tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post1278017210275066493..comments2024-03-29T14:07:48.770+03:00Comments on SUSIE of ARABIA: Why Hubby Loves His CountrySusie of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13315336613944665651noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-62218900400660441182009-06-10T15:40:20.810+03:002009-06-10T15:40:20.810+03:00India: Think caste system, bride burnings, female ...India: Think caste system, bride burnings, female foeticide, the fact that most women and men think it's OK for a husband to beat his wife sometimes, abandonment of elderly widows by their children, children sent to work as domestic labor and treated horribly... for some reason, none of this causes any outrage in the West.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-59600499184897993302009-06-09T21:35:15.280+03:002009-06-09T21:35:15.280+03:00@Blewyn,
your sentence makes as much sense as sayi...@Blewyn,<br />your sentence makes as much sense as saying the Americans are rapist murderers who pillage other countries for something that happened 10 years ago. Your sentence defies logic so much that I am over overwhelmed and don't know where to begin. Let me give you a hint: Poor people does not mean less caring. And did it ever cross your mind that poverty in India is a direct result of western colonization? I am not even saying that west is bad and the east is good. They have their weakness & strengths. For all the poverty that India has its more than made up by non-aggressive nature of its people? How else can you explain a stable developing country with the lowest per-capita police in the world?Gvenezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09069779465375369676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-76873480529000023962009-06-09T14:27:46.133+03:002009-06-09T14:27:46.133+03:00Wow, the sheer face on someone from India calling ...Wow, the sheer face on someone from India calling the West uncaring !! Most western countries have negligible amounts of destitute people, healthcare for all, and rule of law. All I saw in India was desperate poverty, filth and corruption. Literally, bodies in the street.Blewynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18436858190541109045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-52994842461292948072009-06-02T08:15:17.368+03:002009-06-02T08:15:17.368+03:00Hi Suzie, so glad your back! While visiting Jeddah...Hi Suzie, so glad your back! While visiting Jeddah about 2 months ago, we had a flat tire comming back from one of the private beaches. While 2 very western women and the poor driver were on the road trying to get the tire off to change, a car did a total u-turn and drove up beside us. Three youn saudi men stopped and asked if we needed help and asked if we were ok. I thought the gesture was so sweet. I dont think this would happen in Riyadh. I was very touched. BTW I loved Jeddah, and am thinking of transfering there to work. So much more to do, And there is just something about a coastal town......karimahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-32429176425189465882009-06-02T04:49:30.369+03:002009-06-02T04:49:30.369+03:00you must be really new to the eastern culture! The...you must be really new to the eastern culture! The same thing happens in any eastern bloc. I am from the east and moved to the US and was reminded of mother teresa's sentence "The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love." <br />Saudi has draconian laws. Move further east to India or Japan.Gvenezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09069779465375369676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-32113947093834087182009-05-29T16:17:22.345+03:002009-05-29T16:17:22.345+03:00"he would have gotten ripped off most probably lik..."he would have gotten ripped off most probably like most westerners experience in foreign countries..."<br /><br />As a Westerner who has spent the last 20 years in the Gulf, I can tell you that Westerners are typically treated VERY well - often better than natives and certaily better than the foreigners from various other countries.<br /><br />As for the heart-warming stories about people helping people in the U.S., I wonder how many of them would have been different if the person in trouble was the wrong race or religion?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-20851447586922773682009-05-26T21:41:14.037+03:002009-05-26T21:41:14.037+03:00Antoher Anonymous:
'...I drive, but my husband wou...Antoher Anonymous:<br />'...I drive, but my husband would call a male relative or friend in that situation, and I wouldn't have to be bothered, which is fine with me!'<br /><br />Bother someone else so that you would not have to be bothered? It's your own words. Enough said. <br /><br />But the thing is, you are obviously not in KSA or else you wouldn't even have the option available to you which was my ONLY point no matter what you might want to read into it for whatever reason. I think YOU might be the one that wants to do some re-reading because I did and I never said, as you say I did 'You said that by asking a nephew to help with something, a person was being rude' <br /><br />What I did say was:<br />'Another Anonymous,<br />Why should a male relative or friend be put out for your family's needs when you are available? Why should your time more precious than theirs? Your family should be your responsibility and only call someone else if you are unavailable or otherwise unable. But see that's what it is like when you are raised to be responsible and self sufficient. It can be considered rude to ask others to do for you what you can do for yourself. Do you understand what I mean?'<br /><br />That's a far cry from saying 'You said that by asking a nephew to help with something, a person was being rude' <br /><br />I'm sorry if the fact that I value self sufficiency offends your sensibilities. <br /><br />I'm glad that your last clarification was your last. ;-)The Queenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04071652918414242294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-26521265761829335522009-05-26T19:11:51.402+03:002009-05-26T19:11:51.402+03:00The Queen, it's silly that I have to keep clarifyi...The Queen, it's silly that I have to keep clarifying, and this will be the last time, but...