The Middle East has long had a reputation for being one of the world's perennial trouble spots. But for expatriates, the tiny Persian Gulf county Bahrain ranks as one of the most welcoming places to work.
That's the surprising result of a new survey of 3,100 expatriates conducted by HSBC Bank. Bahrain ranked first in one key measure of how easy it is for expatriates to set up a new life for their families. It received high marks from expats who like the country's easy access to modern health care, decent and affordable housing, and network of social groups that expatriates can join.
Canada, which ranked first in a similar survey last year, fell to second place on HSBC's integration score, which measures how easily foreigners and their families can settle into a new country. Australia, Thailand and Malaysia rounded out the top five. Foreign workers in these countries found it easy to make local friends and said they enjoyed a higher quality of life than in their native countries.
On December 11 2009 04:00 nitram wrote: Im surprised there aren't more European countries up there.
Why? They're not exactly the friendliest of places, sadly.
I'm surprised that Malaysia is high up that list. I've always thought they have some pretty restrictive religious laws. It's nowhere near the same as most Middle East countries' laws but I thought it was restrictive all the same. I'm guessing the U.S. is there because they did not include how easy it is to get a visa or enter the country. Having lived here for almost a decade now, I think the rankings they showed are just about right.
On December 11 2009 03:54 fanatacist wrote: Russia should be last, or close to it. Russians hate everyone, including Russians.
From my experiences Russians are the most generous and warm hosts there are. The prejudice is huge, and poor conditions in some parts of the country must reflect out in a way that makes it easy to believe all sorts of rumours regarding the people.
It's not much to say, but I'd be sure to rank their hospitality over practically every Western country I've visited (not sure about Australia, gotta go and see again soon).
-Prejudic Finn with no noticeable roots to the east.
I'm sure many people agree with me (but won't admit it), I don't even know where Bahrain is and have never heard of it . Googling your country and culture now. Thanks op
On 1 September 2006, Bahrain changed its weekend from being Thursdays and Fridays to Fridays and Saturdays, in order to have a day of the weekend shared with the rest of the world. Other non-regular holidays are listed below:
On December 11 2009 04:14 DwmC_Foefen wrote: Where's Belgium ? I'm a friendly guy, I'd be delighted to help tourists ^^ and I'm sure more people would.
Unless you go to Brussels...
Brussels' a bad place
The rest is cool ^^
lol you've got it all wrong son
1- this isn't about tourists
2- sadly, most people in flanders aren't really that welcoming to foreigners
3- you kinda proved my second point by stating your opinion on Brussels; this place is a meltingpot of cultures and you diss
Went to USA a couple years ago, and that was one of the most friendly places i've been. I went to Souix Falls, dunno if it matters which state it was, but its a pretty large country
Wow i had no idea bahrain is so small, just twice the size of detroit. looks like a pretty cool list, didn't know that so many asian pacific countries were so friendly either.
On December 11 2009 06:54 CharlieMurphy wrote: I'm sure many people agree with me (but won't admit it), I don't even know where Bahrain is and have never heard of it . Googling your country and culture now. Thanks op
On 1 September 2006, Bahrain changed its weekend from being Thursdays and Fridays to Fridays and Saturdays, in order to have a day of the weekend shared with the rest of the world. Other non-regular holidays are listed below:
Oh i'll admit it, I had no idea where it was, hence the random fact if found from wiki. I thought it was in south eastern asia or something.
I am in no way surprised Australia is in the top 5. SO many foreigners come here. Then we have these stupid ethnic kids ragging on aus while they're here and desperately trying to bring their culture to whatever suburb they live in. I'm sorry, why would you want to BRING the shit you were running away from? I wish Australia was unpleasant for foreigners.
Here's some examples of why: Have been spat on by a random asian. Have had myself and our friends told "fuck off white boys" for being in a LIBRARY. Am routinely demanded to praise Allah. Frequently have to request a different person to serve me at places because I can't understand the person serving me.
Don't get me wrong, I have quite an amount of friends who are foreigners and are actually decent people. But there's a huge percentage that bring nothing to the country while taking as much as they possibly can from it and it's gay!
friendliness based on ex pats? pretty dumb imo, considering they tend to not join communities, they have their own communities, and they usually have their own schools too for their children. not mentioning ex pats usually well off, well above the general population. change this to backpackers travelling and the numbers would change greatly. shitty ass poll.
On another positive note about Bahrain, they have a really good football team, this year they were only a goal away from making the world cup, go Bahrain!
