata brought on by a very small percentage... of even less than 1 percent of a culture...
please do not mis understand... i was not saying that all americans are afraid... i was saying that alot of americans (the masses) are afraid ...
i am told by everyone i talk to back in the states that i am crazy for going over to this country... hell half of americans think that qatar is in iraq... so as i said before i am speaking for those who dont understand...
and i am glad to here there are more people out there like my self who are not stuck to the stereo types brought on by bad tv and publicity
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just hanging out and watching dvd's with helen keller... kind of a quite night.
speak for me as an American as to why I don't speak to Qataris...not afraid of them..nor is it the television..cause I barely watch that at all. The reason, at least on my part, that I don't talk to most Qataris is respect. I was raised that if someone looks you in the eye, and holds your gaze then they might be interested in talking to you...but I still don't make the first move. Its a culture issue for me. Being Muslim has absolutely nothing to do with it..some of my best friends are Muslim and that has never freaked me out in the least, because I know that terrorists are such a minute faction of a religious order that its basically nonexistant. Same with the radical Christians...there are violent ones in every single religion in the world..its not limited to Muslims.
I've never been afraid to speak to anyone...and will, given the chance..but I do not tend to start conversations....unless I'm in the mood to be outgoing. If someone says hi to me, then of course I wil respond immediately. but the Qataris, from what I have seen are just as much at fault with not speaking as Americans are..for probably the same reason...
ok ... so i am coming in really late on this topic... BUT...
this is my opinion so do not lash out at me this is just my opinion and i have the right to have one...
i have a local friend here who is qatari and extremly nice... he takes me to places in this country and shows me things to do... and we talk politics and discuss the different cultural differences...
so far i have learned that the reason why americans (i can not speak for other foreigners because i am from america) tend to be afraid of qataris (muslims in general) is because of there lack of understanding...
my friend and i talked alot about how it used to be in qatar before 9-11 and he says before 9-11 and for about 1 year after americans and qataris talked and hung out all the time...
he said over the last few years when new americans come to qatar they are afraid to talk to them (then he laughed and said until i me you).
well we tried to understand it and finally came to the conclusion that it is lack of understanding on the americans part... because most americans associate muslims with terrorists even though there is no such connection... because the muslim culture is so passive and polite that its hard to even understand how people such as binladin can call them selves muslims... because he and his followers do not act in the muslim traditions...
so with all that said the reason why americans that are recently going over seas and are afraid to talk to some one here is because of their lack of understanding what is really going on because they watch to damn much TV...
even my family freaked out when i told them one of my good friends was a muslim... i will not even began to tell you some of the dumn things my own family said... so in closing
I will speak for everyone i know... we are sorry for not understanding our culture... but please give us your time and patients and we will be your friend because that is the american way
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just hanging out and watching dvd's with helen keller... kind of a quite night.
Yo,Ben Qatar, what you hollering and yellin about. I'll put you in chokeholds, I learnt last week from a police man who caught me stealing weed from his jeep.
Ama fork qataris up, if they mess with me. What fear you're talking about, nigga.
In my point of view, i think one of the reasons why most expatriates dont normally do the first move to commicate with the locals is because most locals here really dont look that approachable and most locals never smile. And this is one of the main reason why expatriates gets intimidated to locals whom they dont personally know especially the local women.
hi again,,,
that was one of my my main conclusions from this topic
its really great to see my 1st topic got that important to u all
and dude enough with the "babydrivers" thing. that was my signature and i changed it cuz someone was also complaining since the start.
nice to meet u again and to be back with such an important issue again.
Hey you! My name is babydriver, from the tribe "land".
Her/His pony is "cruiser".
I'm not afraid of you! because I drive faster than you....
LOL
My Confession Booth is open for discussion of baby drivers not buckling those young pup warriors....
The Red Pope of Qatar Living
Abba, Abba, Padre!
Even some people posting on here show a fear of Qatar and its population. If you cant have an honest repectful opinion without fear of some kind of comeback, you shouldnt really say anything at all because your not being yourself.
If something upsets you say it.
[img_assist|nid=17864|title=Chicks dig Guys with skills|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=440|height=440]
assala malaykum sori mafi arabic.
Perhaps that is because Arabic is our native language and English is a second language for us. Our school system has recently been modified to include more English instruction.
Do you speak Arabic?
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Love is the answer...
Most of you don't know how to speak good English and often reserved..
"Manila I'm coming home!"
Hello Ben
No we are not afraid of you (Qatari just on the road ;-) )
The next time you see us come and say hello. We don't bite and the if expat ladies chat with you in a coffee shop we simply wanted to make "conversation" ok and learn more about your culture
Cheers
well, i thought its not that important to tell and i dont see if that matters , the truth is the truth.
anyway i apologize if thats important to u
and ofcourse this was a nice opportunity to meet u. its very nice to meet u all guys and hopefully id like to be ur new friend here
thanx again.......
u beat me to it was about to write ... he should have been honest
Even journalist come here with their sneaky questions
If you can't change your fate, change your attitude.
