Without endangering your life .. Tips for dealing with racism in a foreign country

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You don't need to be a hero or put your security at risk, but what can you do about strangers' observations of your appearance in a foreign country that does not resemble its citizens?

Looks, hidden comments or explicit racist threats, attitudes to Arabs and Muslims in a number of foreign countries, put you at a loss to the right reaction that does not endanger your life, so we offer you some steps to suit the severity of the situation you are exposed to:

- Assess the situation before you respond to a racist who offended you, is it alone or with friends? Are you on a street and there are people who see what's happening or are you in a deserted area at night? are you alone? Do you have children and your wife? All of these things are worth looking at to influence your response, so if it's not in your favor, silence can be an effective response, then keep moving and quietly moving away from that person.

If you decide to respond to someone who is racist, clearly state your belief or country and follow it with a sentence such as "I find in your accent intolerance against me, and that hurts me," or "I think it is wrong to put all people in one mold based on their religion, race or color."

Dr. Marsha Houston, head of communication studies at the University of Alabama, advises you to use open-ended questions in these situations, often followed by a good response, such as asking "Why do you say this?", Or "Where did you get this idea of ​​(...)?"

- Do not try to teach the racist person the etiquette of talking in this situation, and instead you can determine the behavior in your speech, the reference to the behavior clearly will help him to hear what he says, such as "You described me as a terrorist, is this really Badr you?", And then avoid the terminology loaded By accusations, describe a person's racist behavior as racist, and do not describe the person as racist.

- If you have any doubt that the police will let you down because you are not a citizen, you can report the incident to a local advocacy group, such as women's support centers, or a coalition of local minorities such as Muslims, Africans, or Arab immigrants, to monitor what is happening in the community. They live to support each other. Look for these groups, be in touch with them before you travel, and in time of need call them and tell them the details of the incident or threat, and they may see different ways of dealing better with the local police.

- Shop owners may ask you to leave as soon as you notice, which is something most nationalities face outside their country, or find a young man in the store who follows you closely but does not talk to you, or asks you narrowly "Are you looking for something specific? There is no size fits you here? We do not sell what It looks like your clothes .. Muslims are not allowed. " Here, boycott this behavior, and ask to read the policy of the shop that prevents you from entering, or ask the employee or the policeman or anyone else Why follow you? Share what happened with you in the shop with brand officials, or the shop owner if he is not a racist of March, or a customer service office, then tell others, encourage to refrain from shopping in a shop that practices racial profiling, and report it to the consumer protection authorities.

- If possible, record the incident with your phone - whether you are the victim or you are passing at the moment - to document what happened and published, and revealed the character of the perpetrator as long as you are safe from violence.

- Often racism comes from people we think are kind, such as a tour guide, hotel owner, or temporary accommodation partner during this trip. In this case there is no potential violence, just find that person to either joke on the color of your skin or religion or your country and culture, or ask questions denounced or mocking lined. In this case, remember that this person now has a relationship of interest, so quietly explain how his anger has made you angry, or let prolonged silence work on your behalf, and wait for him to respond with an open question like "What's up?", To describe his racist comment from your point of view, and how he offended To you.

- Splc, known for its legal victories against white supremacy, offers advice if you face a crisis with your neighbors when you live. If you are the target of their intolerant behavior and fear for your safety, ask your sympathetic neighbors to keep their eyes and ears with each movement. For you, or contact the county police who may have some policies to deal with inert racism. To help you, help build good relationships with those around you, or move to a predominantly Arab and Muslim neighborhood.

- If you are in the vicinity of a racist incident in which someone else has been abused you can respond, but before that you assess the situation and do not put yourself at risk, just say something if you feel safe, such as "Let him, leave him alone." If the situation is not right to say something, consider how to support the victim by standing next to him or making sure that he is okay.Then go and tell any responsible person such as a bus driver, security guard or traffic officer, or contact the police directly if you feel there is a threat to the victim's life .