On December 11 2009 07:09 prOxi.swAMi wrote: I am in no way surprised Australia is in the top 5. SO many foreigners come here. Then we have these stupid ethnic kids ragging on aus while they're here and desperately trying to bring their culture to whatever suburb they live in. I'm sorry, why would you want to BRING the shit you were running away from? I wish Australia was unpleasant for foreigners.
Here's some examples of why: Have been spat on by a random asian. Have had myself and our friends told "fuck off white boys" for being in a LIBRARY. Am routinely demanded to praise Allah. Frequently have to request a different person to serve me at places because I can't understand the person serving me.
Don't get me wrong, I have quite an amount of friends who are foreigners and are actually decent people. But there's a huge percentage that bring nothing to the country while taking as much as they possibly can from it and it's gay!
yeah i know hat you mean. in america there are damn mexicans taking all the jobs, damn asians filling up all the colleges, damn africans thugging street corners, and damn muslims blowing up trade centers.
On December 11 2009 03:54 fanatacist wrote: Russia should be last, or close to it. Russians hate everyone, including Russians.
what about china?
China is one of the friendliest places I have ever backpacked through and lived. Having moved to Jordan and then China in the last couple years, I have to agree that East Asian and Middle Eastern countries are very welcoming to foreigners.
Russia should be last. Last time I was in St. Petersburg there were neo-nazis outside of the clubs beating up any foreigners they could find. The people were cold, the service was bad, and no one made any effort to be friendly or helpful.
Man Denmarks gotta be way down on that list, we hate pretty much everything that doesent praise ourselves in some way. We even have a legit racist party that generalises all imigrants and want to throw them all out of the country. So if your moving to Denmark your gonna get fucked hard!
On December 11 2009 07:09 prOxi.swAMi wrote: I am in no way surprised Australia is in the top 5. SO many foreigners come here. Then we have these stupid ethnic kids ragging on aus while they're here and desperately trying to bring their culture to whatever suburb they live in. I'm sorry, why would you want to BRING the shit you were running away from? I wish Australia was unpleasant for foreigners.
Here's some examples of why: Have been spat on by a random asian. Have had myself and our friends told "fuck off white boys" for being in a LIBRARY. Am routinely demanded to praise Allah. Frequently have to request a different person to serve me at places because I can't understand the person serving me.
Don't get me wrong, I have quite an amount of friends who are foreigners and are actually decent people. But there's a huge percentage that bring nothing to the country while taking as much as they possibly can from it and it's gay!
On December 11 2009 07:09 prOxi.swAMi wrote: I am in no way surprised Australia is in the top 5. SO many foreigners come here. Then we have these stupid ethnic kids ragging on aus while they're here and desperately trying to bring their culture to whatever suburb they live in. I'm sorry, why would you want to BRING the shit you were running away from? I wish Australia was unpleasant for foreigners.
Here's some examples of why: Have been spat on by a random asian. Have had myself and our friends told "fuck off white boys" for being in a LIBRARY. Am routinely demanded to praise Allah. Frequently have to request a different person to serve me at places because I can't understand the person serving me.
Don't get me wrong, I have quite an amount of friends who are foreigners and are actually decent people. But there's a huge percentage that bring nothing to the country while taking as much as they possibly can from it and it's gay!
On December 11 2009 07:09 prOxi.swAMi wrote: I am in no way surprised Australia is in the top 5. SO many foreigners come here. Then we have these stupid ethnic kids ragging on aus while they're here and desperately trying to bring their culture to whatever suburb they live in. I'm sorry, why would you want to BRING the shit you were running away from? I wish Australia was unpleasant for foreigners.
Here's some examples of why: Have been spat on by a random asian. Have had myself and our friends told "fuck off white boys" for being in a LIBRARY. Am routinely demanded to praise Allah. Frequently have to request a different person to serve me at places because I can't understand the person serving me.
Don't get me wrong, I have quite an amount of friends who are foreigners and are actually decent people. But there's a huge percentage that bring nothing to the country while taking as much as they possibly can from it and it's gay!
Oh look, I found one! :p
edit: Do you have a Southern Cross tattoo?
hey don't get him wrong. he has quite an amount of friends who are foreigners.
On December 11 2009 07:09 prOxi.swAMi wrote: I am in no way surprised Australia is in the top 5. SO many foreigners come here. Then we have these stupid ethnic kids ragging on aus while they're here and desperately trying to bring their culture to whatever suburb they live in. I'm sorry, why would you want to BRING the shit you were running away from? I wish Australia was unpleasant for foreigners.