The pleasure was all ours... glad u could find some useful information
If you can't change your fate, change your attitude.
id really like to thank u guys for being active in this post.
see, my main reason for joining QL about 2 days ago and posting this topic was that i was kind of writing some kind of a research about socializing and interacting between citizens and foreigners in qatar,
and i was going to go ask people in the street as a kind of a Questionnaire except that my friend adviced me to see this site and may be i find some good ideas for my research.
well, i did find some good ideas, but not that much.
i was hoping for more absolute honesty and also suggestions,why not?
id ilike to thank u again, u did help me in that research.
me scared...no way ! get mad... maybe
this thing about some qataris driving like crazy with wild abandonement endangering his and other's wellbeing just to get noticed.
this thing about not falling in line when everybody does.
Although the old folks are quite a charm to be with in their quiet and reserved ways.
you try your flex on me...ha ha !
You're probably close to you're co-workers because the environment you work in promotes that kind of relationship. Let me ask you this, do u know any Qataris other than the ones you meet under business or work circumstances?
I think what Ben Qatar means is that in a non formal public environment foreigners tend to shy away from Qataris and is wondering about the reason, there's no need to attack him.
why do you think we are afraid of you at the first place? I never heard from any of people who I know that he/she scared or afraid of qataris.. what is that paranoia at all? First I thought you kind of kidding regarding this matter, but it looks like you are pretty serious about it. .. Where did you get it from? Who ever told you that somebody afraid of you? What a weird assumption! Again, I work with plenty of Qataris in the company.. as a matter of fact it’s rather Qatari company. I never had such a feeling like fears, towards any of my co-workers.. .and neither they did. We are very nice and polite and friendly with each other... what’s the problem?
I know of Qatari life style first hand i am a regular visitor to a qatari house where they have 7 daughters and 3 sons and they all treat me as one of them ...eating all together sitting around a big plate and eating out of it.....
During the eid i even helped in making harish which i like very much
If you can't change your fate, change your attitude.
Did you mean me??
see, thats a good one, thanx,,,
for now, night night, see u tomorrow,,,,,
LOL jauntie, have a great trip! And try to stay away from QL for this week, I bet ur hubby's taking u there just so he can get u away from the computer lol. So show him some loooooooove, otherwise he'll blame us for it :P
People are not afraid just a little shy and cautious sometimes because the culture is so differnt and yet so interesting.
To be honest I am one of these people I would like to peek behind the doors and just look at the Qatari every day lifestyle. Probably no one will tell you that because it might be impolite.
Yet again having said that people are inquisitive from nature and where there are walls people want to look behing them.
Human Nature yes of course it is.
as zena said we dont know what's the exact answer you need.... so many have answered in so many different views but u still not satisfied
Please elaborate it so we can understand
If you can't change your fate, change your attitude.
sorry if I jumped the gun there corne, but you were a little slow coming forward to explain, and I'm smiling because my first explanation of 'down to earth' was going to be 'has both feet planted firmly on the ground'.
hee hee
Then I realised that would be just as confusing as down to earth was!
See y'all when I get back from Oman next week. Night Night for now.
dude r u havin fun doin this?, cuz i dont...
this is a serious topic, and am waiting for something at least related to this topic from u......
thanx, iam good.
Hijacking a thread is a art form of which most Ql's r expert at
If you can't change your fate, change your attitude.
down-to-earth,,,thats a nice expression thanx alot
and i like lebanese anyway,,,
i said clearly " no offence at all", i was explaining my point of view
and lets not be talking about religion plz, muslims and christians r everywhere.
even the fate thing.....
is due to only being taught History and Geography of the Islamic World at school - that's what I was told the other day by a young Qatari, anyway.
guys,
i have a headache reading this!
good luck!
OK i stand corrected thanks
If you can't change your fate, change your attitude.
Correction t_coffee: Lebanon is not a christian country nor is it a muslim one, cause the ratio of muslims to christians is quite close, also the goverment is not christian, it's comprised of all the sects (catholic, orothodox, sunni, shiaa, etc), president is catholic christian but the prime minister is sunni muslim and so on.
And there are plenty of arab christians, not only lebanese, but jordanian, syrian, palestinian, and i think there are even khalijee christians.
how can u say this quote "in ur case i think its rear to find an arab who is christian, no offence at all. we may just dont know that there r arab-cheistians except lately due to media thing. that is just my openion" quote end
Lebanese is a christian country with a christian government its not lately though
If you can't change your fate, change your attitude.
Thanks for stealing MY thunder! :P *gives Jauntie the evil eye*
Ok since I'm the one who said the word, I'll explain what I meant, as Jauntie said it means the person is approachable, has no bloated ego, doesn't look down at people, isn't stuck up and is just really friendly. And it was a compliment :-)
If you say someone is 'down-to-earth' it usually means they have no airs and graces, they don't pretend to be 'better than you', they are, well, just normal really and very approachable!
