Racial Discrimination at City Centre

I don't have any problem with City Center, or any commercial enterprise, maintaining control over who enters their establishment.

It isn't a public utility, it is private enterprise. NO ONE has a right to go inside. CC can pick and chose who they let in. I don't have any problem with that.

What I do have a HUGE problem with is the statement that discriminiation based on gender is fine, but discrimination based on race is not.

So it's okay to be sexist, but not racist, apparently.

You can't condemn one sort of discrimination as being shocking and terrible and at the same time give the thumbs up to a similar sort of discrimination.

How can you pretend to be so appalled by one sort of discrimination when openly endorsing another?

Oh yeah , The security guard on duty is smelling every one while they enter. He is trained to judge which is beyond the limits to deny entry.

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Listen to Many..Speak to a few.

Me thinks someone here be slightly paranoid and confusing reality with dilusions

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i suggest everybody stop showering so they won't know who's who anymore

whteve it is , Racial Discrimination is one thing which must be stopped. Discriminating people on the basis of their colour ? don discuss too much . just think about the emotion n feeling that the guy had , while allowing others n stoppin him as he is a BLACK , this is horrible . Discriminating by lookin at the colour of outer skin . all hav everythin same inside ( 1 heart , two eyes , one tounge ) .

Dont try to estimate the value of gift by looking at the paper in which the gift has been wrapped.

Are we living in a fully civilized society ? think mates think .....

ee, I was just commenting that they let-in many of the people from the same nationalities of the guys waiting outside, the only difference I was was that they looked more-western in their clothes, haircut, and smell.

My whole smell/coconut-oil argument is related to the newspapers' "poor smelly people" phrase.

Lol, Mandi I am with you, Jimmy Choo in hand ;)

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

Hey Alexa,

How is everything?

That thought occurred to me too, but, I didn't want to spit it out, lest I be labelled an ignorant MCP.

As a former child of the sixties, SIC, I like it! But I'd prefer to gather a large group of various shades and ages and introduce them as my brother, dad, nephew, son and husband. Then narrow my beautiful blue eyes when questioned, raise my blonde head and announce in my piercing American accent, "This IS my family." (Of course, then I would hit any one who questioned me with my Chanel purse.) It's a win-win.

Mandi

Hi Mandilulur,

The truth is that I very rarely am in Qatar these days. Spend my time in Dubai and Bahrain mostly. But, don't let me stop you from picking a random guy from the great unwashed mass out there and treating him to a nice "Grande, Cafe Latte". That way you would have rebelled against the establishment and put someone off overpriced coffee for life:-D

Smelly Indian Coolie is back! That calls for a celebration. Let's all meet at City Center Starbucks and say we are family. I would double-dog-dare any security guard to say we were not.

Mandi

Smelly_Indian_Coolie said - "eaglemmanuel, ....However, why should hundreds of perfectly innocent people of a particular race have to be inconvenienced on their only day off, so that, you can enjoy your book on your day off? You do realize that tons of South Asian men with money in their pockets and with no other intention than to shop at Carrefour"

And that's exactly my point too!!!

One a side note - The Mall has a families only policy on Saturdays. But one can go to the supermarket there. The rest of the area is cordoned off with red ropes and security. However, I despite being a single brown male walk past them without any issues. Same at Landmark. I think they'd only stop you if you were to show up in work boots and coveralls.

Normally I sleep through Fridays and only come out on Saturdays for shopping if I need to (yes, I have a relaxed 2 day weekend) So, I could care less for all these stupid bans. But that doesn't mean I support these policies just because I'm not inconvenienced by them. It's fine if they implement this ban on "bachelors" of all types. Otherwise scrap it.

I have RED the same thing about VIllagio some days ago. I went yesterday and nothing Happened.

eaglemmanuel,

I am very familiar with life in Qatar and do not for a moment want to trivialize your need for security and convenience. However, why should hundreds of perfectly innocent people of a particular race have to be inconvenienced on their only day off, so that, you can enjoy your book on your day off? You do realize that tons of South Asian men with money in their pockets and with no other intention than to shop at Carrefour get turned away because of their appearance, right?

"enjoying your day" and "City Center" is an oxymoron to me.

I have not been there in three years and they have not gone bankrupt nor have I suffered from post partum depression. I don't go because they won't let me wear my trench coat in there.

“A lot of the people who keep a gun at home for safety are the same ones who refuse to wear a seat belt”

Country and its laws allowed all the religion in. I think they are given the freedom to practice their way of lives too. We all know there is a church here.