Here's some examples of why: Have been spat on by a random asian. Have had myself and our friends told "fuck off white boys" for being in a LIBRARY. Am routinely demanded to praise Allah. Frequently have to request a different person to serve me at places because I can't understand the person serving me.
Don't get me wrong, I have quite an amount of friends who are foreigners and are actually decent people. But there's a huge percentage that bring nothing to the country while taking as much as they possibly can from it and it's gay!
Oh look, I found one! :p
edit: Do you have a Southern Cross tattoo?
hey don't get him wrong. he has quite an amount of friends who are foreigners.
I have a black friend.
edit: But seriously negroes need to know their place amirite.
A lot of us living in the U.S. can get pretty cynical, but if you travel around a lot you'll realize that this is one of the more tolerant and hospitable countries in the world (our immigration laws are tough right now but that's another issue). I also wonder about the racial make-up of the expatriates who were surveyed, because I think you'll get different responses based on ethnicity and race.
The most nasty place for foreigners though has to be South Korea. I mean, those Koreans rape foreigners on a daily basis, and sometimes they'll go to other countries to do it. Visiting foreigners may even get shut in a house where they are forced to do menial chores, and where young Korean kids take turns raping them for hours without many breaks.
On December 11 2009 03:54 fanatacist wrote: Russia should be last, or close to it. Russians hate everyone, including Russians.
I find Russian people quite friendly actually. Just in case you are not trolling...
barth what ethnicity are you? There is a great deal of discrimination and outright violence against colored individuals in Russia. I'm not saying anything against the Russian people, in fact this is classic behavior in time of economic turmoil and hopelessness.
On December 11 2009 09:39 7mk wrote: Ha, Canada and Australia on top, just like I thought. I always thought Canadians were awesome..... and I havent even met one yet ^^
just out of curiosity what makes you think we're awesome?
On December 11 2009 07:09 prOxi.swAMi wrote: I am in no way surprised Australia is in the top 5. SO many foreigners come here. Then we have these stupid ethnic kids ragging on aus while they're here and desperately trying to bring their culture to whatever suburb they live in. I'm sorry, why would you want to BRING the shit you were running away from? I wish Australia was unpleasant for foreigners.
Here's some examples of why: Have been spat on by a random asian. Have had myself and our friends told "fuck off white boys" for being in a LIBRARY. Am routinely demanded to praise Allah. Frequently have to request a different person to serve me at places because I can't understand the person serving me.
Don't get me wrong, I have quite an amount of friends who are foreigners and are actually decent people. But there's a huge percentage that bring nothing to the country while taking as much as they possibly can from it and it's gay!
On December 11 2009 07:09 prOxi.swAMi wrote: I am in no way surprised Australia is in the top 5. SO many foreigners come here. Then we have these stupid ethnic kids ragging on aus while they're here and desperately trying to bring their culture to whatever suburb they live in. I'm sorry, why would you want to BRING the shit you were running away from? I wish Australia was unpleasant for foreigners.
Here's some examples of why: Have been spat on by a random asian. Have had myself and our friends told "fuck off white boys" for being in a LIBRARY. Am routinely demanded to praise Allah. Frequently have to request a different person to serve me at places because I can't understand the person serving me.
Don't get me wrong, I have quite an amount of friends who are foreigners and are actually decent people. But there's a huge percentage that bring nothing to the country while taking as much as they possibly can from it and it's gay!
I hope the Aborigines spear you to death.
You too.
If you want to translate what I've said into "I'm a fucken racist and I hate all foreigners!" You owe it to yourself and others you expect to read your drivel, an explanation as to how you managed to come to such a conclusion. I love how people expect everyone's opinion on the foreigner situation of a particular country to be "oh, yes, every foreigner here is MARVELLOUS, I want to drown myself on my birthday, JUST so a foreigner can replace me". It seems if someone says anything that isn't 100% positive about a foreigner situation they're labelled a racist, which is obviously just absurd.
On December 11 2009 12:39 prOxi.swAMi wrote: If you want to translate what I've said into "I'm a fucken racist and I hate all foreigners!" You owe it to yourself and others you expect to read your drivel, an explanation as to how you managed to come to such a conclusion.
*Awaits incoming 1-liner contribution*
Dude, you literally said "I wish Australia was unpleasant for foreigners". This means, you must hate at least 50% or more of them, or else you'd support them entering the country.
So yeah, I'ma call you a racist.
I also highly doubt that you are repeatedly told to praise Allah. By who? What the fuck?!
You got spat on one time? Well that sucks. Now try having 15% of drunks try to start fights with you, or being egged at bus stops, or having to be fearful on the fucking national holiday.