Someone else may be able to explain it better, but it IS a compliment :D
hi
what would "down-to-earth" be? i think its something good but an explaination would be great....
Personally, I'm not scared of Qataris and have awesome Qatari friends, actually one of my closest friends is Qatari. I think it's the "first move" that might seem scary to some because of language barrier (for some), cultural differences, social status (afterall foreigners don't have the same rights as Qataris), etc but once u get to know them, they're pretty cool and down-to-earth, ofcourse there will always be jerks like Oryx's experience but hey that's in every country.
this country have more religions than u think, and we used to coexist and live peacefully ,talkin about religions,,,
in ur case i think its rear to find an arab who is christian, no offence at all. we may just dont know that there r arab-cheistians except lately due to media thing. that is just my openion
thanx
Qatari
I am Lebanese and I come from a country which has 18 religions and we are all coexisting with each other without discrimination.
I am Christian. When i first communicated with people over here, muslims in particular... the first Q they asked me: "Are you Nasrani, or are you Salibi?"
Such things does not exist in my country... nor have we ever been called like that... that is LOW
We also as foreigners, we feel like slaves in your country. One cannot switch jobs, he would be cancelled.... why? I can always refund the ticket to my employer and let me go to another position, but why cancelling me if I want to do so?
And there are a lot of things to say... but I am still afraid to say them...
Sorry for being so honest
Why not join us all when we next go 10 pin bowling with the QL Social Group (could maybe bring one or two of your friends along if you'd feel more comfortable). One way to get to know each other, and understand each other better, is at a social gathering on neutral territory (so to speak).
The last Bowling 'do' which was organised, one of QL's Qataris joined us and it was SO nice to meet him in person. I now regard him as a personal friend who I can chat away to about anything and everything.
Oh and when you said "however, i still wonder that look on forigners's faces that imply a fear to comunicate with us or at least we may understand it like that.."
Have YOU ever tried to communicate with us? You have now, here on QL forum, but I mean have you integrated with us, foreigners, either inside or outside of Qatar. Maybe lived outside of Qatar?
It works both ways :o)
---people do tend to moan no matter what.---my brother-in-law is Qatari and is a great person---you people from other countrie come here to work not to feel superior---most Qatari we know are lovely, gentle, generous, caring, and most of all very understanding.--- nothing to be afraid of.---
You already know the answer to your question and even after reading so many posts you are still bewildered and wondering than you need a reality check.
Anyways once I was at an airport and my friends sponsor was in the check in line. The sponsor is in his sixties, so I took him to the check in counter clerk and told the lady that if she can kindly give him the boarding card on priority basis. She took his passport and when she saw that he is a Qatari she asked me to send him back in the line. and than she said these people get priority in their country and now they want priority elsewhere.
So Ben Qatar, people are afraid of Qataris only in Qatar and little bit in the GCC. Go to states, canada or UK or to my country Afghanistan and you will realize how much they LOVE you guys specially those who have worked in the GCC.
Anyways No hard feelings dude. PEACE
I think maybe we are not understanding exactly what you want us to say....
thanx all for ur responds
but still missin the point of my post which is about the fear of comunicating and interacting with qataries
i was hopin for some good points that really answere my question so we can understand u and u do. so eventually we can help each other living more comfortably in this civilized country
"some" not tellin the truth i dont know why
"some" compliment us , no need for that
"some" dont understand us and just DONT WANNA
"some" think we all r workin for the immigration department
just put ur points reasonably.....
thanx again
Mais oui Grenouille, part of my education was in France.
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Love is the answer...
Wow WOw WOw DG speaks French too :D I see your last journey there was of some benefits . We can talk together someday around a big meal with your husband and family :D I'll be busy though .... eating chicken wings :) .... and French fries LOL
Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise
omigod, you must have the patience of a saint with all that silly nonsense! And it's too bad they don't get the best of you.
Sounds like some areas of the UK where the teacher would get a kicking on her way home for upsetting one of 'the gang'. That's what happened to a friend of mine.
Imho, teachers are AMAZING and should be regarded much more highly than they are. Underpaid and underappreciated.
Bon courage as they say in France.
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Love is the answer...
The thing is DG- Qataris get poorer standards and service because we don't maintain and work to the standards we were trained to do and used to doing because we are not allowed to!
Esp as a female - no one asks or listens to or about our experience and our skills - we are just told what to do.
there is no brainstorming just a conformity to dictates (not even rules just whims).
It is frustrating I could really do so much.
So by being scared of Qataris the Qataris end up with poor returns on their money because employees don't work to their potential.
Oh that is just one incident..... it is hard.
in one class i have
X clan table
Y clan table
the odds and sods table.
So I have to be very careful or I could make someone from Clan X lose face in front of Clan Y just by telling them to put their mobile away.
One often finds that that those with a soupcon of power/authority over someone will flaunt it willy nilly, but those with much bigger of the same will rarely use it.