Country and the laws allowed the dark skinned , coconut oiled, freeky colour dressed in. Laws and admin has the responsibility to assure freedom to them. Restricting them from the eyesight , is Height of modern slavery and racism.

CC shouldnt be allowed to illtreat and stop these people enter their premise, they are being given a resident permit to work and live in this country.

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Listen to Many..Speak to a few.

SIC, I'm not even upper class anything. I go to city centre precisely because of the security and I can enjoy a book without having to be constantly alert about my surroundings.

I always rather shop in FFP and Lulu, etc. but I have to ensure that I drag along someone with me (usually a couple) and I don't like imposing on other people's private time. I mean if they happen to be going, then I just tag along happily but the fact is that everybody's busy with their own lives so I'm left on my own. And I get disturbed everywhere, I have to be high alert ALL the time. I have a highly stressful job 6 full days of every week and my only day off is Friday. I want to be left alone in peace to enjoy my day.

To my critics - I should stay home? Nope. You can criticize me all you want but what you clearly show is your preoccupation with yourself.

If you give me a choice, I would prefer to park myself in places surrounded by curry smells. I love Indian food and my best friends are Indians. But I can't go out here alone without being disturbed and I cannot drag my friends along all the time so where does that leave me?

/Having said all that,it's impossible to speak sense to some people. Reality check - look at yourself in the mirror first.

//No further comment (unqualified).

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Don't want no drama,

No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama

This is a never ending discussion. I would tend to side largely with SAMAEL. CC is a dive . The only thing going for it is Carrefour and perhaps the food court.

If they want a family day, then that is their perrogative. NO BATCHELORS or SPINSTERS of any size , colur or creed should be allowed in.

It’s amazing to hear people scream Racism at the drop of a hat. Get a grip people; this is anything but Racism. The City Centre is a commercial enterprise and they are well within their rights to practise a Business Policy that selects a particular kind of Customer; it’s called Freedom of Choice. In my opinion, it is important for everyone to be educated about their place in Society. As a Coolie, I consider it my social responsibility to be aware of places where a person of my class is not welcome and stay away from such establishments. I wouldn’t even dream of letting my curry-breath irritate the gentle nostrils and sensibilities of the upper class and make them gag on their High Tea. I also walk around with thorns in my briefs, these act as a very effective anathema to my libido by inflicting pain on even the merest beginnings of an erection; so voila: no ogling and no dirty thoughts either. I strongly support their entry policy as this will prevent my malodourous armpits from offending the highly educated and cultured of our society while ensuring that I do not succumb to my congenitally evil mind and bleed in my briefs. However, I would humbly request the management of City Centre to open a few widows at the rear of City Centre to serve our kind. That way, I could pay a Riyal, pick up a plate, queue for my bread, move over to the next window for my gravy, and move on into the dark. That would be just super!

they should keep thursday as family day and allow bachelors on Fridays. And on family days don't let any bachelor in, whether brown, black, white or pale.

People were not allowed to enter The Center back in the day if they were in jeans. Harrods customers must adhere to a dress code if they want to enter.

My point is... it is at the discretion of the venues managment or owners who they allow in. If they feel the dont need certain peoples money it is at their own loss I would imagine. The downside to this is that the lower income bachelors are being turned away, and in a place like Qatar there arent many places for them to go to get out of the heat and enjoy a day off. It is a catch 22 situation but I do also think they should not be so blatant about which type of bachelors they are turning away. Perhaps switching family day to Thursday would be better?

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

many things are abnormal here. What you do with abnormal, you just stay away! Period! Just stretch your patience and you lose those lines in your forehead! Lol!!!

"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"

or it's the end of the line for Nestle! Lol!!!!!!

"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"

the press took up this matter through their pages long back. But nothing happened. Even Al Jazeera is busy looking at things around the world and region but not within Qatar. We usually see stories of human rights violation around the world in the local press. They high light it as if they are the torch bearers of human rights. But these poor guys close their eyes at such incidents in here. Even with the Free media forum around nothing has happened. Do you think the media is not aware of QL? So much has been written in QL about the subject, have you seen a reference in the local media?

And do you think any of these retail agencies will take up the matter with the authorities? They will be left alone.

the press took up this matter trhough their pages long back. But nothing happened. Even Al Jazeera is busy looking at things around the world and region but not within Qatar. We usually see stories of human rights violation around the world in the local press. They high light it as if they are the torch bearers of human rights. But these poor guys close their eyes at such incidents in here. Even with the Free media forum around nothing has happened. Do you think the media is not aware of QL? So much has been written in QL about the subject, have you seen a reference in the local media?

And do you think any of these retail agencies will take up the matter with the authorities? They will be left alone.