"oh, yes, every foreigner here is MARVELLOUS, I want to drown myself on my birthday, JUST so a foreigner can replace me"
Nobody says you have to think every foreigner is MARVELLOUS, what they say is that you shouldn't be a complete douche about the issue because someone of colour told you "fuck off white boy" ONE FREAKIN TIME.
On December 11 2009 07:09 prOxi.swAMi wrote: I am in no way surprised Australia is in the top 5. SO many foreigners come here. Then we have these stupid ethnic kids ragging on aus while they're here and desperately trying to bring their culture to whatever suburb they live in. I'm sorry, why would you want to BRING the shit you were running away from? I wish Australia was unpleasant for foreigners.
Here's some examples of why: Have been spat on by a random asian. Have had myself and our friends told "fuck off white boys" for being in a LIBRARY. Am routinely demanded to praise Allah. Frequently have to request a different person to serve me at places because I can't understand the person serving me.
Don't get me wrong, I have quite an amount of friends who are foreigners and are actually decent people. But there's a huge percentage that bring nothing to the country while taking as much as they possibly can from it and it's gay!
On December 11 2009 06:54 CharlieMurphy wrote: I'm sure many people agree with me (but won't admit it), I don't even know where Bahrain is and have never heard of it . Googling your country and culture now. Thanks op
On 1 September 2006, Bahrain changed its weekend from being Thursdays and Fridays to Fridays and Saturdays, in order to have a day of the weekend shared with the rest of the world. Other non-regular holidays are listed below:
On December 11 2009 03:54 fanatacist wrote: Russia should be last, or close to it. Russians hate everyone, including Russians.
I find Russian people quite friendly actually. Just in case you are not trolling...
barth what ethnicity are you? There is a great deal of discrimination and outright violence against colored individuals in Russia. I'm not saying anything against the Russian people, in fact this is classic behavior in time of economic turmoil and hopelessness.
On December 11 2009 12:50 Turbovolver wrote: Dude, you literally said "I wish Australia was unpleasant for foreigners". This means, you must hate at least 50% or more of them, or else you'd support them entering the country.
On December 11 2009 12:50 Turbovolver wrote: Dude, you literally said "I wish Australia was unpleasant for foreigners". This means, you must hate at least 50% or more of them, or else you'd support them entering the country.
I am floored by your brilliance, Sir.
I am floored by you making a one line reply after trying to suggest I might do the same XDDD
On December 11 2009 04:14 andrewlt wrote: Why? They're not exactly the friendliest of places, sadly.
I'm surprised that Malaysia is high up that list. I've always thought they have some pretty restrictive religious laws. It's nowhere near the same as most Middle East countries' laws but I thought it was restrictive all the same. I'm guessing the U.S. is there because they did not include how easy it is to get a visa or enter the country. Having lived here for almost a decade now, I think the rankings they showed are just about right.
Well, its restrictive depending on your religion i suppose. You follow secular law (as any other country) provided you ain't a muslim. If you are, you follow a tighter syariah law but really toned down in comparison to Middle East lol. Malaysia isn't really restrictive and can be compared similarly to Turkey I suppose.
On December 11 2009 14:14 JIJIyO wrote: So...........I live in Canada. I'm half Singaporean. I'm half Hong Kongese. Guess I must be the friendliest person ever?
On December 11 2009 14:34 Chill wrote: Asian is friendly if you're white, lololol.
no kidding. i'm not lying when i say that asians have an inferiority complex to white people. you guys have done a good job drilling that concept into our brains.
On December 11 2009 14:34 Chill wrote: Asian is friendly if you're white, lololol.
no kidding. i'm not lying when i say that asians have an inferiority complex to white people. you guys have done a good job drilling that concept into our brains.
I would like to have sex with a white-blond chick (of course, insert beautiful here)! :D
Seriously, some of the comments turned to racial stereotyping and this is a good news thread.
On December 11 2009 12:50 Turbovolver wrote: Dude, you literally said "I wish Australia was unpleasant for foreigners". This means, you must hate at least 50% or more of them, or else you'd support them entering the country.
I am floored by your brilliance, Sir.
I am floored by you making a one line reply after trying to suggest I might do the same XDDD
Swami isnt racist.. turbo, your just square, probably not australian, have u been outside and actually see what is going on around???
i can see where swami comes from.. it is getting ridiculous, I wish Rudd wasnt PM.. Howard was doing fantastic job, stopping bringing rabbits to this country, 10 years ago, only 5% of asian was at my station.. Now its 30% asian and 60% indians and only 10% that are actually australian... It is just too much, they are taking everything, ESPECIALLY water, which is dangerously low on a very hot continent. They need to be more informed and aware instead of just barging in and give us dirty looks while we don't actually mind they coming here??