I really hope this does not happen to you again Oryx :( It's very embarassing for all of us who would never dream of doing that.
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Love is the answer...
Oh that 's quite terribel ???? Getting fired because you ask a pupil to tur off her phone. This is awful. I think you have to get a wasta yourself .... What about Bajesus :D
Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise
That's a valid point, Oryx, and I am ashamed that someone would use her 'power' like that. Silly girl. _______________________________________________________
Love is the answer...
I enjoy talking and socialising with Qataris and I love Qatari past times like falcons etc and going to weddings.
But like many I am here in a work capacity and am thus a guest in the country. I can be apprehensive because a Qatari with wasta can use it against me. Once I asked a girl (politely - away from others) not to answer her phone in class and chit chat. Guess what....I almost lost my job...!!!!!!!!!! She had Wasta and her uncle complained to someone v. important - i was really hauled up for that one. And ironically I was told that the powers that be (who didn't know me or had read my CV) now viewed me as anti-Qatari... absolutely rubbish. So here i am with experience and all sorts of qualifications but someone with 55% on their high school certificate can totally cause chaos in my life when i am only trying to do what i was brought over to do and do it sincerely and nicely.
That is why I am scared.
I don't think a car is made to drive less than 100 Km/h lol. Anyway Sometimes you just forget about Radars and try to catch the beautiful girl who was passed by your car 2 seconds ago hahahahah . Sometimes I 'm listening to music and I just start day dreaming . Has day-dreaming become so costy ? 600 qr ??? it's unfair :(
13 years is not to compare with 1 year :D I 'm waiting for you to gimme extra course about Radars lol
Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise
Masha'Allah Frog, you are such a gentleman with the ladies. Thanks for not staring at us...no woman (I think) likes to be gawked at!
As for quarrelling with 'the natives', it seems a bit over the top what you were told when you arrived. Most of us don't bite :) I'm sure you're a peace loving person like most of us. _______________________________________________________
Love is the answer...
They know very well where is the Radars and where is not .. I know some streets i over speed upto 120 Kmps although it's only 80 but i'm very sure that there is no Radar in that st.
that teach us all lessons ..
1- don't ever speed in a st. with a Radar ..
2- Don't look how low is ur salary and how high is the fine, just respect the law and u will be fine
3- if u r sure that there is no Radar plz don't move like a turtle and plz try to be a missle .. lol .. or u will find a missle hit u up to ur a**
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http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/LittleGuitarist
"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)
I agree that Language is a very important handicap., but I believe it's not the only one. I do speak Arabic, I can even speak with the Qatari accent,but we 'll still remain two people from two different countries and two different cultures. What I noticed is that Qataris are much more reserved and conservative. I met some , and I think they're very friendly and extremely helpful. And.. if I would put myself in their ''shoes'' I guess I'll be a sorta frustrated because of this huge number of expatriates from all over the world. Language actually is of a great help when shared between parts communicating with each other.
I remember when I first came to Doha, I wa told that if I had any quarel with a Qatari I would be deported immediately regardless of who started the fight :D I still have no confirmation yet .
Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise
friends here in Qatar are Qatari, and so is my boyfriend.... but for me, the arabic is definatley a problem, in the sense of, I don't speak it very well.... however, the three of them are TRYING... with great patience, to rectify the situation...
my other problem is that I lack the confidence to speak arabic to anyone except them... so I don't get much practice....
I think that communication causes big rifts between the communities, as you wouldn't want to inadvertantly say something that might offend... thats how I see it.....
personally , I rarely look straight to Qatari women. I never know lol , one may accuse me of sexual harassment. J/k. I'm not afraid of Qataris, but I prefer to keep some distance. However, Inside the mosque , things are completely different , and the Imam of my neighbor mosque is such a great guy. Diam I've met a Shiekha inside Qatar Univ, and she was extremely beautiful, I hardly could look at her straigh in the eyes LOL
Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise
hey! You know I have to change my pants every time you post on here, don't you?
Note to self...must make more effort to be scary...am not frightening the expatriates enough ;)
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Love is the answer...
hi ppl,
my experience says qataris are very good and polite ppl in general only maybe 2% are not good who are spoling the name of whole nation......and i have seen some comments regarding attitude for labours in doha by qataris, these all are not done by qataris but we employees (expats) of qataris sitting on big positions dealing with labours and other employees. i m working in a big group owned by qatari, m sitting on a good position but still facing problems by our HR and other seniors who are all expats.
regarding driving by qataris, its kind of there hobby i think, and most of the time person is doing everything to enjoy it.
most of the time they are doing it very dangerous which can harm others also which they should not do but still they are not all qataris doing all this, we expats are also sharing this responsibility for driving safe.
You know, I got my first over-speed fine last week. It was a 600 Qr fine, and I was really furious. I think I've already told you about my salary :D so imagine I got two or three fines like this lol. I think I've learnt my lesson hahahah. I drive more slowly now, and prefer to give up once for all the left lane. Not with my car :d
on a more serious note, I would say that I was told all drivers have been controlled :regardless of nationalities. This is something quite good. However, I still see Landcruisers passing by my car like missiles. Dunno if Radars are corrupted too :D
Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise
that's a horrendous fine...and altho i understand the reasoning behind it..still doesn't justify it.