I send an email to Nestle' regarding a complaint and I got a response... within two days... a personalized one too...

There's a different approach to the problem... It to involve the franchises who run shops in CC... if one of them were to stand up to it and say its wrong, that would have a impact... and the franchise would benefit from all the positive press as well... All you need is a friend in the press and a contact with any one of those franchisees who would be willing to take a stand or even send you an email with the diplomatically correct things to say... saying that they regret so and so...

thats considered as murder of human rights!

Come on, you got to put it in the right perspective. If any of the western countries had followed this kind of discrimination, that would have invited Friday protests from the region for sure!

Like Mr. Paul said, the malls in Bahrain (which are waaay better than Doha) have no such rules. Same as Dubai. And the racial composition of expats is the same. Majority of the population is still labourers and low income workers from Nepal/Bangladesh/India/Pak. Why don't they have such problems there? Simply because the security and local law enforcement know how to do their job effectively.

eaglemmanuel - " ....Plus the fact that Indian nationals who are educated are allowed in anyway. It's how you carry yourself. "

So are you saying the doormen at CC conduct a spot assessment of "how you carry yourself" before deciding whether to let a dark skinned Asian in or not?

68.5% of violent crime in New York (2007) was perpetrated by Blacks. So, if I was a Black man in NY, would I have to prove that I was no crackhead gun toting drug dealer low-life before being let into a commercial establishment?

eaglemmanuel - "I want to be in peace and undisturbed on my only day off - Friday. I don't want to have to be on constant alert as to some creep staring at me or stalking me or coming up to me asking for money."

So, you will support what is obviously racist profiling because it suits your convenience?

Without doubt, you ma'am are a racist of the highest order.

It's highlighted as a family day... i honestly think women who go on their own should be banned also, not just certain males. Do it accross the board or not at all.

I never have a problem going where i want, i don't really pay much attention to the security, even when they puff out their chest and try to outsize me. They are just amusing to me. I don't impress easy when people are "just following orders" and show no free thought.

on the other hand i do see both sides of the coin. It is there attempt at being Proactive, rather than reacting to indevidual incidents, from a security point of view this makes sense in terms of staffing. Yes it does suck for alot of good honest nice smelling people.

Boycotting? lmao that will be ignored same as an e-mail.

Protest? alright but you better do it in silence with "praise Allah... oh and boo to CC" boards.

Somethings are genuinley beyond your control, no matter the mass you put forward. This is the way things are, and i seriously doubt it will change.

City Centre is a dump anyway, leave it to the social elites with their power breakfast and "Darling" coffee mornings. The only reason you are getting all puffed up about it is because you were refused entry, you were told, you can not come in, that's why you now want to go in (even you do praise boycotting). That is only human nature.

Move on... Nothing to see. You will only get yourself upset and irritated sitting around thinking about how unfair it is. Which won't really do wonders for your health tbh

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Agree with bleu and Oryx said it earlier too - commercial enterprise - "don't want the place crowded with thousands of people who will not buy anything" - and crowd out the genuine shoppers.

There are many places for the crowds to shop - Lulu, Family Food Centre/Palace. They can get their basic provisions there and at cheap prices.

So the fact that they want to chill at city centre, etc. means they just want to window shop and not purchase much (or at all) from the shops. The ones who have families with them are welcome to chill out there. All in all, it's fair.

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Don't want no drama,

No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama

Agreed that's the other reason bleu, and that's there prerogative of course. However, the way they are implementing it now suck ass big style.

Back to thread per se - err.. I was in bright pink and red and orange last weekend. They didn't kick me out.. oh.. and I reeked of coconut oil as well cos I'm trying to keep the remaining hair on my head from falling cos I didn't like Sinead O'Connor's look.

tallg, impossible to police the problem becasue of the numbers. ... unless they employ those people on a part time basis... hmm.. hey, maybe that's a good idea. have the current guards as supervisors for the temporary guards. They can also speak the language and communicate well. If they're paid by CC, then that's extra money for them and they won't simply allow all their buddies to get away with any nonsense.

Another problem - pilfering from the shops - esp those which don't have the security alarms. How? The numbers are the problem.

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Don't want no drama,

No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama

dup

I actually avoid going to such places, fact is that there is lot of racial discrimination here, we are all experiencing it everyday, slowly this place will become racist like england!!!

tallg, it would be very difficult to do that.

They have another aim for the ban, they also don't want the place crowded with thousands of people who will not buy anything, and change the whole look-and-feel of the place.

Many people don't like to shop in places that are very crowded, and especially if they are crowded with people who are there just to "chill"...

