Quote:

Originally Posted by badamj2000

all those pesky Arabs ruining everything...Lets take their oil

i approve.

Quote:

Originally Posted by biglebstud

I'm sorry if you got the impression that I was "slagging off" arab culture...

It's ok, I just thought the conversation got a little too one sided.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthony Mahera

Hahaha, I had to move cause of a psycho stalker in my building. Bashing on my window at all hours of the night flashing himself to me, it was almost unbearable.

Lucky, I have now moved to a place with a decent view

I just wanted to be the first to say that this comes as no surprise.

Quote:

Originally Posted by flounder

Your trying wayyyyy too hard.

Mean. Do I need to bring out my paddle? He's being polite you three-legged bastard!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zepol23

i approve.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fahed

It's ok, I just thought the conversation got a little too one sided.



I just wanted to be the first to say that this comes as no surprise.



Mean. Do I need to bring out my paddle? He's being polite you three-legged bastard!

I sent you a PM Fahed, please read will explain a lot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by flounder

Your trying wayyyyy too hard.

I cum from a polite people . . . well, OK, I'm only half Lebanese !!!!!! (but let's not quibble over fractions)

Quote:

Originally Posted by biglebstud

I cum from a polite people . . . well, OK, I'm only half Lebanese !!!!!! (but let's not quibble over fractions)

(but let's not quibble over fractions)[/quote] - Or identity it seems.

Quote:

- Or identity it seems.

Identities

I say people change according to the time and place and fashion.

Hippies!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fahed

Sorry, I feel like I need to step in because this conversation is starting to border on complete ignorance. I'm Arab and I was raised as an Arab by very Arab parents, but all within the context of Australian culture (I've been here since I was 3). I have to disagree with both of the statements above. Arab culture has changed dramatically just over my lifetime. I visit Jordan every few years to see my family, and every time I go, I find that they've changed quite considerably since the last time I went. The idea that they are 'stuck in time' is ridiculous. Nothing in the world remains static, and certainly, Arab culture continues to change and develop over time.

I think it comes down to what you call 'progress' or 'change'. I find that Arabs accept certain changes which they perceive as positive, and reject others which they don't, just like any other culture does. If you were so inclined, you could make these same arguments about Australians trying to hold onto their culture in the face of 'progress' (In fact I remember Iratei saying something along these lines on this very forum). The idea that 'progress' or 'modernisation' automatically means emulating The US seems a little closed minded.

Regarding progress within the culture, as someone who straddles both cultures, I'm not sure I can categorically say that Western culture is superior in any way. There are pretty serious problems with both cultures from my perspective, and this is not even factoring in many of the problems people in other life situations have in each of the cultures. I personally wouldn't recommend that Arab culture become more like Western culture, but I do think both cultures need to make a lot of changes and a lot of progress to help eradicate many of the problems that exist in each respectively. What I'm trying to say is, while I agree there needs to be change, I don't think it should be in the same direction as Western or European culture. This would mean falling into many of the same traps that other cultures have fallen into (some of which, I have to say, Arabs have managed to avoid). On that note, I think many countries in the world could learn quite a bit from Arab culture both as it is now, and, unfortunately, as it was in the past.

Finally, specifically regarding homosexuality, I'm not sure the way we define and perceive it here is quite accurate or realistic. I find the 'modern' conceptualisation of homosexuality and what constitutes homosexual rights and positive treatment of homosexuals (or indeed queers in general) confusing and difficult to apply to myself. This could be due to the fact that my upbringing has been laced with Arab ideas etc. but I've heard many other queers make this same point who were not Arab. It's difficult to say.

Regardless, changes are happening, just not always in sync with other cultures. I'm not sure that this is necessarily a problem or indeed unique to Arab culture (not that anyone said it was unique).

Sorry Fahed but that is my perception of the situation. I do agree with the fact that arabs in certain arab countries are moving forward whereas most of the ones I personally know in the west hold onto their culture with such passion that even the people from their own homelands notice they're not evolving the way they should or could. They told me this themselves that when they go see their family, their family's shocked about how traditional they are (clothes, opinions etc).

Oh my god, western culture is by no means superior but what is superior, is the constant battle to try and give everyone the same rights and the right to make your own (wrong) choices. Seeing as it's a game played by humans, there's a lot of fucking up of course.
Western society is faaaaaaaaaaar from perfect but given my situation (being gay) I would not want to live anywhere else.

Western society is faaaaaaaaaaar from perfect but given my situation (being gay) I would not want to live anywhere else.

"Gay" you say, thought youd fessed up to batting for both teams?

Quote:

Originally Posted by flounder

Western society is faaaaaaaaaaar from perfect but given my situation (being gay) I would not want to live anywhere else.

"Gay" you say, thought youd fessed up to batting for both teams?