That exactly wut i mean .. we r here for certain reason which we find it better than our country .. and for that reason we sacrify .. for me .. i like the country and i like to spend the rest of my life here in Qatar although my salary is not that high and i was earning almost the same in Egypt comparing to life costs ..
but i'm not with u in the Law thing ... I can see that yes it's a bit tough law here but the law control the attitudes .. and that was the reason behind raising the fines and traffic law .. so that it would be hard on Qataries as well as expat .. 3000 for a qatari may be nothing for overtaking a red traffic light and to save OUR SOULS (Local & Expat) they raised it to 10,000 .. does that make any sense to u ??
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http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/LittleGuitarist
"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)
:) jauntie I don't know how your name ( nickname) is pronounced, but the way I pronounce it means '' gentille'' in French = kind person :D what about calling me so that I get the right pronounciation :D
Sorry to hijack again: D
Oh Dear Amr ( Diab :D) You know what man , I don't have much choice. it's a sorta sacrifice for others rather than for myself. Wanna have a life, wanna marry, wanna build a house ...etc. Here you can accelerate the process. I must say that since I'm on Ql I started to enjoy being here in Doha, but you know there's no better place on the world than our own country : Home sweet Home. Ram it's all money ( I confess) , for a specefic sum of money I would go back immediately :) I don't mean that Qatar is such a horrible place. I do like the country, and I met some ( a few) very friendly Qatari. However, the laws here are enslaving poor ppl. And .. I just don't like to feel like a slave.
Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise
being a liar...we think what we think, and sometimes we agree, sometimes we don't...pretty simple
It is only ONE who speaks the truth, but there are many who will accuse the truthful of being a liar.
Anyways it depends on how you interpret the facts or how you twist the facts.
hey its my heritage...American/Texan...so howdy y'all...its all in the attitude, dear jauntie...
Hey..i am SOOOO gonna miss you whilst you are gone!!!
I SO wish we had more Qataris openly posting on this forum, although that may be too much to hope for considering the criticism which is often thrown at them.
Mind you, Scarlett manages to bear the brunt of American-bashing and retaliate quite well, don't you think? :P
do what's right when we don't want to and that irritates the devil out of us...lol
and good morning to all. I just skimmed through this thread, so my apologies if I am reiterating what someone else may have already said.
First of all I was a bit taken aback by some of the comment on the first page, but I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion provided it doesn't turn into a rude or abusive personal attack on ben Qatar who was, after all, just trying to understand and get an answer to his thoughts i.e: "however, i still wonder that look on forigners's faces that imply a fear to comunicate with us or at least we may understand it like that"
From a personal point of view when I go shopping I am the type of person who will turn round and speak to whoever happens to be standing beside or behind me, irrespective of Nationality. If something amuses me or I can't find something I automatically speak my thoughts out loud to anyone! lol
Very often it has been a lady in an abaya or a man in a thobe who I have commented to and they always either smile back at me or make some remark back. I have no fear - why would I have?
I know nothing about who is responsible for the plight of the Asian workforce, so I can't comment on that. I would think they are more afraid of the Asians who employ them when it comes to their visas etc. But I don't know.
Welcome to QL, ben Qatar, I hope you enjoy the sometimes heated, sometimes amusing discussions which go on here. :o)
"The mother in law is the best she is an adventurous soul."
i have always noticed that we praise others MIL but not our own ... why why why
If you can't change your fate, change your attitude.
Scarlett: thanks a lot .. not as cute as u
Frog: I understand ur feelings .. sometimes i think the same way .. does it really worth to sacrify?? Look back to ur country where u came from .. if it worth to stay in u wouldn't think about coming here at all .. and if it doesn't worth (if u can see that from ur point of view) then why don't u take the decission to go back to ur country .. Unless something here is better than urs ..
wut do u say??
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http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/LittleGuitarist
"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)
I have some very nice neighbours and we met on the street in Ramadan just by coincidence.
This was over two years ago - they cam to visit me at Christmas and I often go over to them evenings and drink tea with them I went to the son's engagement party and wedding and whatever festival they have they invite me. I always feel very honored and they make good conversation and they are happy people.
The mother in law is the best she is an adventurous soul.
to better their families' lives...talk about a total form of family love...
You're right. You've pronounced the key word : Sacrifice. I just wonder sometimes if it really worth it :)
Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise
but you look so cute when you do that...
*I'm Blushing* lol ..
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http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/LittleGuitarist
"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)
and from that perspective i agree wholeheartedly...