"but i know of loads of incidents in the last few months where many persons had their visas canceled because they had pictures of their gods on the cars"

This is an Islamic country and people should respect Islam. As I said, monotheist society.

I doubt it's that simple. There must be something more to it that what you're saying at surface level 0- which is misleading. If the people you speak of had their visas canceled - they were definitely doing something more that just displaying the pictures.

/Hey, haven't we been through all of this before??? There were replies by someone with proper knowledge of the reasons for some of the deportations, etc. and at the end of the day, the govt did not take the drastic action without proper basis.

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Don't want no drama,

No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama

bleu - would you not agree that it would be better for them to police the problem in a less "racist" manner? i.e. kick people out who cause problems, rather than blanket banning an entire group of people?

Wow!!! The economy will crumble because we don't let the poor smelly people in CC..... LOL.

There's an easy way to get in: Have a shower (no coconut oil please), dress well (no bright pink, or orange, brown), then just walk in ignoring the security guy, and without looking scared.

As you see in many of the threads discussing this issue, I'm for the ban on Fridays, and I won't repeat what I said before.

Agree with tallg.

Re: the practising religion bit - I think he's referring to the Hindu temples. That is a totally different issue altogether. Qatar is a monotheist society so the policies are in line with that. But we are all guests in this country, we change the things we can change for the better but not everything can be changed to suit us.

Emotional arguments jumble up everything. So it looks like the "not being let in to city centre" is actually rooted in something else.

As far as "naturalisation" is concerned - I can understand why many who have worked and stayed here for 30 years would like to be citizens and possibly, it's just me but as I said, I am a guest in this country, so work and leave when the time comes. Or stay, if the policy changes in the future, if I live that long. I can uproot myself and stay anywhere in the world. If I have a family later, it will be more difficult but nothing is impossible, if God wills it.

Btw, the economy of qatar won't crumble. Things may be difficult but that's why there are stricter regulations in place now.

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Don't want no drama,

No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama

are you trying to tell me that police searching car for the god's pictures?

well there is nothing official which states that u cant practice ur religion but i know of loads of incidents in the last few months where many persons had their visas canceled because they had pictures of their gods on the cars

shyamp - people aren't leaving out of choice. They're being sacked. And as you said - "when the economy of qatar crumbles, they will be the first to go" - i.e. while they can still earn money here they'll stay, regardless of shopping malls racist policies.

Also for your info - Qatar does not stop you from practising religion. Seems some of your facts are a bit amiss.

Agreed, jackmohan BUT the issue still remains - how to practically effectively patrol? It's not possible with the numbers.

Frankly, for some of these people - their reactions are counter productive. They are depressed, angry, frustrated AND they take it out on others, complain without any facts, simply speaking from emotions - what do you think that will achieve? It is BECAUSE of their negative reactions that creates more problems - the govt setting more restrictive guidelines in place, they get even more upset, depressed, angry and frustrated and it goes on and on in a DOWNWARD spiral. No one can stop this except for the people themselves. The change must come from within. They let external circumstances affect them and they lash out at others.

What goes around comes around. If only people would realize it and change. It take 8 weeks (I think) to form a habit and once people are consistent in their good behaviour, things will change for the better. A house divided WILL fall. If everyone really behaves themselves, then the govt will notice that they are no longer a problem and a threat and they will loosen the strict guidelines.

Seriously, can't you all see that every action has a reaction? Take responsibility for your own actions. encourage everyone within your own circle of influence to do so. Things WILL change for the better. Not immediately but it WILL. It MUST start with the individual.

The economic situation is the main reason for the stricter guidelines.

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Don't want no drama,

No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama

be subjected to these selective profiling..!!

they leaving the country because they being sacked or retrenched by the company.

no one will leave this country because they not being let in into the shopping mall.

rnt u reading the papers. I saw an article in gulf times about the current population and the population six moths back and it showed a decline of atleast 20000 people.

And by they way, loads of employees are fired from major companies Like qatar steel and various other real estate related companies and none of the newspapers cover it.

the only articles they have are that sya that qatar's economy is very strong and wont be affected by the global crisis when hundreds of people are getting fired. the situation is serious

mod note: you've been warned several times about not swearing on QL

They're not abandoning Qatar - they'd stay if they could.

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Don't want no drama,

No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama

eaglemmanuel....those who dont behave.....should be kicked out, arrested, whipped, deported ...whatever...(its the duty of the police or security)....irrespective of race...

but this is not the solution to people not behaving themselves in malls. trouble makers must be punished. but you can't ban all brits from the beaches just becoz one couple behaved badly on a Dubai beach.

