Think Racism Is Bad in White Countries: Read More About Black People in Arabic Countries
By: Lioness Rue
Tags: Racism, Racial Justice, Equality, World, Society

Raising awareness against racism should not be a one time practice. Awareness should never stop until real positive change happens. While some people can be racist without realizing that they are doing that, most people are fully aware of how racist they are.

For a black person born or living in the Arab world, this is how it feels.

There’s a local code for black people in the street

The most common names that will be shouted at you are “babaya” and “babangida.”

You might even think that everyone in the street is complimenting you until you ask around the meaning of such words. The moment you realize it means a black person is when you realize the kind of racist country you are thriving in. There are even rumors that the first word, “babaya,” is local slang for baboon and not a black person.

Imagine in this 21st century being labeled a baboon simply because you are black. Despite that, having codes that distinguish other human beings from your race because they are black is racist!

However, there are some things you can never believe until they happen to you first hand. Being black in the Arabic country where I stayed means you have to adapt to being called the names allocated to you as a black person.

At first, you can get angry at this racist and rude behavior of people shouting at you various Arabic black names in the street. But, in the end, this will become a normal part of your daily life.

If you are a black lady, be ready to have your bums randomly taped in the street

Yes, you got me right. The practice of taping black women’s private body parts seems to be a norm in the Arabic country that I stayed in. The most disturbing part about this practice is that you risk being taped by men of various ages. From young boys to older men almost in their seventies, anyone can tap your assets without your permission.

You can’t enter a big supermarket wearing your backpack or handbag as a black person

Whether you are a man or a lady, there’s no exception when it comes to this practice. Imagine having to leave your backpack, purse, or handbag by the door as you enter.

I have had moments where a store worker followed me everywhere in the store. Their behavior was justified by refusing to leave my bag by the door when everyone else could do otherwise. When you ask why, the reply is, “It’s store policy.” Well, it’s a store policy that applies only to black people.

It’s not safe for a black woman to travel alone by bus

As a black woman in the Arabic country that I stayed in, it’s not safe to move around alone, especially to board a bus. Moving alone means you are putting yourself at risk of having your body parts caressed by perverted men.

The worst part of this behavior is that no one says anything about it. Everyone on the bus will be watching everything that’ll be happening and still keep their mouth shut.

The moment you try to retaliate and stand up for yourself, that’s when everyone chips in. Well, not exactly in the way you are imagining. It’ll be more of don’t harass the person who was touching you, just leave the case to rest.