what do the western world think about arabs?

Answer 1

Here was my last encounter: in Vienna, I assumed my taxi driver was "Arab". Wrong. He was Persian (from Iran).

A nice French woman started crossing the street in front of us. She smiled warmly in our direction, and waved in appreciation for the taxi driver letting her cross.

A minute later an Arab lady practically jolted onto the street, right in front of the taxi, forcing him to slam on his brakes. She proceeded to cross as slow as a turtle, as if she was deriving a lot of pleasure in making us wait for her. She did not smile. She did not wave. She was the complete opposite of the French lady.

Enough said.

Answer 2

Here's the thing: there is so much variation in any Arab country that it's impossible for me at least to make any definite stereotype.

Here's some generalizations I can make however:
1. Each person is different and unique, they are not a product of the environment but rather one of their own hopes, dreams and values.
2. Some Arabs are poor and suffering while some are prosperous and happy.
3. Some Arabs do bad things, like terrorism or hate crimes just like people in any part of the world do. But others do great things, working hard in the areas of science, medicine, and humanity.
4. Religion is a major cause of conflict and violence in Arab countries. But I also think it helps unite people and gives them hope.

I think all of these things can actually apply to any country, so I'm sorry if I didn't really come up with the direct response you were probably looking for.

Answer 3

You cannot possibly believe that the whole 'western world' has one viewpoint about ALL Arabs!.. or that any of the viewpoints from the western world were accurate to every single Arab.

Answer 4

They're not all the same. I worry about the islamofascists among them, but I worry about the islamofascists among the Afghans and Iranians, too. The Arabs I've met have been pretty decent, but that's only the men. The women don't get out much.

Answer 5

Its hard to say really. One big problem is that a lot of the western world will basically lump all arabs as "those insane Islamic suicide bombers". I know its not the truth, but the media kinda portrays that to us.

Answer 6

Shamefully, I automatically stereoype now. I don't think much of Arabs per se, I just steer clear of middle easter people. It's bad I know, but you can never be too sure now a days. A few bad apples ruined the bunch for me.

Answer 7

I am afraid there is a bit of mistrust of them. Of course I realize this is based in ignorance, but it's there non the less. Keep in mind 9/11, that's where the negative feelings stem from.

Answer 8

I Dont know if I relate them to 1 stereo type maybe rich oil drinking people who allow there religions to have to much influence on there life and culture

Answer 9

to be honest, a lot of people put them into these three catorgories.
1. Scroungers.
2. Oil Tycoons
3. People who work dam hard for hardly anything

Answer 10

I think we generally have pity on them for their lack of wealth and the conditions they live in due to the lack of materialism, but still respect them. Then there are some people who give negative stereotypes and brand them as terrorists and enemies of us.