Family day has been declared based on the cultural leanings of this country. Understood. But on these family days if you allow bachelors from certain races, how can that be justified?

and it not only includes racial discrimination, but various other rights including rights to naturalisation, rights to practices your religion freely and so on and so forth.

These kind of oppressive practices will only make asian expats itching to go back to their own country and when the economy of qatar crumbles, they will be the first to go

hvnt heard qatar population decreasing in my 8 yrs living here. All i heard is going up and up ...

well, we can see if they are abandoning qatar or not in the next few months.

The process has started with population in qatar decreasing.

kwan - the newspapers ran with these stories several times over the last year or so, covering both the souqs and the malls. I don't think it went down too well so don't expect to see any more about it.

shyamp - It's not as simple as that. If everyone behaved themselves in the malls they wouldn't need to implement any form policy. But people do behave inappropriately, and it's unfortunate the government have decide on the policy they have. They could have done things in a much better way.

They're getting away with it though, because expatriates aren't exactly abandoning Qatar, are they?

it has got to do with the govt and basically they dont think asian expats are not to be given rights and they just want to keep them as slaves without even the basic human rights. These kind of stupid things will only cause a huge downfall for qatar when the expats just abandon this country at the slightest probs.

I am sure one day for sure they will regret their mistakes for their racial behaviour and that day is not far away

Agree jackmohan. But when he emails to all and sundry, I hope he remembers to tell them that they should behave when they are in Qatar. He and you and all other like minded people may but seriously, not ALL your countrymen behave. If you were honest, you would see it.

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Don't want no drama,

No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama

kicks up proof of racial profiling. And I don't expect anyone in Qatar doing it (despite the free media forum in Qatar). Unless some one gets a video to be aired on Youtube or some foreign media this will continue.

all bachelors better stay away from such places on these so called family days. there is no other way out as of now.

Agreed, tallg. even I feel that it's not fair - should allow all in but there is the issue of personal safety for the women. As I said - bigger picture - to encourage more women to come and contribute their skills to the workplace and stay, etc. something must be done.

Is that possible to patrol that closely? So far, not so good. I don't think it's practically possible with the numbers of men compared with the women.Way out of balance.

/Btw, in case anyone thinks I don't go to city centre often and thus, don't know the plight of poor people, I actually go very often and my observation and assessment is current.

//My "No further comment" is qualified - will comment if there are no blindly emotional responses and if I can find the time to reply. Otherwise, "have a nice day!"

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Don't want no drama,

No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama

saint.h ...you wouldnt get any solution here...on the board....

You have your email & you have your email address book.....

email to your friends about your experience...how humiliating it was to be profiled...

email it to your countrymen here in Qatar, out of Qatar...and also back home...

I think people should know the truth...lest they go to CC alone on a Friday and not allowed to shop.

What again?

a) A shopping mall is a commercial not a social venture... with limited space they are going to let those in that they think will spend.

b) Some single males do harrass as EE pointed out - there have been complaints

= people with no money who deter the ones with money from spending are prevented from going to a commercial place.

Khallas.....

Saint you will save a lot of money in Doha by boycotting the malls.

baldrick2dogs said "Their race policies are based on assumption. They assume that a single white guy going into a mall is gonna spend a big wedge.

They assume a single Asian guy is going to hang out with his mates and ogle scantily clad women"

- Their "race policies" are NOT based on assumption. They are based on fact. I would call them "discerning policies". And before readers get blinded by my opening statement, please read the rest of my comment with an open mind to see not only your own perspective.

saint.h - consider that those people from the 3 countries you metioned have generally civilized behaviour. I said "generally". If you were honest, you'd agree. Plus the fact that Indian nationals who are educated are allowed in anyway. It's how you carry yourself.

The singles at city centre who get in by following other women in and pretending that they are with those ladies and once in, they go their own way because the ladies they followed in noticed and would call the guards if they continued sticking with them... They DO stalk single women like me - genuine intention - looking for cover but seriously, very creepy. So I feel unsafe. You think it's nothing BUT it is NOT. It's a matter of personal safety from a woman's PoV.

CRUX OF THE MATTER / BOTTOM LINE : So tell me, can you ensure that all other races go in to City Centre, Landmark or Villagio and respect women and not stare and stalk them? THEN only come and present your case to let all bachelors in.

I know that most bachelors have only one day off. FYI, SO DO I and I know how taxing working life here is - I work almost around the clock so you guys are not the only ones who work hard.

I want to be in peace and undisturbed on my only day off - Friday. I don't want to have to be on constant alert as to some creep staring at me or stalking me or coming up to me asking for money.

