(MENAFN- Arab Times) In this week's Arab Times online poll, readers shared their views and experiences of racism prevalent in Kuwaiti society towards expatriates in the workplace and public spaces. A majority of 47 percent voters felt that discrimination based on skin colour and nationality was rampant and only 4 percent of respondents have never experienced or heard instances of racism in Kuwait. However many were of the view that individual actions should not tarnish the image of the entire country or people. "It is wrong to say that all Kuwaitis are racist. There are many who value the contributions the expatriate population has made to our country and respect them for having left their homes and families behind to come here and help build our nation", a reader shared.
17 percent of respondents felt that salary disparities despite having similar or even superior qualifications were most disheartening. "It is very common in Kuwait today, from education to the retail industry, for a Western expat's salary to have extra zeros added to the end of it for the same job an Asian would do while earning much less. Western expats also get added benefits like accommodation, etc which are not given to others."
11 percent of voters were bothered by the racial profiling seen at Governmental level with threats of deportation made towards specific communities. "All these security checkpoints are just targeting Asian and Arab expatriates. I have never heard a member of parliament threaten any Western national with deportation."
6 percent of respondents felt that racist attitudes in individuals depends on upbringing by the family. "Children are being raised with a sense of entitlement and a real lack of empathy towards others. We can't be surprised when they grow up to become selfish, prejudiced adults", a reader shared.
5 percent felt that in the past there was less discrimination. "Kuwait was a lot more cosmopolitan in the past. Materialism has really destroyed our value system. Kuwaitis are not only racist towards other nationals but even among ourselves we have a warped system of hierarchy in place", another reader commented.
5 percent shared that racism was prevalent everywhere. "Racism is prevalent in the most developed countries in the world today. 3 percent shared that those who were racially prejudiced felt that certain expatriates could not have jobs in their home countries and 2 percent felt that stereotyping is very prevalent in social interactions.
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