[Reply] Queen Rania's Call For Communication

This response serves the purpose of opening a channel of communication and conversation about the so-called Arab world. By focusing on the viewpoints of an Arab raised in an American society, this is an "insider's" look from the outside-in, which is a bit of a privileged perspective. In this initial introduction, I would simply like to share the thoughts of a cross-section of my specific social sphere - And how those thoughts have been shaped and influenced by having the contact that they have with someone such as myself.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Queen
• Rania
• Jordan
• Islam
• Arab
• understanding
• clash
• terror
• bias
• fitna
• Question
• first
• lady
• الملكة
• رانيا

[apostle74]

Continued 2" of other cultures into American society. So from whence comes this hatred?

[IssaAmin]

Apostle74: There are, of course, black Arabs in most countries, and nearly all of North Africa is black to a major degree. I again reiterate that I do not know where the racism stems from, but it exists. If I were to look at it from etymology, the technical term for a black person in Arabic should be Al-Aswad, which means black person. However, in perfectly acceptable colloquial terms, blacks are called A'abeed, which means "slaves." Blacks may be looked down upon simply because of history.

[IssaAmin]

Apostle74: I find it odd that there would be discrimination, though. The term "Islam" itself means "submission", so to be a servant or slave to God is the acceptable way of life for most Arabs (where the majority indeed practices Islam). I think the etymology of "a'abeed" indicates slavehood to another human, which implies lower status. Islam as a faith doesn't condone that, but Arabia as a society did and continues to, even though far less than before, of course. Think of it like the US South.

[apostle74]

So tell me IssaAmin, what do Jordanians say about Blacks at the dinner table? I've been discriminated by many Arabs and Persians. And I know not everybody holds the same sentiments but it is challenging. I had a Persian girl tell me at a club, "We don't swing that way!" And also when I was working in the Banking industry I would say "good morning" to them and they would ignore me. It was until I was one of the top salesmen that they started talking to me. But by then I didn't want their comapany

[IssaAmin]

Apostle74: I'm not Jordanian myself, but from my dealings with Arabs of all nationalities, the view on blacks is generally (and I emphasize "generally") that it's ok to use their color as an insult. I'm sure this is rooted in antiquity. This is "dinner table" talk, of course, but Arabs discriminate as much as they are discriminated against, which is why I called for open dialogue, and not just one-way dissolution of Arab "stereotypes."

Remember, though, individuals are different from society.

[IssaAmin]

Insaan2: Upfront, I only know as much as has been reported by major outlets that have been granted access. I couldn't tell you anything you probably don't already know. Remember: It's always ok to say "I don't know."

As for the Islamic perspective: You could ask that about any of the extremist actions in the last 40-60 years. Religion is a crutch that they fashion themselves. Interpretation is subjective.

[silentfades]

I know this is posted late but you have a great presentation very educational and informed.

I respect that being very impassioned with your views your able to be calm and persuasive. Your willingness to look at the whole picture taught me tonight.

Thank you very much for sharing yourself and views.

Marc in NYC

[jozrania]

I need to know this:who told US media that Rania speaks for Muslim women of the world?

Rania wields an important and destructive political role,as she wants to build a fortune in at least 2ways:1)she registers state lands in the king's name,&then sells them at high prices and pockets the money;2)she has entered into business with Baha' Hariri in Jordan(sources say the Hariris paid Rania anywhere between $75-400 million.This about a kingdom that was created by the fountain pen of Churchill

[LQubain]

Ummmmmm I guess the word MAJESTY fell by mistake!? Huh?

[tamms001]

she is still just a person!

[chubbatheBOSS]

I seriously agree with that, in fact I was gonna say the exact same thing. "Hey Rania??" Who is Rania, your girlfriend? Jeeeezz, there's something called etiquette, and it would be appropriate to respect titles of people. Well this is what you get with the internet.. "Hey Rania! WTF Rania? You suck Rania!"

[munsbuns]

you are stupid.

how can you speak to royal people like this, hey Rania like she was with in school.

Ass hole

[beshameless]

i treat people with equal respect, unless they make it hard for me to respect them.

[summartimefun]

yup, human being she is, but she is ALSO the Queen of Jordan. THAT'S why she should be addressed that way! Out of respect for her title, or maybe you don't understand the concept of respect!

[beshameless]

please, she's also a human being - why should she be addressed with more reverence than anyone else just cos of who she married?

[summartimefun]

Hey Rania?? Where's the respect for the Queen?? Queen Rania is more proper don't u think?