Hence for now, I fully support City Centre's policy of discernment, not racism - until such time as you can assure all the single women here and those who will come to work in Qatar later that the bachelors of ALL races will behave.

Every critic should remember that previously, they didn't have this family day rule. It was because women (and children) were disturbed or harrassed, to be precise, by the single men that the govt has to protect us. Every action has a reaction. All single men should take responsibility for their own actions. The Qataris and the ones from the 3 countries you mentioned are not a problem. They have proven it time and again.

The others who are on that "decline" list have proven time and again that they cause trouble - complaints to management are private and confidential and they're not going to tell all and sundry. They just decide on the information that they have, to implement certain policies. Even my own personal experiences - that idiot who stalked me from one end of city centre to the other when I first came to Qatar. That was really very frightening.

Sigh! This has been discussed ad infinitum before. I have never replied to any thread but this is my PoV and I stand by it, no matter what you want to call me.I don't care. People (not referring to OP or anyone else in particular) should not be egocentric and see only their own perspectives.

Suggestion for City Centre - addendum to policy - allowing educated bachelors of ALL races in. What the criteria of "educated" is going to be and how they are going to administer that improvement to their policy is another major headache but well.. where there is a will, there is always a way.

/Next criticism that's going to get on to QL is why the discrimination against the workers who work for building up the nation of Qatar and another set of arguments ad infinitum.

//By the way, I REITERATE that I'm NOT making a personal attack against the OP or anyone else. It is constructive criticism and a statement of reality from another perspective. If people choose to take things negatively and not look at themselves in the mirror, I simply hope they become more aware and become better people.

///I have been told many times that if I feel unsafe here, I should just go home. Every action has a reaction, if yiou recall I said. That would be counter productive - lesser women here, even more desperate men, etc. goes round and round in a vicious circle, if only some people would see further than their own circumstances.

////No further comment.

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Don't want no drama,

No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama

The solution isn't to allow one type of people in while banning others - however you play that it is discrimination and it is wrong. What they should do is allow everyone in and then have plenty of security patrols kicking people out who are blatantly stalking, staring, etc, etc.

Qatar Foundation, Al Jazeera, Museum of Islamic Arts, Al Fanaar, Asian Games,...what an acheivement!

Reading between the lines Kwan, I think it's clear that the malls are setting rules that the government are more than happy with.

racial profiling is not just restricted to malls. try souq wakif. many have been threown out along with Qatar Culture from the souq.

for all other malls you visited while on vacation in the Philippines! In Qatar, what do you consider not crap?

"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"

"SM Mall is also crap". I might have missed something!

"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"

Even when the papers try to report it the get hushed up and editors get removed. So regardless of how much we moan about it or how many people boycott the malls, nothing will change til the government does something about it.

That doesn't seem likely to happen as the last comment they gave was along the lines of "the shopping malls can set whatever policies they want, it's nothing to do with us".

It seems to have conveniently escaped the government's notice that the shopping malls are directly contradicting the constitution of Qatar, which states no-one will be treated differently because of their race.

If people were that fussed about human rights, racial discrimination, etc, etc then they'd have made the ultimate boycott and left Qatar long ago. Guess the money is too important though.

nice conspiracy theory

Maybe it's a conspiracy involving LULU hypermarket to drive all Asians to shop there if I was you I would boycott LULU for that!

That's really Discusting

HUH

If we boycott every place there is evidence of Racial Discrimination we would not go out.

The problem I think is the lack of facalities for the single men who work here.

There seems very little for them to do on their day off.

I have just been to a computer shop near Jaidah and the streets were crawling with workers. I saw one other woman and one other white person.

I realise these men may have been shopping/sending money etc. But what else is their to do for them that is either free or cheap and will give them something else to do besides window shopping?

Also why are these Malls not giving them a day or at least a couple of hours to do their shopping or strolling.

If the Mall Management don't want them mixing give them a day and a time they can come in.

We know it is all about money and the fact that some of them may not have enough money to buy what is in the shops but at least give them a chance.

As they are also turning away people who HAVE the money but are not white. They need to make their mind up.

Their logic is flawed.

My thoughts are my own, but I doubt my Mum would agree with some of them.

i feel for you too. i hate racism, if only we can do something bout it. Let them discriminate you here on earth when they die they will be the one to be discriminated in the hall of heaven.

"a step towards the right path is two steps away from evil"

interesting to read all of this comments...its started to get abit more personal now...

If you have ever been to a night club, you queue up and then finally its your turn, the club bouncer says, you are not allow to enter. What can you do, they are the gate keeper and it is nothing that you can do about it.

Just try another day or another way. Or else you will be the one that is loosing...

