5 days ago
Without reform, youth will inherit growing racism, classism: Expert
Professor urges redefining racism in line with regional realities, recognizing effect of external factors
KUWAIT: A Kuwait University professor says thoughtful analysis and reform, especially in media and education, is needed to address the rise of racism in the Gulf.
Dr Sawsan Karimi, a university professor specializing in Middle Eastern anthropology, said tackling racism requires defining what it means in the Gulf context. 'Is it the concept we use globally to address inhumane behavior, or is it something shaped by our own historical experience? Or is it a concept imposed on us externally?' she asks.
She explains that the Western experience with racism, especially against black people, shaped much of the global discourse on racism due to Western dominance and their tendency to apply their standards universally. 'We didn't experience racism exactly in the same way, but that doesn't mean we are free from it. The concept itself is problematic and needs to be deconstructed to relate it properly to our historical and cultural context.'
Current influences
Today, Dr Karimi observes that racism in the Gulf is influenced heavily by regional religious, sectarian, and ethnic conflicts. 'We are not a closed society; we are influenced by external factors, including conflicts around us.'
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram further feed these attitudes, especially among the youth. 'Our children's attitudes are shaped by what is superficially presented on these platforms. Because we are mainly consumers, not producers of content.'
She warns that without real reform in media and education, which have the greatest impact on young minds, these issues will worsen.
Wealth and classism
Another key factor is the Gulf's rapid modernization and economic wealth.
'I think one of the biggest challenges we face is the effects of economic wealth on our socio-cultural structure,' she said.
Dr Karimi explains how this has created an unhealthy form of classism that often outweighs ethnic or racial affiliations. 'Wealthy people tend to marry each other, even with different, let's say, ethnic affiliations. But a person of the same race will not take a very poor person,' Dr Karimi added.
The Gulf is one of the world's most consumptive regions per capita—whether in water, food, or luxury goods,' she said, highlighting the rampant classism that people in the Gulf grapple with. 'Much of our wealth is spent on consumption, social status, and showmanship.'
Dr Karimi stresses that the media and education system play a crucial role in addressing these issues and instilling the ethics of justice, equality, love, and cooperation. 'These are not new values for Gulf societies; our tradition of neighborliness is based on mutual support and social solidarity.'
She advocates for media—such as popular soap operas—to actively preserve and promote these values through their narratives. Similarly, education must reinforce these ethics in tangible ways.
'What we sow now, we will reap soon. If the media and education systems do not change, the situation will deteriorate,' Dr Karimi warns. However, she remains optimistic: 'If we undertake a serious review and reform process, we can avoid future problems.'
