How are black americans treated in Cairo Egypt?
Also I need to find a hair salon that caters to black hair.
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we don't make a differe for these things !
what we take care about its colour is the attitude , is your attitude is white or black !, this is the most important,
also we have black egyptian,
man you are welcome in Egypt, good luck,
kuhlknits wrote:I am planning to move to Egypt in the fall for a new teaching job. I am concern if being a Black person from the states is an issue. Are Black Americans welcomed in the expat community?
Also I need to find a hair salon that caters to black hair.
Maybe a problem of tolerance could be in Eastern Europe! But here, a lot of, are black!
But maybe this land has a problem with dark skin, even women fight to be whiter, most of skin cremes are for whitening,and in the meantime, I fight to be little bronzed, considering it more trendy!
Don't worry and be happy.

Regards,
Harmonie.
no for sure,there is nothing like that,,,,all ppl in Egypt are the same,,,i didn't hear in my life about any problem about black and white
Rania

Take this for serious
In short, do not be fooled in thinking that there is absolutely no racism here in Egypt, because that is just wishful thinking. It is here (just like in any country), although it isn't prevalent or explicit. As with any guy who makes such idiotic and ignorant comments, I let them know that I don't accept it, just as no one should.

I know these words can annoy any female. but it is not fair to call it "racism" which is very bad term to be used in such case.
we can say it is annoying U but not that racism , wish u got what I mean.
mero928 wrote:Dear The Londoner,
I know these words can annoy any female. but it is not fair to call it "racism" which is very bad term to be used in such case.
we can say it is annoying U but not that racism , wish u got what I mean.
It would be lovely to give it a nicer name, but when someone is verbally harassed based on the colour/shade of their skin, that is indeed racism, not just annoying and not just because I am a female, because my female Egyptian friends do not get called in this way.
I have my own way of dealing with such guys, but my intention was to highlight that Egypt (just like any country in the world) is not perfect. And these occurrences have been from ignorant men and not the majority.
There are not as many naturalised black and white Egyptians as you would get naturalised Brits or Americans - so the concept of a person who is a completely different race STILL being Egyptian does not exist. So An Egyptian will always take notice of your colour but not in a bad way - just to say "oh...you are not from here...where are you from then?"
The problem starts with the fact that a few Egyptians have fallen for the stereo types. So "black" means African - bit poor - bit uncivilised. "white" means western - bit rich - full of knowledge and sophistication. This is only a minority of Egyptians and in my experience it is the more wealthy but untravelled ones who sometimes have this view.
Most Egyptians are very welcoming. Religion is more important to an Egyptian than race. It is about your character, attitude and look on life not your colour. Egyptians value generosity, kindness and good manners much more than race. If you treat them well, they will return the same. So go to a stranger when you get here (a man if you are a man, a women if you are a woman) and smile and ask for help - you will see how helpful and generous Egyptians are. In my opinion one of the most helpful and kind people on earth.
Just like Indians, some Egyptian women like to be fair of skin. They think it is more beautiful and they say its because of their men, but I have seen many Egyptian men going for black women and marrying them. So I guess a beautiful girl is a beautiful girl no matter what her colour. With time I think this will disappear especially as the nubian Egyptian women are seen more in Cairo and they are generally of amazing beauty as is their land.

mero928 wrote:Dear The Londoner,
I know these words can annoy any female. but it is not fair to call it "racism" which is very bad term to be used in such case.
we can say it is annoying U but not that racism , wish u got what I mean.
Whatever you say it racism or annoying. Im treated badly here that it seems because of my Asian look. Amazingly, Ive never got this uncomfortable feeling when I was in South Africa. I dont think its about the colour. My skin colour is brown. Ive seen that some Egyptians with exactly the same colour as mine. But the race, makes the difference. On the first days at school here in Egypt, my son came back home with tears because he was bullied with words chinois, chinois... What is that ?? Who teach them to do that ? Dont say that 95% Egyptians are not racist. I can see the difference when Im with my husband that is white. We are/ I am treated much better. Anyway, now I dont care ! I love my self. It doesnt mean I hate you, Egyptians but I deserve to be happy wherever I am, no matter my colour no matter my look. Its not important.