I abso-fucking-lutely bat for both teams! With a passion

I always refer to myself as gay and I think it's coz of the first very hectic reactions I got from gay people when coming out as bi. It's a weird thing, I admit to it.
I took my time here too to come out as bi...especially after I read all the crap in a certain thread.

Ok, here goes nothing: Western society is far from perfect but given my situation (being bi) I would not want to live anywhere else.
It's kinda liberating!

Quote:

Originally Posted by flounder

(but let's not quibble over fractions)

- Or identity it seems. [/quote]

Quote:

Originally Posted by flounder

Your up late, or another time zone perhaps?

I'd ask you what you mean by your" first quote", but I'm not the arguementative type, m8. I simply tried to answer your question to the "second quote." Sorry if I offended you in anyway, by NOT getting back sooner to your question. (I know that some people take it as a snub).

I'm only a recent member, joined after reading some of the posts when I fell on this forum site by accident. I know "ignorance is no excuse" but I didnt think I'd broken any rules, so far. As I said, if I pissed you off in any way, then all I can do is apologise. If I agree with what others have written, I try to click the "I liked this post" button, if I dont agree - well, I just think, they're entitled to their opinion. I'm not into "shit-fighting" with anyone over anything. You dont like my "posts" - fair enough!! I'll make sure I try to remember not to comment on any of "yours", so I dont offend you further.

Good luck to ya, m8

Quote:

Originally Posted by biglebstud

- Or identity it seems. I'd ask you what you mean by your" first quote", but I'm not the arguementative type, m8. I simply tried to answer your question to the "second quote." Sorry if I offended you in anyway, by NOT getting back sooner to your question. (I know that some people take it as a snub). I'm only a recent member, joined after reading some of the posts when I fell on this forum site by accident. I know "ignorance is no excuse" but I didnt think I'd broken any rules, so far. As I said, if I pissed you off in any way, then all I can do is apologise. If I agree with what others have written, I try to click the "I liked this post" button, if I dont agree - well, I just think, they're entitled to their opinion. I'm not into "shit-fighting" with anyone over anything. You dont like my "posts" - fair enough!! I'll make sure I try to remember not to comment on any of "yours", so I dont offend you further. Good luck to ya, m8

now show us your penis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wonderland

Sorry Fahed but that is my perception of the situation. I do agree with the fact that arabs in certain arab countries are moving forward whereas most of the ones I personally know in the west hold onto their culture with such passion that even the people from their own homelands notice they're not evolving the way they should or could. They told me this themselves that when they go see their family, their family's shocked about how traditional they are (clothes, opinions etc).

Oh my god, western culture is by no means superior but what is superior, is the constant battle to try and give everyone the same rights and the right to make your own (wrong) choices. Seeing as it's a game played by humans, there's a lot of fucking up of course.
Western society is faaaaaaaaaaar from perfect but given my situation (being gay) I would not want to live anywhere else.

Thanks for clearing that up, I appreciate it. I have no problem with opinions which are expressed as opinions .

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Originally Posted by wysi

now show us your penis

bigleby liked this comment so I'll take that to mean yes. I would like to second the motion only I'd like a full frontal body shot please. Anything less is just rude really .

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fahed

Thanks for clearing that up, I appreciate it. I have no problem with opinions which are expressed as opinions .

My opinions are by no means THE truth, they are no religion either, they only reflect my reality.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fahed

bigleby liked this comment so I'll take that to mean yes. I would like to second the motion only I'd like a full frontal body shot please. Anything less is just rude really .

now show me your penis

Sparta1983 I do hope you find what you are looking for mate. I am an Australian born with middle eastern background, I can definitely understand your frustration. I probably do everything an Aussie boy does, surf, play footy, always at the gym minus the alcohol (heck even look like an Anglo Saxon) however I will always remember, where part of my ancestry is from and be proud.

In Australia I do admit life is awesome, freedom everywhere, acceptance, tolerance, understanding and above all peace. Eventually over time mate you will meet a group of friends who are very similar to you in the mind. There are all different kinds of people, ones that are after sex, ones that care only about money and sex, ones that are decent people and so on, I am sure you know this. It comes with the diversity I suppose.

Just give it time mate, I am sure you will fit right in after a few years (not even, you seem like an intelligent bloke). I agree the small minority ruins it for every one. Over time that will change once again. In relation to going back home just to get married for the sack of 'traditions and family' don't do it mate, if you are not 100%, being in a heterosexual partnership, there is a big possibility you will be miserable for the rest of your life. To shock cultures and to advance as a civilisation we need to break certain traditions and old fashion rules that have no meaning in today's society.

Good luck mate and by all means live it up do not be afraid to show who you are in this country, to be honest know one really cares. Most people are mainly into themselves :P

Enjoy yourself and be happy for who you are