I have read messages here by people that are from Pakistan that are living in the United States, that seem to think that Americans treat them badly. Of course they shouldn’t, but I can’t help but wonder, how would I be treated, if me or any other American, went to Pakistan to live.
Just curious.
Brenda McLennan
bcsm57,
Making big generalizations about the whole nation cannot be justified
I am a Pakistani living in the US and I don't think that people here treat me badly-not even close. Though another Pakistani might disagree with me and he has every right to do so.
Similarly, I know some Americans who have lived in Pakistan and they have mixed impression about the life there. They seem to enjoy the loving, caring and the great hospitality of the Pakistani culture! Though complain that the people were bias about their skin color. DUH! :)
Ajee,
I completely agree with you. I just want to see what other people think.
http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/smilies/sunny.gif
Brenda McLennan
It depends on where u live in Pak really...
The village are known for their hospitality.
Pakistanis are generally nice people, as long as you dont go out on a limb to piss them off ( just like anywhere else). I found it best to keep certain views to myself. But certainly its true, that most Pakistanis go out of their way to make you feel at home almost anywhere you go, no matter who you are. I can relate dozens of such stories pertaining to the hospitality of strangers there.
[quote]
Originally posted by bcsm57:
**I have read messages here by people that are from Pakistan that are living in the United States, that seem to think that Americans treat them badly. Of course they shouldn't, but I can't help but wonder, how would I be treated, if me or any other American, went to Pakistan to live.
Just curious.
**
[/quote]
I like Americans generally. Most are pretty open minded and understanding, particularly about religion and culture. I tend to think of myself as one infact, considering I have lived her all my life... lol
I don’t know about any other areas, but if you happened to be an American (and I mean a civilian) you be perfectly fine in NWFP or such areas. There are many Americans that are still there living with no threat to their lives because of the protection provided by the locals. There are Americans now in those areas providing their services in the local churches, which are also protected by the locals.
You be surprised, where most support for people like Taliban and Osama comes from, happens to be the most safest for Americans and Christians.
Everyones experiences are different and depending on the circumstances you could end up like Pearl or you could have an absolutely great time. Just depends on chance really.
Ours is not to reason why;
Ours is but to do and die
[quote]
Originally posted by Asif_k:
** Don't you read news papers ? Didn't you read what happened to Daniel Pearl ?
**
[/quote]
Yes I read the newspapers(local and online from many sources) and I watch the news daily. I think perhaps Daniel Pearl got into trouble because he ventured into places he didn't need to be. Of course I don't think killing him was right, but sometimes in life, we put ourselves in danger. Reporters know that in their line of work, that they are putting themselves in harms way, and I think they need to be prepared for what might happen. When you play with fire, it should come as no big surprise when you get burnt. Even here in the United States, one must know where it is safe and where it is not. Do you think it would have been any different, if for an example he had been in the US, and he had been prying to deeply into the world of the mafia?
I do thank you for responding to my post.
To everyone else, Thank you so much for responding to my post. It sounds like someone like me, would be ok, if they ever went to Pakistan for a vacation. I am the kind of person that is quiet(I know when to say what is on my mind, and when it is best to keep it to myself). I feel that when you visit anywhere, you should have respect for the local customs. Also it is best not to pry too deeply. I feel people will tell you what they want you to know, and if they don't tell you something, maybe it is because they don't want you to have that information, for whatever reason.
Brenda McLennan
Brenda, A very good questions indeed.
As far as my personal experiences go I have many British friends who have visited me while I was in Pakistan. Their trips have been more than what they expected in a positive sense.
If you are thinking about going on a Trip to Pakistan I would definetly recommend the northern areas of Pakistan such as Gilgit, Naraan, Kaghan, Skardu etc. These are the most beautiful and peaceful parts of Paksitan that I have personally experienced. People there are very nice and friendly. You will be amazed.
One thing though to respect the people and the culture make sure to wear clothes that cover your body well. i.e no shorts please. Jean Pants etc are perfect for these spots.
Zameen Par Bhaij Diya, Khair Muslaihat Uss ke, Mujhko to chand banana tha aasmaan kay liye
Brenda,
Thanks for the reply here is the web site of an American who has been around. Please compare his experience in Pakistan and other neighbouring countries.
Todds home page:- http://www.geocities.com/toddstrip/home.html
http://www.geocities.com/toddstrip/travels.html
Pakistan visit experience:- http://www.geocities.com/toddstrip/pakistan_mails.html
Pak in pictures:- http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/Forum26/HTML/003303.html
Please enjoy..
[This message has been edited by Abdali (edited April 08, 2002).]
Thank you so much for the very interesting web links. Also the pictures are amazing!!! So beautiful!!!
http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/smilies/sunny.gif
Brenda McLennan
I was touched by the comment from a Canadian who visited
"Shakil - thanks for signing my webpage
Only people who have visited Pakistan have and appreciation for it. I think it should be the law to visit Pakistan
-DAN "
here is link of his site about pakistan experience
http://www.geocities.com/stardan01
my opinion about Americans as people, they are nice and easy going and I have some US friends in london too. its only US Govt policies that sucks!
an american in pakistan will be fine, the only rascism he/she may find fo skin color because of our colonial past(blame UK) but its not common.
End is Begining!