Its just that from some of them I have heard that this was the only way to have enough money to better their loved ones' lives back home..no way to make the kind of money(????) they do here. So..they sacrifice
"but then again..it was most likely worse where they came from or they wouldn't be here in the first place"
I just have to say that I don't agree with this statement. Of course , it depends on what you mean by worse. Many people were having a better life in their countries , at least they were surrounded by their families, but most of them could not decline such an offer to have a job elswhere. Well.... you know ....I 'm probably making no sense... so many ideas boiling inside my mind :D
I would just conclude with this : “If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, you can bet the water bill is higher”
Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise
You shouldn't be apprehensive, it really depends on where you are, i wouldn't really expect you to stop a random Qatari in City Center and start chatting with them, but if the situation invites it then take the chance, you may make yourself a good friend.
The vast majority of expats are here in a work capacity but there are some people who have chosen to retire here.
Some of my famiy's previous employees have done just that. _______________________________________________________
Love is the answer...
I am not afraid of local people, I know few male and female Qataris who are really nice.. Qatar Ben, we expats don’t get a chance to mingle with local people. Thos who are in my office are really good except a few…. which you will find in any nationality. I think younger generation is friendlier than the older ones. But you are right... personally I don’t initiate a conversation with a Qatari. I am kinda of apprehensive ....don’t know why..lol
Good morning buddy .. thnx for asking .. nothing much .. still living .. trying to be better ..
how is every thing going on??
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http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/LittleGuitarist
"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)
you always have a very good view of things...its never just one sided, I've noticed.
Ram...first of all good morning bro...hows things going...hows that guitar rocking...and secondly...stop being so nice man...u r taking away the points from us regulars...here...come on dude...spare us a little part of the cake that u r eating away into...after all its ours...LOL...
So whats been happenin lately buddy...
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" Live Life To The Fullest ! Enjoy Yourself "
I thought all expatriates are workers here ... am i missing something here
If you can't change your fate, change your attitude.
lol .. i know very well that u were not pointing the finger at me .. but i found that ur post match a lot with mine .. so i just wanted to show my point of respect .. and even if u were pointing the finger on me .. I do respect and all QLers as well as their point of views ..
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http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/LittleGuitarist
"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)
its just that there are always differing viewpoints...From the outside I can see a lot of badness going on...but also a lot of goodness at the same time. It takes LOT to change mindsets of a culture, but not so much to change one personal one. I think the Qataris are working on it but again, it takes time to adjust generations of living and thinking, in a certain way. Every different culture that comes here to Qatar brings with it, its own beliefs and way of life. Then we have to meld and bend with the existing one. yes, a lot of people are living at substandard levels...but then again..it was most likely worse where they came from or they wouldn't be here in the first place(hard to imagine because I've never had to live like that but very aware of it) There are a lot of things that could stand some changing..that's for sure, but again..that takes time and Qatar has been drastically changing for only about 20 years...if that. People always take longer to change than cities...but that's because cities don't think...people do.
So...like you did, Ram(and everyone else)...keep on talking to Qataris on a one to one basis...(I'll have to start!) and who knows what mind you might open up towards change. Might even be your own!!
you are thinking of going into a danger zone.
Afraid: We all are afraid a lot, but not from Qatari but their impatience on the road. Let them go and they think we are afraid..
..**.. ""They walk among us. They vote & they even reproduce"" ..**..
Good morning buddy ..
may be u were right that i put my frustration here on board but that is not an experience of one or 2 years .. that was more than 13 yrs ..
I don't deny on the other hand that there r really good Qatari people and very friendly .. and some of them r real genuine friends .. and as i said i was not generalizing .. i was talking from a point of view that meets this thread ..
I was just last night on cornich i found a man (Qatari) who was playing guitar and i approched him and his friend (sudanese) and then we jammed together and he called his Tutor (egyptian guy) and we spend a good time although i didn't know them b4 .. and he took my number so that i can teach him more professional music parts ..
so As someone said every place has the Good and the bad .. and sorry if my post touched any one ..
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http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/LittleGuitarist
"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)
Same applies to Ksarat. Thanks for your understanding .
Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise
R7 watch out man . You're ''touching'' a very sensitive zone while talking about Qatari girls/women. I think you should be more respectful. Qatar is an Islamic country and these things are considered very seriously. I would not accept that you start making 2 reyals jokes about Arab women. So more respect will be welcome. Thanks
Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise
Good Morning all,
Scarlett you're lightening QL with you smile :)
Well, I can understand most people replies on this thread. Most of the time, people talk according to what they have experienced and according to where they're living. You Don't expect a worker who is living in very miserable conditions to be positive about Qatar or Qataris. On the other hand, it;s understandable, that people who work in fine places such as PM (univ) talk positively and can see nice samples of Qatari ppl and have no problem in communicating with them.
Alexa .... '' Workers, I am sure they are very fearful of Qataris.
Westerners, no, don't think so.''
How can u figure out this ? And do you think they're three types of people in Qatar : Westeners , workers , and others ( aliens?) please don't be that shallow.
