Dr. Khaled M. Batarfi My young caller was clearly upset. Still, he managed to express his thoughts and feelings, intellectually: * According to your article, “Fighting anti-expat mania”, it is us, the young, who are guilty of racism and ignorance of our debt to foreigners for country development and past accommodation of our ancestors. • I am not saying all and only the young! * Please, spare me the nice talk! You accuse our generation of all that and more, and suggest that we need reeducation. Bottom line, it is us who are behind this mania against guest workers, whether Ethiopians, Bangladeshis, or what have you. And you, our seniors, are innocent like a baby! Now tell me, what power do we have to exact hardship on those people? Who brought them here and let them out looking for work, while paying the sponsors monthly dues? And who run the media that stood mostly silent about abuses? What is the average age of preachers and academics who should say or do something about it? Who writes the rules and regulations that affect the expats? • The seniors do all that, agreed. But do you deny your ignorance and arrogant attitude against expats? * Not at all! But who are we following? Have we been taught and trained otherwise? • That is what I am saying we need to educate you. * How about educating yourselves first, and showing us a model to follow? The kids who watch their parents treat servants like slaves, need no history or moral lessons from them. That would be a total hypocrisy. Besides, who said we are the worst offenders! I know many of my friends are racist, just like their tribes and families, even against other Saudis. They were brought up to believe themselves superior to fellow citizens from other areas, sects, and backgrounds. Most of our generation are not like this. With the help of modern communication and social networking, we are jumping above heritage and psychological barriers. The youth are befriending and falling in love with each other across the country and globe. The only problem arises is when a couple decides to marry. Then come you, the seniors, with all your prejudice, to say “no way”! • Ok … ok! We are all guilty then, but still we need to fix the problem. What do you suggest we do? * Educate and reeducate yourselves. I don't know how, or if it is at all possible or helpful, but my point is: the problem lies with the older generation and so the solution should start with them. We are educating ourselves on our own, thanks to the net, but who will educate you?! I heard from you, too, dear readers. Here are some of your thoughts: Dignity and respect “Most expats are here for better financial and living conditions, without evil intentions. We keep to ourselves, earn our money and go home. In return, we only want to be treated with dignity and respect, as human beings, and not be blamed for all problems. Saudis can rest assured that we will not stay here indefinitely, nor ask for citizenship.” Martin Builders, not looters! “Expats are not looters, but builders of your fortune! If you really want to change the attitude of the new generation, a chapter on the contributions of foreigners to the building of modern Saudi Arabia should be added to the school and college curriculum.” Saj Leaving in peace! “If we allow undocumented workers to leave without abusing or defaming, they will always remember KSA for its good traditions and religious values.” Dere Attitudes changed! When I lived in Dhahran, 1989, I was amazed and surprised at the very welcoming Saudis. However, attitude and personality have now totally changed to the extent of insulting expats. What happened?” Manong Nostalgic past “The article makes me nostalgic to a time when I lived in Jeddah, with wonderful friends —mostly Asians and Africans. I miss those people and that time!” Anwarul Kalam Remaining expats! “I hope the government and citizens start taking care of remaining expats, residing peacefully and contributing whole heartedly in the development of this great country.” Syed Tahir Hate mongering “Saudi youths need to be educated or re-educated that expats have given their blood and soul for this beautiful country, which most consider as their second home.” Faiz Al-Najdi Sacrifice “I live here since 1980, but suddenly things changed. Most expatriates experienced maltreatment, delayed salaries, and other type of abuses. Still, we keep making sacrifices, not for our family only, but also for the country itself.” Bobby Aban Intellectual mind “What saddens me, is that anti-expat sentiment is brewing at the time when they are needed the most. Even for Saudization, expats are quite essential, as they can inculcate knowledge in national recruits and transfer their hard working attitude to them.” Martin — Dr. Khaled M. Batarfi can be reached at [email protected] and followed at Twitter: @kbatarfi