I'm a white American Muslim living and working here as a teacher. I see the racism which Egyptians are quick to dispell as a way of saving face with the outside world community. Yes, I agree that the correct response is that Islam teaches us that we are all one. That's the ideal. What's the reality? I mean...why should people moving here bother with asking this forum if we only answer with the way things SHOULD be instead of the way they are. Racism means people are treated differently on the basis of their skin color. The Londoner was noticed for her skin color because she is not really viewed as a woman but rather as a CHOCOLATE woman. Hey, that's racism. And it's racism when we congratulate a new dad that his baby is light-skinned. It's racism when the new mom nervously asks guests if the baby's nose is too wide. I hear the comments about "good hair" and "bad hair". And I know that I get the world at my feet for being white here. I also see how a black man walks into the same store and gets greeted and treated well enough but not like he actually has the same money to spend. Now, how would any of this matter to kuhlknits? I don't know. But, for me, I sure would like to know the truth of a place and a people rather than just the happy talk.
-Leslie
I think the constant reference to color is racist...
So let's not pretend it's not racist here...it is like everywhere else but you will meet many really nice people.
P.S I was once looking for a job and although the manager found my CV impressive he was in trouble when it came to decision making. So he told me, listen, you have a great CV, a European passport which entitles you to a good job and salary only hiccup is you're black and the black guys here get paid less. It didn't really matter to me as I was only looking for a job to stay busy as my kids had all started school...lol!!!
Anyway, I'm sure you will have lots of fun...There are more good people than racists here...and the climate is WONDERFUL...
samwelbeck wrote:I'm black and I I blogged about it too - so I guess it must be an issue - Is Egypt Racist? - Click Here - but to be fair it is not a big issue. Racism is a tiny tiny issue here, not like in the UK (where I am from) or USA where it can be seen on a vast scale with whole towns and areas unsafe for blacks to walk alone.
There are not as many naturalised black and white Egyptians as you would get naturalised Brits or Americans - so the concept of a person who is a completely different race STILL being Egyptian does not exist. So An Egyptian will always take notice of your colour but not in a bad way - just to say "oh...you are not from here...where are you from then?"
The problem starts with the fact that a few Egyptians have fallen for the stereo types. So "black" means African - bit poor - bit uncivilised. "white" means western - bit rich - full of knowledge and sophistication. This is only a minority of Egyptians and in my experience it is the more wealthy but untravelled ones who sometimes have this view.
Most Egyptians are very welcoming. Religion is more important to an Egyptian than race. It is about your character, attitude and look on life not your colour. Egyptians value generosity, kindness and good manners much more than race. If you treat them well, they will return the same. So go to a stranger when you get here (a man if you are a man, a women if you are a woman) and smile and ask for help - you will see how helpful and generous Egyptians are. In my opinion one of the most helpful and kind people on earth.
Just like Indians, some Egyptian women like to be fair of skin. They think it is more beautiful and they say its because of their men, but I have seen many Egyptian men going for black women and marrying them. So I guess a beautiful girl is a beautiful girl no matter what her colour. With time I think this will disappear especially as the nubian Egyptian women are seen more in Cairo and they are generally of amazing beauty as is their land.
samwelbeck,This sums it up real well for me.
tweetie wrote:Interesting read...hmmmm. I'm black and have been living here for 10 years and I must say Egyptians are very friendly people. However, the racism here kind of surprised me. First of all most got quite upset if I mentioned that they are Africans (well Geographically it's the case)...so I understood that for the Africa means black and this is no good! Then they call out endlessly in the street "chocolata" "samara"...even kids do this and they have parents or adults who find it quite funny...to my dismay of course.
I think the constant reference to color is racist...
So let's not pretend it's not racist here...it is like everywhere else but you will meet many really nice people.
P.S I was once looking for a job and although the manager found my CV impressive he was in trouble when it came to decision making. So he told me, listen, you have a great CV, a European passport which entitles you to a good job and salary only hiccup is you're black and the black guys here get paid less. It didn't really matter to me as I was only looking for a job to stay busy as my kids had all started school...lol!!!
Anyway, I'm sure you will have lots of fun...There are more good people than racists here...and the climate is WONDERFUL...
I'm not surprised by this at all, we still maintain a sort of cast system. lets see we have doormen,maids,drivers,gardeners and other domestic help.And its really said to admit, that many are doomed to this futile type life along with their children and grandchildren.Discrimination takes place at all levels of society within Egypt. In general Egypt is truly and amazing place with lots to offer and to learn about.
I honestly suspect great change can now come to Egypt and all its peoples.
samwelbeck wrote:I'm black and I I blogged about it too - so I guess it must be an issue - Is Egypt Racist? - Click Here - but to be fair it is not a big issue. Racism is a tiny tiny issue here, not like in the UK (where I am from) or USA where it can be seen on a vast scale with whole towns and areas unsafe for blacks to walk alone.
There are not as many naturalised black and white Egyptians as you would get naturalised Brits or Americans - so the concept of a person who is a completely different race STILL being Egyptian does not exist. So An Egyptian will always take notice of your colour but not in a bad way - just to say "oh...you are not from here...where are you from then?"