Ben Qatar بارك الله فيك و تأكد يا أخي بأن "لا فرق بين عربي و لا عحمي و لا فرق بين قطري و غير القطري إلا بتقوى الله عز و جل""
Don't know about the others.
Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise
To be honest I wasn't when I got up this morning and any other morning -but who knows we are permanently in a stage of change as life goes on. I like to have my hsir short in summer as it is easy to keep.
Are you asking this questing because you are looking for a friend???Lol.
are you? :P
If the Qatari males do approach females it is always with respect - I mean do you think they are they are just human beings.
In fact one Qatari in the next office often jokes with me and I joke with him he tells me about his family and his kids and I know his wife.
The difference is basically their traditions and generally on the whole they tend, due their culture, to be a little shy to foreign women. T
he young ones are different even 14 years old come up and speak to me if I am drinking coffee.
Last year (I had my hair very short) On young kind came up to me and asked me if I was gay lol.
Education city is an educational institution that is used for the betterment of their student's futures...and that's what takes place there education! :P
Im doinn ok dude ... just waitin for d weekend been a long week at work :P i need to chill out !!!!
R-7: Dude...funny fonzie...u got me there...TOUCH THAT ZONE...come on man dont highlight that too much...dont wanna attract attention...lol...how u doin today buddy...hows things...
@ Booo: hmmm...rightly said so...but i wudnt wanna join studyin again for the females...i'm quite better off not studying...im done with that to a high degree...and thanks...but yea thats indeed corrrect again depending on the place u r ... i wudnt wanna imagine what else takes place at the Education City...lol...
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" Live Life To The Fullest ! Enjoy Yourself "
Ksarat im sure ur waiting to TOUCH THAT ZONE :)
hehehehe :P
i think its generally harder to approach the females, but i guess it depends on where you are. Here in education city we hang out with and get to know foreigners from both genders. This will look weird if you're doing the same in lets say City Center, so it really depends on the setting.
Surely wud make feel good about the way this country is headin...superb people...Ben Q buddy...welcome on board this jungle Zone...and second...i truly think that Qataris and as such the locals are mostly quite friendly to share a conversation with...
Just last evening i was at a Fuel Pit stop...where i was getting my car a bath...and i spoke to this Qatari who was reading a Newspaper and i made the first move by pointing to one of the developing buildings...and we ended up having a discussion on the Olympics and the goodness that this country is putting in to make its name on the MAP...he sounded absolutely polished and a nice gentleman...
So i m sure they r are all nice people...wudnt know bou the females...cos never touched that Zone...but yea lets wait and see...bout them too...
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" Live Life To The Fullest ! Enjoy Yourself "
I think foreigners don't wanna approach us because they think we're too reserved or don't wanna be culturally disrespectful. But we're friendly people once you get to know us, i think its because we are generally misunderstood.I say keep an open mind.
except for the not wanting anything to do with foreigners...its like any other thing...misinformation, obviously
Good Morning,
I think that toleration of the nations is asked for don't you think, statement sometimes look very much "chip on the shoulder" elements being stated here.
I like to talk to people and I have never had anyone not answer me - perhaps it's just me lol.
kinda make me sad that some people take out their frustrations on an entire nationality and not take them as individuals. There's good in every country and the people's attitudes and reserve or lack thereof, is inherent in their culture.
So...BenQatar..welcome...and if I ever meet you...promise to talk to you(but you STILL may have to make the first move for conversation..lol)
Wanilia, whoever told you that...that is hilarious!!!_______________________________________________________
Love is the answer...
I beg to differ, I know many Qataries who bend over backwards to be helpful and polite as this is in their cuture and traditions. Foreigners may be a little wary to get close to them as they have many traditions that we don't know about, but that does not mean they are afraid.
Like PM I only wish my Arabic was better, even in stores Qatari women exchange ideas during shopping so it depends on the foreigners too.
Ram, I don't hate anyone, least of all entire nations of people!_______________________________________________________
Love is the answer...
I have plenty of Qatari friends and personally I think they are very friendly and polite.. Obviously u can't expect to talk to a local who uve never met before and expect him to b over friendly to u !! But from my experiences around here i feel they are very polite n friendly ppl........ There r always exceptions though...
Why r people afraid of Qataries??? That was a good question .. in the first place I don't fear from any one but Allah ..
Secondly see how the Qataries used to treat people (specially workers) or those who r afraid to lose their job .. That is the Fact behind that .. They know that any troubles with a Qatari would lead to loss of their Job which they r afraid to lose .. bcuz they r taking care of their families with that LOW amount of money that u give to them ..
So wut do u expect???
Sorry no offense to any one of wut i'm going to say ... Who gave u this impression was almost the Indians (not Generalizing) other Nationalities r not that afraid of u Qataries .. Do u know why Qataries Hate Egyptians and especially Egyptians .. That's bcuz they talk and complain and they do not accept the situation as it is .. and that's why u like the indians every where as drivers, sellers in supermarkets and every where .. Cuz they r afraid TO LOSE THEIR JOB not afraid from u .. u want Slaves not someone giving a service and u give him money ..