<br /><br />I never said that other cultures don't have people who help each other; that would be ridiculous.<br /><br />Go back and read your comment. You said that by asking a nephew to help with something, a person was being rude. He thinks his time is more precious, he's causing the relative to be "put out", he must not have been brought up responsible and self-sufficient (unlike the Queen). What you see as rude is what others might see as a normal case of family helping each other out.<br /><br />I find your method of discussing pretty typical of comments here and on other blogs, though. Someone has an opinion, and if another commenter disagrees with any aspect, she's assumed to be taking the most extreme opposite opinion. It's not conducive to sharing ideas...<br /><br />Another AnonymousAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-10235348113869027922009-05-26T19:00:42.397+03:002009-05-26T19:00:42.397+03:00unfortunately ur husband probably had a good exper...unfortunately ur husband probably had a good experience because he is a native saudi...unfortunately if he had been a white man i seriously doubt he would have got that treatment..he would have gotten ripped off most probably like most westerners experience in foreign countries...but in america im sure everyone gets the same price, and ill take fairness over special treatment any day of the week.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-4472992370721284062009-05-26T15:42:48.142+03:002009-05-26T15:42:48.142+03:00Another anonymous:'Just because it's different fro...Another anonymous:'Just because it's different from what you're used to doesn't mean that you should think yourself so much better.'<br /><br />EXACTLY!<br /><br /><br />'One might argue that a culture where people help each other out without hesitation is a good thing.'<br /><br />But of course, and I believe that the comments here have proven that that culture is also to be found in places other than KSA. I think that the difference lies where there is less necessity to intrude on other's lives when the wife is available. This does not mean that the nephew, brother, cousin,sister, neice, mother-in-law, sister-in-law etc in the U.S wouldn't be more than happy to help if nearby and available. How can more choices NOT be superior? LOLThe Queenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04071652918414242294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-30216412552030642702009-05-26T12:11:36.133+03:002009-05-26T12:11:36.133+03:00Eastern reflections, The Queen's comments were ver...Eastern reflections, The Queen's comments were very much about her way being superior, and that's what I was referring to.<br /><br />Another AnonymousAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-5423727442572326212009-05-26T11:39:09.703+03:002009-05-26T11:39:09.703+03:00Susie,
Last year I had a flat in washington DC an...Susie,<br /><br />Last year I had a flat in washington DC and I took my tire to a garage on Conn. Ave and they fixed it in 10 minutes for 10 dollars -- no number, no gouge, I didn't ask the price first. It would have been double if I wanted them to put the wheel back on; but in fact it's not hard to do it by one's self and doesn't really require a nephew.<br /><br />Glad your husband enjoys KSA as I do now, but let's not perpetuate stereotypes about either country please.<br /><br />hmpAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-77906740312067178432009-05-26T04:46:21.633+03:002009-05-26T04:46:21.633+03:00It's nice to hear a positive story about middle ea...It's nice to hear a positive story about middle east/erners for a change! Thanks for sharing.Umm Omarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07996465903431750823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-60579952407852243032009-05-26T04:34:14.281+03:002009-05-26T04:34:14.281+03:00Here in US, I left my lights on and returned 8 hou...Here in US, I left my lights on and returned 8 hours later, the care didn't start of course, I asked an old guy who didn't smile if he can help me jump start my care, he moved his car ahead of mine, took his time looking inside my hood, suggested some other fixes that i should do and fixed my car in no time, he didn't even hear me say thank you sir, it was so touching his quick response and efficient help, these things just make your day...halahttp://hala1.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-42393995566846454072009-05-26T01:47:21.025+03:002009-05-26T01:47:21.025+03:00Vagabonde, what a horrible generalization you are ...Vagabonde, what a horrible generalization you are making. I am from the South and there have been plenty of times where complete strangers have gone out of their way to help (And I do the same)....and other times where you feel like no one cares at all....I've experience both ALL OVER THE WORLD. But to make such a negative statement about a WHOLE region paints the speaker in a bad light more so than the group or region he/she is slandering.<br /><br />Anon...and if the nephew or another male relative weren't able to make it and susie was available? But she can't b/c she can't drive. If my father's truck were to break down, he would call me to come get him mostly b/c I am the closest one near him. More than likely he WOULDN'T b/c he is a mechanic and would fix it himself. But the fact that I AM available and can come of my own volition with no worries about breaking any laws....a saudi girl who lives in a similar situation as me wouldn't be able to do it. I remember reading an article last year of a Saudi father and his two sons being burned badly in a house fire....for whatever reason the ambulance couldn't come, and the daughter dressed up in a thobe and other male clothing and drove her father and brothers to the nearest hospital....she said in the interview as soon as she pulled up the emergency personnel were shocked at her being behind the wheel. Of course, she didn't get in trouble....although I am sure there were some people who thought she should have. But the sad fact is she had to go to those lengths to make sure her family were safe, even if it meant breaking societal/government rules.