Why are people (read: americans) so utterly ignorant regarding the Middle East?

Question

I'm not from here, I came here to work. Any question regarding the Middle East seems to be met with the opinon that somehow the Middle East is a backward, hateful, God forsaken place that is very hot and full of oppression.

It isn't.

I have found the Arabs I've met to generally be some of the better educated, more open minded, generous and genuinely pleasant individuals I've met.

The women are covered, in different degrees, but then they aren't oppressed by this any more than women in the west are objectified and oppressed by the proliferation of porn and societal norms.

The city I live in is extremely wealthy, extremely advanced, one of the safest in the world, with nearly zero crime, no litter and excellent services.

So what's the deal? If you're so convinced that the ME is backward, why not travel a few miles from Boise and see for yourself?

My stereotyping comes from questions like this:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Atdohlo8KZJi_urygcquGSnsy6IX?qid=20060731041643AAhXVpX

Answer 1

Not in boise, but I'll take a crack at it.
First of all, a lot of american (AKA morons) opinion, is formed off the biased news we recieve. A few items here, a few bullets there, some people tell different stories.
And a lot of pictures of sand, and watching Lawerence of Arabia.
Now, as for the belief, that arabs are a bunch of dirty, mean, evil Islamic militants, we know that's not entirely true. There are some places you wouldn't want to go, and be american. Case in point, Baghdad, Fallujah, or anywhere you could be kidnapped and beheaded. That does happen.
But some places are more civilized than others....the UAE, I've heard, has done wonders, making their own islands, etc.
The key, is that it's not all hell...but it isn't a slice of heaven, like you think either.
Also, little item....if the women are not treated rudely, then try to approach one in a black Chador, with a family member nearby....they probably won't let her talk to you, in Saudi Arabia....simply because, Islamic law forbids it.
Also, this may be hard for you to understand, a lot of Arabs are working on PR, like you can't imagine. A friend of mine, who works for National Geographic, was doing a piece on the Refugee problem in the west bank, and since he showed a camera, they all wanted to be seen living in squalor....nothing modern could be shown....why? To make it look a lot worse, to get sympathy....nice, huh?

Answer 2

Because we get tired of trying to sort out all the grudges and jihads and hatred and wars and bombings and terrorists that seems to permeate that part of the world, maybe if they could achieve peace for 5 minutes we could begin to understand it all.
The women aren't opressed???? Then why did the taliban have them hidden indoors, not allowed out without a man, committing suicide because they couldn't become educated or pursue careers and had to walk behind men and wear those awful burkas that barely let you see out?? How could we NOT think of this as backward??
Also we have heard that all Islam is sworn to kill the infidels, meaning anyone that doesn't believe as they do, what are we supposed to feel about this? that you have a nice friendly place there? It is no place I would ever want to go.
You think of us as ignorant yet you came here to work? Well maybe it's time for you to go back if you feel it is so advanced there, we won't be missing you.

Answer 3

When I listen individuals say Israel is the one democracy within the core east, I must snicker at their lack of awareness. Israel is a rather up to date European/American Apartheid settler task occupying the nation of one other individuals, and saved artificially alive with the would of American navy vigour. Iran is the one democracy within the core east. Iran is regarded by way of many one of the vital cradles of civilization with a tradition and historical past 1000's of years ancient. They have judicial, govt and legislative branches. They opt for a president each and every 4 years (sound acquainted?) They have a Supreme chief that's elected and oversees the judiciary. The legislative department has 290 contributors, elected for 4-yr phrases.

Answer 4

Good question and am sometimes awed by the stupidity of some Americans and their knowledge of the World. I live in Hong Kong (am an American) and when I travel home to Florida I still get "Learn Japanese yet?". Hong Kong is in China by the way for those dim witts.

It's not just on Middle Eastern countries, the lack of knowledge is about everywhere except next door. ...maybe

Answer 5

Haha. Great question and good points. I am an American. I think part of the problem is it is very hard to find any mainstream, easy-to-access news about anything other than America.

Fortunately, the internet has changed that, still, the effort required is a hurdle most don't take.

Answer 6

ill not travell to middle east now,if i were uthere are some radicals that want to kill us,and some crimanals that will try to take advatage of the feelings against north americans and hope to profit off it,but i agee iv meet lot of decent clasicly educated people from me,and some nut bars as well

Answer 7

People are not that interested in the Middle East.

The arabs you have met are undoubtedly bright and educated, that is how they got to this country.

Please abstain from personal rants in the future as they are boring and a waste of everyone's time.

Answer 8

I like how you condemn an entire population (read: stereotype) for condemning another population (read: stereotype). That seem like kinda backward logic to you? It does to me. I'm not saying I disagree, but not all Americans are racist assholes (read:conservatives). Get your facts straight.

Answer 9

Why do you think all Americans think the same? Are you stereotyping? Ameica is a very diverse culture. hmmmm....

Answer 10

if this so...then why are you here working....if so great....besides who can travel there now...listen to news ...ther is a war going on