So Please do have mercy on those people who count on the LITTLE that u give ..
Please that was in General to Qataries and Don't take any of it personally .. U wanted to know and that's the truth .. accept it or not that goes back to u ..
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"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)
Good morning,
In fact when I came here I was informed not to speak to the Qatari.
As they living in their own world and do not want to have anything common with the foreigners.
Moreover, I have noticed that u are not interested in speaking with other than u.
Best
Qatries r not so scary tht ppl fear 2 tak with them
but some of them r so ignorant and rude tht u prefer 2 ignore.
BTW most of my friends are 4rm Qatar some r good and the rest......sooo RUDE.
they even don't know how 2 tak with ppl older then them. (sch boys r usually very funny 2)
Every nation of the world is a mixture of gud and bad guys.
so it goes on.......
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We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors; but they all have to learn to live in the same box.
I actually wrote a long and thought-out answer to your question, which was just my experiences and opinion, but decided not to post it because...in relation to your question, I don't want to get in trouble with the authorities. I guess it has to do with distrust, living in a country where you can be easily kicked out for sayign or doing something that a Qatari might take as offensive. Ironic, isn't it? You ask a question why people are afraid of you, and people are afraid to answer honestly for fear of deportion because they know they will lose! Go figure...
not all people see Qatari's in a fearful manner as you have felt .. its just that fear comes from ignorance or just hesitation in general .. i know a lot of Qatari's who are well educated and speak very fluent accent less English .. its just that some of you may not look approachable and i know some others do not speak even if they know .. well probably they're having a bad day .. but on a general note .. Qatari people are quite approachable and friendly ..
about the babydrivers part :D well i'm assuming its based on the cars we drive(in general.. not everyone) .. well thats got more to do with driving defensively and making sure we are not subject to any of the new fines that may be coming our way .. cos man its pretty high!
cheers
life goes on ..
Well Ben Qatar,
maybe we are not afraid of Qataries, we just cant stand you guys ??
Well telling from the behavior of some of your fellow country men/women it is very
understandable to not like your kind too much.
Before you get offended, most my close friends are Qataries :-), but even they comment
the same way on the people I had in mind above.
But too many times I get looks of disrespect from the guys in white... even dough I am caucasian.
The interesting bit is, that some of the younger ladies are cting quiet the opposite way... but
that is another story for another time.
Cheers...
exactly
I think we should take it easy on Ben ... let him to get to know us first before he can understant our joke lol.
Night night Ben and all ... sweet dream, off to bed ... have school run tomorrow ... unlike Alexa that have the luxury of having a driver who can do the dirty work (school run that is ... ).
---- only guilty people who criticize Qataris should be afraid ----
i dont know,,,
can u?,,
Can you take my speeding fines out pls???
......Joking ... lol.
thanks alot guys
any thing u need,,,,
was talkin to PM
Welcome on QL :D
yes we are
No worries... I was referring to Knox's post ... not yours. We do have some nice Qatari/s on this board like Bajesus. I can vote for him because i have met and known him personally.
I do have the impression that Qataris are very reserve. I dont want to start the conversation if they dont want to initiate first.
PM ,, thats because i have just signed up about an hour ago
novita77,, what was that?
i am not following
i think knox being sarcastic ....
iam talking about comunicating
thats a diffirent story not including nationalities
-qatarisUn,, we will be honored,
I am qatarisUn, not qatarisOn.. sorry buddy.. I like the second one, but in this case I should be "qataridaughter"..lol...
we shouldnt be afraid of Qataris, specially
when they can fire us anytime they want and inform the immigration department that we have absconded. and when the immigration department is finally able to track us down, they will put us in jail
we shouldnt be afraid because the police will always take your side when you tell them that this maid has stolen jewellery
we shouldnt be afraid as you can make sure that we do not get a driving license and also cannot buy a car.
........(To be continued)
Have you ever asked a Slave why is he afraid of his owner?
ben = son of
yes, u r right
look at your attitude :"you babydrivers".. it already sounds aggressive and ironic...that why I AM AFRAID OF YOU! Or rather don’t want to get involved in “deadly competition” with you on the road…It’s not nice to fight with the Feeble-minded one… I feel sorry for them…better wait aside and let them do their silly things....But it’s only on the road..
At my office I have plenty of qataries, and nobody is afraid of nobody..lol.. we are all very good friends...
BTW, Ben Qatar, what does it mean "Ben" in Arabic? (just wondering..). Logicaly it should be "Son".. am I right?
alexa,, tha last sentence is not included in the post its just a signature, its another story
-thanx scarlett, thats a good point " the first move"
- PM,,, we speak english very well...
Ben ... did you call all driver who drives car smaller then yours a babydriver/s?
to offend someone right off the first time. Qataris, for the most part, seem VERY reserved and therefore I get reserved in return. I think its a matter of who makes the first move...Nice to know you are interested in finding out what's behind the silences!! Thanks Ben Q