Ask the Arab Guy

[Bibliovore]

@sunfish

These questions come in the context of seeing how different groups handle ties to “the old country,” as it were.

You mentioned in your first post that, although you have a strong loyalty to the UK, you think of yourself first as an Arab and a Muslim. Do you think you might ever want to move permanently to an Arab country (e.g., back home) some time in the future?

When you have children, do you plan on taking them to see your relatives in various countries frequently so as to expose them thoroughly to Arab cultures? Or would you consider it more important that your children grow up as good Muslims, thus leaving them to be culturally more British?

Great questions! I don’t think I’d ever move to an Arabic country, not permanently. I’m happy with the standard of life here in the UK, and I’d like my children to benefit from the same standard of education that I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy. Even though I don’t think of myself as “English”, I’ve come to think of the UK as my home, and I don’t really see that changing. There’s no real reason to move because we have a strong and vibrant Arab community right here, a strong Muslim community, and all the benefits and rights that come with living in the UK.

When I do have kids (God willing), I’ll most certainly take them on frequent trips to Egypt and the Middle East. I think it would be very important for them to see where their roots lie, and to expose them to a different way of life. They’ll be British Muslims, but they’ll always be Arabs as well, and it’s vital that they understand all that it means.

[Jennyrosity]

@Bibliovore

Don’t worry, no offense taken.

No it’s not your imagination. Like the famous Italian penchant for bottom-pinching, Arabs from certain countries have a terrible reputation for ogling. The worst offenders are usually those from Gulf, and Saudis in particular. In a way, it’s not very surprising considering that where they come from, most, if not all women, are swathed in flowing black robes from head to toe. When they get to a country where shorts and t-shirts are the norm, they’re practically overwhelmed by the veritable sea of female flesh on display (relatively speaking).

Arabs from more liberal countries like Lebanon and Egypt are more used to that sort of thing and barely bat an eyelid.

Tell you what, next time you catch one of them at it, flutter your eyelashes at him and blow him a kiss. With your looks you’ll probably make the poor guy’s head explode - that’ll teach 'em!

You’re making me blush, you old smoothie…

But thanks - I might try that next time!