There is no excuse for racial discrimination. Should be stopped by all means possible...

Dark old age rule... don't tell me or force me to follow it.

I don't agree that not many people say it is ok because expats moan like hell if there are too many bachelors in the malls on so called family days. Whether it's because of their smell, staring or commiting suicide. Personally I find some of them pretty offensive, particularly the men in running shorts and screaming out of control kids.

if still nothing works,, you could go speak to Sheikh Faisal, the owner of CC. iam sure he will listen, a nice man with a good heart he is...

nature will take its own course... you can either wait for CC to fall apart with all your curses or step up to take action.

This is all pin-pointing on probably a particular individual or particular instance which made them take this decision.

than making this a racist issue , just avoid CC on a friday or if you happen to be a victim of such a comment, you could return any other day and make sure you take up the issue with higher authority, probably with a taped evidence, i am sure you will be heard and will definitely have the guard removed from his post..

Time spent in a shopping mall this year - 30 minutes while waiting for a bus in Angeles City, Philippines. and SM Mall was crap too, though my mate did buy a postcard to send home.

Even "girlies" don't really like it all that much in CC. It's dull. I haven't been there for 6 months.

I guess for some it's the "forbidden fruit on Friday". To others it's one of the little places available to spend time indoors, especially in the heat of the summer.

Salam

baldrick, lol!

Saint, I have no use for CC, it's mostly full of girlie shops anyway. If I want home centre I go to Saad

I have little need of Villlagio. mostly girlie too, except for Virgin.

Little use of Landmark till I need underpants from M&S.

I really can't see the pull of these malls for bachelors. what's so exciting that they would want to go there anyway? Sorry, shopping is for girlies!

Not many people say it is ok.

"I would urge all QL members to avoid going there or send a suitable email to City Center" -- we just can't...

I haven't been to the City Center in the last 5 years. They sell only crap, anyway.

macgyver426 - I AM NOT STEPPING IN THERE PAL WITHOUT A PUBLIC APOLOGY AND A PUBLIC RETRACTING OF THIS RACIST POLICY

I do not need CC ...... If they need me, let them court me ... and do what they need to do by removing their racist policies .........

Believe me, as a consumer, they need more of us ..

Live life like there is no tomorrow ....

Cheers

Saint

I am amazed that there are so many people in Qatar who are empowered and who believe that we should let these things happen......

This leaves me with a deep sense of disgust not only at the people who manage places like the CC or Villagio but also, and I am left with a deep sense of sorrow to say this, at the QATAR LIVING people who are empowered and yet say that IT IS OK ......

I BEG TO DIFFER!! I AM SORRY!!! I SAY NOOOOO!!!!

No way ..... this is not OK. I am not asking any of you guys to protest or anything like that ..... All I am saying is that if YOU people accept such policies and encourage these policies by going to such places run by racists when they want you to come, you are only encouraging them to continue with their policies.

Maybe, if you stop going there on off-weekend days, when they want you to come to them and shop ...... DO NOT DO IT .... and tell them why you do not want to come there and why you do not like people with racist policies.....

Come on guys .........

To end this, I do not like to be with a racist company and I do not mind standing up and saying this. I do not believe Qatar is as Racist as CC or Villagio. Qatar, I know and believe is reasonably fair .....

It is these guys at CC and Villagio and other such places who are following RACIST POLICIES that sets my blood on boil ...... which is why I made this post ........ Just stand up and be counted .......... or else ........

Live life like there is no tomorrow ....

Cheers

Saint

saint.ha....i'm pretty sure you'll go back to city center anytime soon. you really don't have a choice..

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy....Martin Luther King

... even though that is what it is.

If you speak to a large number of women here you will find a majority in favour. Maybe they is a better way they can handle this.

the place is full of all nationalities, both singles and couples, and not bit of trouble or racism anywhere.

Maybe dohell should take a leaf out of its neighbour's treatment of its residents.....

---------------------------------------------------------

I think you have me confused with someone who gives a sh1t.

i think this is the most discussed topic here in QL....

Exactly, truth: if you don't like it, why don't you leave? (Is it that what you mean?)

wishing qatar can build more malls and other public places so everybody can go and enjoy their day.

Everybody is right everybody is wrong, it depend where you stand

it's a horrific fact that this is happening, and there is nothing you can do about it. i wouldn't risk protesting about it, either.

-------------

"let's slip out of these wet clothes and into a dry martini" Mae West

...and they thought slaves must not be allowed to enter the premises to not ruin their reputation on the "Westerners'" eyes.

Make us proud, Qatar.