<br /><br />And as far as the family connections and a culture "where people help each other out without hesitation"...you can find people in ANY CULTURE who are like that. This isn't about one culture being superior to another. There are upsides and downsides to every culture.Eastern Reflectionshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11628898942072054269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-74595958107332936772009-05-26T00:17:40.077+03:002009-05-26T00:17:40.077+03:00I'm so sorry, Susie, that KSA has blocked your blo...I'm so sorry, Susie, that KSA has blocked your blog. Your blog did nothing but hold a mirror up and reflect the very best and the different of their culture. I enjoyed your adventures and learning about a different way of life. You never said anything bad about KSA. I don't understand their actions. Be careful, Susie. Maybe you should come home? I will miss you! Hugs!Callie Bradyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16379683295150396693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-48560497932367543872009-05-25T22:12:09.279+03:002009-05-25T22:12:09.279+03:00The Queen, the nephew IS family. That's the kind o...The Queen, the nephew IS family. That's the kind of thing he would do for his uncle, and I assume that his uncle would do the same for him if he needed it. If you consider it rude and irresponsible, then don't do it! :) <br /><br />But in Saudi, families are much closer (I know some Westerner will say that their family is close; I'm speaking generally); they spend a lot of time together and it's normal to help each other out. It's common for a man to call a friend or relative to keep him company while he goes to do some paperwork or run errands, etc., when he's not in any need. Women do the same when they go to visit someone or go shopping, etc. Just because it's different from what you're used to doesn't mean that you should think yourself so much better. One might argue that a culture where people help each other out without hesitation is a good thing.<br /><br />Another AnonymousAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-79698283037806516922009-05-25T21:59:03.129+03:002009-05-25T21:59:03.129+03:00And I hear you've been blocked in Saudi?? Here's h...And I hear you've been blocked in Saudi?? Here's hoping things work out for you...I'm sorry!!The Half Breedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14946334586650394570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-48973031637745258542009-05-25T21:57:53.550+03:002009-05-25T21:57:53.550+03:00I've come in late and I'm not too interested in jo...I've come in late and I'm not too interested in joining the above debate--I'd just like to leave a quick comment on the blogpost itself. It made me smile--I do so value the more laidback attitudes of Saudi. It's not just Saudi, and it's not always true in Saudi, but it is refreshing when you DO encounter an honest man who is uninfected by the profit-bug. :)The Half Breedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14946334586650394570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-70253063608396464352009-05-25T20:16:19.105+03:002009-05-25T20:16:19.105+03:00This is a great story!This is a great story!San Antonio Cicilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00643255307592038405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-17693966704208611992009-05-25T16:03:00.122+03:002009-05-25T16:03:00.122+03:00I've heard your blog has been blocked in KSA. You'...I've heard your blog has been blocked in KSA. You've never said anything negative, so I don't really understand why they've done it or what do they fear, people thinking or expressing pros and cons? In today's world...that is going to be difficult... <br /><br />I hope that is solved soon, and that there are no other consequences.Why nothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03696250850424466408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-74830111060977537102009-05-25T14:08:55.534+03:002009-05-25T14:08:55.534+03:00Another Anonymous,
Why should a male relative or f...Another Anonymous,<br />Why should a male relative or friend be put out for your family's needs when you are available? Why should your time more precious than theirs? Your family should be your responsibility and only call someone else if you are unavailable or otherwise unable. But see that's what it is like when you are raised to be responsible and self sufficient. It can be considered rude to ask others to do for you what you can do for yourself. Do you understand what I mean?The Queenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04071652918414242294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-85567928403790407482009-05-25T13:10:09.352+03:002009-05-25T13:10:09.352+03:00I've just learn that you block is blocked by the S...I've just learn that you block is blocked by the Saudi...I hope everything will turn ok for you and you won't get in any trouble....I always find you blog very interesting and it's scary to think that the Saudi gov. pays someone (or use some programs) to check every blog for anything that could offend them...I know that this happens in the majority of the regime around the world (from China to Burma)but anyway this censorship is "personal" to me since "i know you" through your blog<br /><br />Ciaocountrygirlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-10541733581369663532009-05-25T09:06:39.910+03:002009-05-25T09:06:39.910+03:00Another interesting blog, I enjoyed reading your p...Another interesting blog, I enjoyed reading your posts which provides hope and inspirations to expats around the world particularly on women living in Middle East. I hope the "block access" be resolved soon.<br /><br />Life is Beautiful.<br /><br />A blessed Monday morning to you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-87339690027011796682009-05-25T02:36:02.072+03:002009-05-25T02:36:02.072+03:00Hi Susie,
Wow! I'm a bit shocked at your blog bei...Hi Susie,<br />Wow! I'm a bit shocked at your blog being blocked by the Saudi government...but I'm not at all surprised. It's too bad...I have found your blog to be so informative and from a true perspective. Are they fearful of that? I've had a great experience with my local Discount Tire just down the street from me! People are helpful and some are not - in all parts of the world. Wouldn't it be a much sweeter world if mankind was always willing to help the other out?Carol Duntonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17884281960990842987noreply@blogger.com