The problem starts with the fact that a few Egyptians have fallen for the stereo types. So "black" means African - bit poor - bit uncivilised. "white" means western - bit rich - full of knowledge and sophistication. This is only a minority of Egyptians and in my experience it is the more wealthy but untravelled ones who sometimes have this view.
Most Egyptians are very welcoming. Religion is more important to an Egyptian than race. It is about your character, attitude and look on life not your colour. Egyptians value generosity, kindness and good manners much more than race. If you treat them well, they will return the same. So go to a stranger when you get here (a man if you are a man, a women if you are a woman) and smile and ask for help - you will see how helpful and generous Egyptians are. In my opinion one of the most helpful and kind people on earth.
Just like Indians, some Egyptian women like to be fair of skin. They think it is more beautiful and they say its because of their men, but I have seen many Egyptian men going for black women and marrying them. So I guess a beautiful girl is a beautiful girl no matter what her colour. With time I think this will disappear especially as the nubian Egyptian women are seen more in Cairo and they are generally of amazing beauty as is their land.
U hit the nail
(thumbs up)
NICE POSTvalibilic wrote:kuhlknits wrote:I am planning to move to Egypt in the fall for a new teaching job. I am concern if being a Black person from the states is an issue. Are Black Americans welcomed in the expat community?
Also I need to find a hair salon that caters to black hair.
Maybe a problem of tolerance could be in Eastern Europe! But here, a lot of, are black!
But maybe this land has a problem with dark skin, even women fight to be whiter, most of skin cremes are for whitening,and in the meantime, I fight to be little bronzed, considering it more trendy!
kuhlknits wrote:I am planning to move to Egypt in the fall for a new teaching job. I am concern if being a Black person from the states is an issue. Are Black Americans welcomed in the expat community?
Also I need to find a hair salon that caters to black hair.
70% from the Egyptian people when they see a dark black person they think that he/she from Sudan, and they start having fun with him even with funny words, tring to make him reply with fun words too
In Luxor, where the Valley of the Kings is, the population is almost 80% Black. My tour guide was chocolate brown and we placed our arms next each other and had a great laugh. He seemed saddened, though, as I expressed my dismay at he and other Blacks going along with labeling Blacks in Aswan as Nubian, while the people on the tomb walls of the Valley of the Kings look like the so-called Nubians (Black Egyptians). I explained the semantic manipulation, but he seemed to inhabit a psychological zone of enjoying the thought of being more Arab than African. I visited with him and one of his Arab-looking friends at the friends shop and mentioned I was a practicing Christian, as we drank tea, and they were cool with it.
At my hotel in Luxor, one of the bellhops, a big honey-colored Black guy, gave me a biiig hug literally picking me up and said, "Welcome home, bother, welcome home." He was really sincere and as I attempted to give him a tip as he took my bags into the room he declined. Upon looking out my window and seeing that I had a parking lot view he brightened up and said he'd see if he could get me a room on the other side of the hotel overlooking the Nile, which he did.
To clarify: living in Egypt is different than visiting Egypt. Any tourist in Egypt as seen as one color: green! Every tourist is going to be treated well because that's bread on the table. Nobody has any problem with what religion you are as you tour the sights. The biggest respect will be given to those who SHOW the most respect to this country and its people.
As for living here, the racism exists and I see and feel it as an outsider making my home here. I know that the Egyptians who comment with "there's no problem," don't see it as well because the racism is ingrained. That's true in ALL cultures. There's big money in "Fair and Lovely" skin whitener. A man gets complimented on his light-skinned bride-to-be and kidded if she's dark. Dressing up in blackface for school costume parties is usual. Those "jokes" that scorpmoh mentions above are probably not as funny to the recipient as he thinks. Watch any Egyptian comedy to see how blacks are depicted. This has nothing to do with Islam, by the way, but rather with Western influences brought here by the British.
Coming to Egypt as an dark-skinned ex-pat has some unique challenges which I have not had to face as a light-skinned ex-pat. I'm not saying that it can't be done. Of course it can and should be done if the desire is there. It's good, however, to see what the truth is before making the decision to come. No one is going to hurt you for your color. On the other hand, you might have some strange comments and attitude to sort through and address. Best wishes to anyone, of any color, brave enough to become an ex-pat in Egypt.
Oh, and Daxter, "a nice Egyptian girl" doesn't hang out at a hotel and flirt with men. There's another name for that.
But I would have to point out that the Egypt of today is not the Egypt of 1988 or even 2003
Thaings have changed here and to be honest not for the better
Thank you for your time in advance!
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