The region of Middle East incorporates northern Africa and western Asia. There are about 39 countries in Middle East with rich culture and traditions. The major religions such as Islam, Christianity and Judaism were originated from this region.
Racism has been a common phenomenon in the region of Middle East. Racism is discrimination of human beings on the base of color, ethnicity and social status. The highly discriminated population in the Middle East consists of domestic workers working on low wages. Treating them as second class citizens is unfortunately a common practice. This is a serious social issue which should be addressed properly.
According to a report by Inter Press Service; Lebanon has lot of discrimination problems. Lebanon is considered as an open minded country with fewer restrictions. Women in Lebanon enjoy comparatively good freedom as compared to women rights in the other parts of the Middle East. Still people are discriminated at their work places or away from work. They are not allowed to visit clubs or beaches. Moreover, discrimination is also practiced on property rights. Even Palestinians which belongs to same race are not given property rights.
In an interview, a Lebanese lawyer states that
“The Lebanese constitution states that all Lebanese are equal in the eyes of the law, but no mention is made of the rights of foreigners.”
Moreover, it has also been stated that Lebanese laws vary from one region to other that automatically causes discrimination. Unless a unified civil law is formulated, this discrimination will continue.
The dispute between the Palestine and Israel is also a controversial matter. Technically, Arabs and Jews belong to same race. They have certain disputes based on religion and cultural history due to which tensions and extremities exists between the two countries.
The policies of America in certain regions of Middle East have also caused hatred for west. What America did in Afghanistan and Iraq and what it is currently doing in Pakistan has made the Asians hate America which leads to discrimination of foreigners.
The September 11, 201l event was the worst and most terrible event in the history when World Trade Centre in America was attacked by terrorists. The event resulted in innumerable deaths and destruction. The attack was believed to be planned by Osama bin laden in Afghanistan region of Middle East. This created so much hatred for the people of Middle East in the hearts of western people. The Middle East people, especially people from Afghanistan and Pakistan are highly discriminated on airports. The extent of hatred is so much that anybody who even looks like some Middle East inhabitant is seriously discriminated. That’s why, bearded people are suggested to remove bear when travelling to west. All this was matter with Pakistanis and Afghanis on airports. Within the west, they have to face far more discrimination. There are certain places where they cannot go. And whenever there is some mishap in the town, they are suspected foremost.
Racism is not a good phenomenon. God has created everybody equally. Our leaders should devise policies that deter discrimination so as to secure basic rights of everybody.