Abstract
This paper describes the regional stereotypes attached to the people of Kuwait. It, therefore, looks at the misconceptions and opinions associated with the Kuwaiti nationals and the Arab world. The introduction gives a summary of the main points.
Literature review, then, summarizes other scholar’s articles and researches related to these stereotypes. The evidence and analysis part, on the other hand, provides information that dispels these stereotypes. Thereafter, the discussion explains the final thoughts on these stereotypes. Finally, the conclusion provides a short summary of the whole paper.
Introduction
Culture is a set of ideals, attitudes and routines that define a particular group of people (Andriyenko 2010). Therefore, culture refers to the norms learned from people’s values, attitudes and believes. Different cultural experiences help us in making sense of the world. Culture, hence, shapes our communication, work and interactions.
Failure to recognize the different cultures within a country or the world leads to stereotypes. “Stereotyping involves a form of categorization that organizes our experience and guides our behavior towards ethnic and national groups” (Adler 1993, p.5).
Additionally, stereotypes describe the behaviors of a group of people rather than individuals. A number of stereotypes are associated with Kuwait. Most of these stereotypes affect Kuwaiti nationals and the local commercial environment negatively. This paper describes the regional stereotypes attached to the people of Kuwait.
Literature review
According to Al-Shammari (n.d.), Kuwait is a victim of major stereotypes associated with the Arab world. To start with, most people believe that Kuwait is a desert. Some foreigners go to the extent of stating that there are thousands of camels roaming around Kuwait. In addition, 10% of the world’s oil reserves are found in Kuwait (Al-Shammari n.d.).
For that reason, there is a misconception that all Kuwaiti nationals are rich. It is presumed that every Kuwaiti has acres of oil fields. Furthermore, these fields are later sold to the government for millions of dollars. Tessler (2003) states that culture and religion are some of the causes of international conflicts. Furthermore, most people in the west relate terrorism to Muslims and their culture.
Therefore, it is widely expected that there are hundreds of Arabs with machine guns on the streets of Kuwait. Another misconception is that the Arab world in uncivilized (Ardisson 1998). For that reason, Kuwait is expected to have low literacy levels and old towns and cities. An additional stereotype associated with Kuwait and other Arab countries is that women have no rights whatsoever.
Evidence and Analysis
Contrary to many people’s opinion, Kuwait is not a desert. According to Al-Shammari (n.d.), Kuwait is one of the Gulf countries. For that reason, its cultural heritage is derived from the sea. For instance, Kuwait’s citizens have a long history in diving for pearls and sailing. Interestingly, only 40% of Kuwaitis have seen a desert in their whole lives (Al-Shammari n.d.).
Al-Shammari (n.d.) adds that not all Kuwaiti nationals are rich. Their flamboyant lifestyles make them look wealthy. However, some of them are in debt (Al-Shammari n.d.). In his study, Tessler (2003) found out that there is no correlation between the Muslim faith and attitudes towards war and democracy. Therefore, there is no relationship between Islam and terrorism or Islam and oppressive leadership.
These are mere stereotypes or misconceptions. It is, thus, very difficult to encounter a violent incident in Kuwait. The Arab world is also highly civilized. Accordingly, Kuwait is highly developed. One of the unique features of Arab civilization is the mingling of ancient and modern cities (Ardisson 1998). Therefore, there is an exceptional blend of civilization dating from the time of Christ.
The notion that Kuwaiti women have no rights is not factual. In the Muslim faith, women can freely own and keep properties (Ardisson 1998). It is also not mandatory for them to combine their wealth with those of their husbands. Therefore, women entrepreneurs are encouraged to invest in Kuwait. Moreover, there are well educated and independent women of Kuwaiti nationality in Kuwait.
Discussions
According to Ardisson (1998), perceptions of Americans towards the Arabs are based on historical biases and misconceptions. For instance, to an American a Kuwaiti national is a mere Arab. In some instances, an American will see a Kuwaiti national as a fundamental terrorist. This attitude towards the Arabs is based on stereotypes. Stereotypes influence people’s feelings and thoughts.
For that reason, erroneous judgments about other people or their culture are made. According to Amnesty International (2012), Arabs and other Muslims face prejudices from the West. This fuels discrimination in employment and education. For that reason, Kuwaiti people, being predominantly Muslim, are likely to have a rough time in the USA or Europe.
Accordingly, the US and most European countries must do more to curb these negative stereotypes. All cultures are not perfect. For that reason, we can learn a lot from other people’s culture. In addition, we should try to understand why people behave in a certain way before making our final judgment about them (Adler 1991). Consequently, we will be able to tolerate their way of life.
Ignorance of other people’s culture is what leads to misconceptions. To succeed abroad, managers must educate themselves on other people’s cultures. Multinationals should act as local companies. Therefore, managers must integrate their culture with the host’s culture. Cultural differences affect all business functions.
For that reason, companies should always be ready to make cultural adjustments. For instance, employees may find it difficult to adjust to or accept foreign cultures. As a result, employees are distressed and demoralized. On top, a company undergoes losses due to reduced output. Social collision arises when a company fails to consider different cultures within its operating environment.
Additionally, cross-cultural communication occurs when people from different cultures communicate (Adler 1991). Adler (1991) adds that cross-cultural miscommunication arises when there is a misunderstanding between communicators from different cultures.
For that reason, the aim of the message is not realized. Cross-cultural miscommunication is prevalent in situations where there are too many differences between a sender’s culture and that of the receiver (Adler 1991).
Conclusions
To curb stereotypes, people should try to understand other people’s culture. As a result, it is easier to appreciate other people’s culture. After all, people tend to fear what they do not know. Additionally, a Kuwaiti national and a person from the US will use similar words to describe another Kuwaiti national. Furthermore, people must enjoy the uniqueness in their culture without any interference.
Denying someone his cultural expression is tantamount to disallowing him his freedom. Finally, for businesses to succeed, there should tolerance and good communication between different cultures. Therefore, misperceptions can have a negative impact on the people and the local commercial environment of Kuwait.
Reference List
Adler, N. J. 1999, International dimensions of organizational behavior, PWS-KENT Publishing Company, Boston.
Al-Shammari D n.d., Stereotypes about Kuwait. Web.
Amnesty International 2012, Muslims discriminated against for demonstrating their faith. Web.
Andriyenko, A. 2010, Is identity shaped by culture?. Web.
Ardisson, S. 1998, An introduction to the Arab world: Stereotypes, misconceptions, and what is the Arab league? Web.
Tessler, M. 2003, ‘Arab and Muslim political attitudes: Stereotypes and evidence from survey research’, International Studies Perspectives, vol. 4, pp.175–181. Web.