Beyond Stupidity.

Below is an article from the Kuwait Times published on June 2nd. Words have failed me. Please read for yourself:

What not to do in Kuwait

Published Date: June 02, 2007

http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MTY0MTg5MDk2MA==


There are several things that every one must avoid to do while he/she lives in Kuwait. This rule is important to all expatriates, especially the ones who don't enjoy the blessing of having a 'wasta'. The aim of this rule is to spend your time here without thinking and feeling sorry for yourself of not to get sent to jail for being a fool. Most expatriates want to stay away from trouble but due to being ignorant about a few basic facts, it leads them to various unexpected conditions which make their period in Kuwait very miserable. Here are the things you must avoid:

Avoid the use of the term why? In your stay here in Kuwait, you will experience a lot of things that you could never imagine to experience. Thus, you start to think over and over again why? why not or why me and why is trouble always coming to you from all directions.

Avoid showing dissatisfaction about the country's work laws -- the country's regulations such as requirements of visa entry, or obtaining driving license, the corruption, the abuse of housemaids and etc. It implies that you do not appreciate how lucky you are for the gift of being in Kuwait and that you deserve to be deported or jailed for being ungrateful.

Avoid making complaints against your superiors. Your residency in Kuwait will be a threat if you complain or if you make fake cases such as a false absence report.

Avoid fighting with a Kuwaiti. He simply wouldn't hesitate to use any wasta to make you the wrong person of the dispute and make you take the blame. You might end up begging to him just to let you go!!!!

Avoid trusting any unbelievable Kuwaiti promises with quick wealth and success. Some Kuwaitis may use your daydreams as a tool to make some money by doing illicit activities. You would be the criminal, while he will be set free.

Avoid saying yes all the time especially when you do not want to. Although it shows the objectivity in ones personality, it doesn't make sense for someone to like everything he sees or hears with no reaction, especially in Kuwait. Always saying yes can lead to lots of problems such as sexual harassment or abuse or rape, this can even can encourage others to think you are weak and easy. This can cause real troubles for anyone specifically for women.

Avoid starting friendly conversations with taxi drivers. This would give him the impression that you want him to have sex with you and of course, he would ask you if you are married and if your husband is with you. Never admit to be single and alone or even to confess that you are a runaway maid or employee. Many of them would not hesitate to rape you and leave you empty handed and get you pregnant.

Avoid accepting gifts or laughing over sexual jokes with your boss unless it is really okay with you and this is what you want.If you came from an environment where you are very open with the opposite gender, then you might think that such jokes are okay but here, it is not. This would give men a hint that you are ready to have sex with him and you could find yourself a rape victim. Besides, accepting someone's gifts means approval.

Avoid trying to look sexy by showing the sexiest parts of your body. You may think that you have a sexy body and want the world to see that because it is okay for you, but do not do that here. Lots of men here would think of you as a prostitute and may try to reach or touch you by any means. You may not mean it but this would be hard to convince them because they came from a different culture. The culture here associates clothes with manners. The more you cover yourself, the more respected you will be.

This list can go on and can be virtually endless, but the main fact is that caution is essential because what might be very normal in your country would simply not be normal here. Think of all the options and do the opposite. This may ensure a longer stay in Kuwait with less headaches.