"Everything in this book may be wrong." Illusions: The Adventures of The Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach

I agree but there are just as many posts on QL moaning about staring, smelly people. Its 2 sides of the same coin. Actually there are plenty of good family men of all races who have been driven to suicide, it is not something reserved for bachelors, poor or otherwise.

its good atleast a family man would not jump into the ice ring.

Aana free, jaana free,

Pakde gaye tho khana free.

I'm not saying it isn't still an issue. I'm saying that every couple of weeks it gets discussed yet again on QL and no one actually does anything, they just moan about how bad it is.

Tallg,

Come on pal, dont let such Racists walk over you ..... tell them that their policies are flawed ......

Live life like there is no tomorrow ....

Cheers

Saint

They should stop and interview everybody at the entrance. "What are you coming for? How much money or credit do you have? Are you going to buy or just stare?" And then they should allow in those who can prove their innocent intentions.

Obviously, tallg, it is still an issue!

It is clear that the assumptions are wrong, because I also go their to ogle, leer and letch at scantily clad women..

The CC Management must be made aware of this so that they can alter their rules..

This has been going on for ages and has been discussed on QL hundreds of times. Do we really have to go through the same stuff all over again?

baldrick2dogs

Whatever their assumptions may be, I will not tolerate anyone telling me that I am not allowed in a PUBLIC PLACE because of my skin ..... sorry pal ..... if they have no use for my money, I will go elsewhere

Live life like there is no tomorrow ....

Cheers

Saint

I am with you, saint. I asked every mother.

No MAGIC DRAGON, no need to demonstrate any more .... use the power of the NET and believe me you will have the guys on their knees ........ just boycott CC and Villagio and all others who practice such RACIAL DISCRIMINATION.

I am not one to go slowly ..... and if you wanna fight such racists, stand up and be counted .....

Live life like there is no tomorrow ....

Cheers

Saint

Their race policies are based on assumption.

They assume that a single white guy going into a mall is gonna spend a big wedge.

They assume a single Asian guy is going to hang out with his mates and ogle scantily clad women.

every_mothers_n...

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE SOLUTION .... I am sorry, I am not one who believes when rape is inevitable, lie down and enjoy it ...........

Live life like there is no tomorrow ....

Cheers

Saint

What do you suggest, everymother? Demonstrate in front of the Government building?

Yes, REBEL, I agree, just boycott CC.

I plan to raise a stink about this in the local press as well in the world press and in the UN committee on racial discrimination.

Else, these guys would carry on regardless ....

I understand that Villagio also has similar Racial Discriminant rules

Live life like there is no tomorrow ....

Cheers

Saint

boycoting the CC is not a solution to this issue

Aana free, jaana free,

Pakde gaye tho khana free.

this issue was raised previously by another member here and mostly ppl suggested to flood the inbox of CC manager with mails...but the other best way is to boycott CC.there are loads of other malls...

LOLZ - cheers to the abayas

Live life like there is no tomorrow ....

Cheers

Saint

What these guys dont remember is that, it is the "smelly" guys who have slaved and broken their backs to build the city center.

Shame on them .......

I would urge all QL members to avoid going there or send a suitable email to City Center

Live life like there is no tomorrow ....

Cheers

Saint

Only if you're serious, of course.

i do agreed on your sentiments. it is shame to know all these policies disguised as racial discrimination.

it has been discussed on different threads here for nth time as I read and I think QL members has to do something.

"Knowledge is best used when shared."

Boycott the "Racist" City Center!

If they don't really like bachelors who are "smelly poor people"....

then they should not employ them....have strict Europe like laws that looks into their wages....

The fact that the Temperature never goes above 45 deg C shows they don't give a Damn

i suggest you to wear a abaya and enter then go to the restroom and change.

Aana free, jaana free,

Pakde gaye tho khana free.

Thanks for all your comments .....

The point is why discriminate on races???? I understand family days, and it is OK if you stop all singles. But then if you allow Brits or Americans, and not allow some other races, then this is BAD!

Live life like there is no tomorrow ....

Cheers

Saint

in, just get on in life and accept it, it happens everywhere ...

It even said in the paper one day that bachelors were defined as "smelly poor people" pretty much an exact quote i think i still have the news clipping around. It seems messed up that they would assume you are poor based on race.

"I can understand family day which would allow only couples or families on certain days. "

Actually I can't understand either this.. we are supposed to live in a free world.

infact this is not new and has been going on for long time...i suggest you should avoid going there on friday's.

Aana free, jaana free,

Pakde gaye tho khana free.

What makes you think you are being discriminated on a Friday only????

Let me know if you don't feel so when you every POLICE or any official at a Public office...

Regards

HP