Happy May Day

But only to the Bahraini workers.

Those who are in the private sector to be exact.

Let’s forget those in the public sector, as they are not allowed to form trade unions, they’re unimportant and can’t be counted.

Let’s also forget the Asian workers: Indians, Pakistanis, Bengalies, Filipinos and others who we simply don’t want to see, especially amongst our neighbourhoods, regardless of the fact that it is them and their ancestors who built all of our countries in the Gulf and continue to do so. Let us forget that it is them who keep our streets clean, who man and manage our transport systems, transfer of goods, build our houses and palaces, and manage a large sector of our commerce.

Let us forget those things called maids. Those who clean our houses, wipe our babies’ bottoms and change their nappies, baby-sit them, feed and clothe and bathe them.

Let us just assume the worst of these ingrates whom we have enticed to come to our countries with hopes and dreams of a decent living. Let us assume that they are all drug-dealers, child molesters, rapists, thieves and charlatans.

Because we are a superior race. We are better. They should be grateful that we give them the opportunity to work in our countries.

Happy May Day Bahraini workers.

Comments

Redbelt

1 May, '07 at 10:48

As satirical as that was, I probably know a few who adopted this mentality. It’s funny in a disgraceful way.

Barry

1 May, '07 at 11:35

You know… there’s a very same parallel here in the US with immigrants from Latin America today from many of the dominant well to do population. Even when things are different and worlds apart, human nature is all the same.

It’s the same as it was with Filipinos who came to California to work as maids, cooks, gardeners, and farm workers (my grandfather came in the 1920’s to work the fields… he ended up as a cook for the US Army and then finally as a waiter in Monterey). Before that it was the Chinese workers, etc. etc.

Here’s a lovely image showing past attitudes in Stockton, a town with a fairly big Filipino population now (taken in 1930… hopefully you can pull it up):

http://www.geocities.com/fanhs18/media/memorabilia/fanhs18_pster.gif

Hopefully, both fools in Bahrain, and some of the ignorant fools here will eventualy rise above their foolishness and realise that these immigrant workers are the base of your and our economy, and May Day will mean what it should – a day to celebrate what the common worker does for each and every nation.

Meanwhile, the students at the university here plan to strike.

Abu Arron

1 May, '07 at 15:41

You forgot Mahmood that not only do they complain when beaten, they also have the cheek to go to the authorities. It is fully justified that, for that reason alone, they should have no rights and be deported without a penny to their name.

Let’s not even mention the threat of rape. After having a totally pleasant time being “appreciated”, they still complain at being paid off with BD20 and sent home with a fond memory of their time.

Totally ungrateful people.