Bcsm57. Because of the color of your skin (any tone other than brownish pee color) you will get different treatment than that afforded to native Pakistanis. The shop keepers will try to rip you off, the taxi drivers will take you for a ride, the Police will not be of any help until you show them the money. In terms of ordinary people, they will treat you just fine, some will be curious others will be not. It is country for heavens sake, not an exclusive white men’s golf club that you will be treated as a guest or whatever. It is a huge country, and an American living there will experience different experiences. Every day will be a new drama. It takes guts to explore. It is in man’s nature to explore (according to Browning). The greatest failure is not to explore.
[QUOTE]
Originally posted by NYAhmadi:
**Bcsm57. Because of the color of your skin (any tone other than brownish pee color) you will get different treatment than that afforded to native Pakistanis. The shop keepers will try to rip you off, the taxi drivers will take you for a ride, the Police will not be of any help until you show them the money.
So in other words, I would feel right at home!!! In the US, especially the south, if your skin isn’t lilly white people treat you differently(this, finally is changing, but some of the good 'ole boys hang on to the old ways), shop keepers try to rip everyone off(I have always said it isn’t against the law to rob people, you just need the proper licsense.) Tax drivers everywhere, will take full advantage of people coming from somewhere else(They know you don’t know the best ways to get to different places, so they take you the long way), and the police here, please don’t get me started about them!!!(I used to work in a doughnut shop, and found out the old saying about them is true, they spend a lot of time in these. They were strange, they would get emergency calls, and then they would still just sit there and finish their food!!!)
It is the same here, the regular everyday people will treat you fine, but you need to be careful anytime money is involved. Also people in rural areas are much more friendly and helpful. Thats why even though I live near a fairly large city(about a million) I prefer to live out of the city!!!
I am certainly learing a lot here!!! Thanks to all!!!
http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/smilies/smile.gif
Brenda McLennan
[This message has been edited by bcsm57 (edited April 08, 2002).]
posted by NY AHmadi
First of all, what is brownish 'pee' colour?!!!
And as for shop keepers, taxi, they try to rip off everyone! and police will show a lot more attention to a American than a normal Pakistani! When have you ever heard of a hunt for a Pakistani kidnap victim like that which was put on for Pearl?
"The other side of India sticks just as powerfully in my mind unfortunately! I must say I leave India with a very poor opinion of the Indian people. I found them to be aggressive, nosy, loud, obnoxious, inconsiderate, greedy, dishonest, and just generally unpleasant to be around. There were MANY individual exceptions, however in general I found the Indians to treat travelers like **** and they definitely make India a very challenging place to travel for extended periods of time."
"India is extremely dirty EVERYWHERE! Open sewers, garbage thrown indiscriminately, people doing their private business everywhere. I have come to believe that this is a CHOICE. After seeing Pakistan (a country that 50 years ago was India) and seeing how they have closed sewers, do not throw trash in the streets, have clean rivers, and generally keep EVERYTHING cleaner, it becomes apparent that Indians CHOOSE to live amongst their own filth. They just do not seem to care at all. It makes their country, aesthetically ugly in many ways, unhealthy in many ways, and unappealing in many ways. I think in the future I would be VERY selective of where I chose to travel in India and only in 1 month or less doses. India wears you down.
Quote from the web link up there...."
WOW IM SHOCKED. Living in America, one gets the immpression that its the other way around. People here have a tendancy of thinking of India as the mecca of tourism, and Pakistan the crap hole next door. I am surprised that this Todd guy had the opposite immpression. Perhaps its just indicative of the fact that Indians have done alot better in portraying themselves as a tourist country, then Pakistanis have. We should infact be getting just as many tourist as India does, sadly, we have a bad reputation. We have so much to offer people, yet so few people know that. Its heartening to not that our country has so many great qualties. NyAhmedi made the cooment that they treat only white people good, i disagree. Ii went to Pak last year with the same immpression and found that despite my "Piss like" brown complexion, people were still, really really nice.
Thank God you live in America. I’ve never met a racist and hypocrite person like YOU
http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/smilies/redface.gif
Take Your Best Shot At Me
Adnan and Tiger . You guys don’t have a clue to what I said. Dumb Pakis.
Yep, I’ve a clue. Better than ABCD
http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/smilies/hehe.gif
Take Your Best Shot At Me
[quote]
Originally posted by bcsm57:
**I have read messages here by people that are from Pakistan that are living in the United States, that seem to think that Americans treat them badly. Of course they shouldn't, but I can't help but wonder, how would I be treated, if me or any other American, went to Pakistan to live.
Just curious.
**
[/quote]
I don't think so people in pakistan treat Americans or any other forigner badly!! or be rude or anything or show rascism! I've lived there and seen some English, chinese and American tours... i have never felt or seen pakis acting awkwardly or anything like that. I myself never felt like that when i was there. Maybe u know that Pakistan had to ask all Americans to move back to their country a few weeks ago. That was JUST because it was dangerous.
I myself live in Canada, and trust me, when people see u with like "other" kind of eye, u actually feel it, and u can tell what that person might be thinking about u. although I think canadians are much better than many other countries, and its a multicultural country, but still, there are still some people who think different, and ofcourse u cant change their thinking right! thats how it goes i think.
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