All we asking is don't turn our beautiful country into a breeding ground !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On December 11 2009 14:34 Chill wrote: Asian is friendly if you're white, lololol.
that's a myth if I've ever heard of one lol
at best it's a novelty for ppl who never meet foreigners. as soon as ur understood u ain't shit.
well, maybe for countries with US army bases, I dunno. I'd love to see any haflassed pink piece of shits try to strut around in vietnam or china xD
here's a clue chill, asian countries are about etiquette. don't mistake that as a weakness. for example me, I'm half asian, and I'd just love to hear you say it to me /drift
On December 11 2009 12:50 Turbovolver wrote: Dude, you literally said "I wish Australia was unpleasant for foreigners". This means, you must hate at least 50% or more of them, or else you'd support them entering the country.
I am floored by your brilliance, Sir.
I am floored by you making a one line reply after trying to suggest I might do the same XDDD
Swami isnt racist.. turbo, your just square, probably not australian, have u been outside and actually see what is going on around???
i can see where swami comes from.. it is getting ridiculous, I wish Rudd wasnt PM.. Howard was doing fantastic job, stopping bringing rabbits to this country, 10 years ago, only 5% of asian was at my station.. Now its 30% asian and 60% indians and only 10% that are actually australian... It is just too much, they are taking everything, ESPECIALLY water, which is dangerously low on a very hot continent. They need to be more informed and aware instead of just barging in and give us dirty looks while we don't actually mind they coming here??
All we asking is don't turn our beautiful country into a breeding ground !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
one might go for the one nation vote...but.....VOTE LDP #1!!!!!! labor and liberal have no idea~!! specially greens~! i need a gun to protect myself in this restless society methinks~~
On December 11 2009 03:33 alffla wrote: hong kong above singapore
fuck yea
Pfffft I'll put that to the test when i go there in a weeks time
On December 11 2009 15:04 Disregard wrote: Honestly I would love to move to Canada, but Im so used to urban NYC. Or maybe back to some other South Asian country near China.
I think you mean southeast asia? Unless you're partial to Indians, toxic tap water and food poisoning :DD
On December 11 2009 14:34 Chill wrote: Asian is friendly if you're white, lololol.
that's a myth if I've ever heard of one lol
at best it's a novelty for ppl who never meet foreigners. as soon as ur understood u ain't shit.
well, maybe for countries with US army bases, I dunno. I'd love to see any haflassed pink piece of shits try to strut around in vietnam or china xD
here's a clue chill, asian countries are about etiquette. don't mistake that as a weakness. for example me, I'm half asian, and I'd just love to hear you say it to me /drift
how not to be friendly
On December 11 2009 15:33 GenericTerranPlayer wrote:
On December 11 2009 15:04 Disregard wrote: Honestly I would love to move to Canada, but Im so used to urban NYC. Or maybe back to some other South Asian country near China.
On December 11 2009 15:04 Disregard wrote: Honestly I would love to move to Canada, but Im so used to urban NYC. Or maybe back to some other South Asian country near China.
I think you mean southeast asia? Unless you're partial to Indians, toxic tap water and food poisoning :DD
On December 11 2009 14:34 Chill wrote: Asian is friendly if you're white, lololol.
that's a myth if I've ever heard of one lol
at best it's a novelty for ppl who never meet foreigners. as soon as ur understood u ain't shit.
well, maybe for countries with US army bases, I dunno. I'd love to see any haflassed pink piece of shits try to strut around in vietnam or china xD
here's a clue chill, asian countries are about etiquette. don't mistake that as a weakness. for example me, I'm half asian, and I'd just love to hear you say it to me /drift
how not to be friendly
yea, that's exactly what I'm talking about. i am disappoint alffla
I'm friendly AND I gave a reprieve. I'd say that lot more than what most cats do.
it'd a cold day in hell before a canadian say that to me LOL. guess america's not a very friendly place xD
Swami isnt racist.. turbo, your just square, probably not australian, have u been outside and actually see what is going on around???
i can see where swami comes from.. it is getting ridiculous, I wish Rudd wasnt PM.. Howard was doing fantastic job, stopping bringing rabbits to this country, 10 years ago, only 5% of asian was at my station.. Now its 30% asian and 60% indians and only 10% that are actually australian... It is just too much, they are taking everything, ESPECIALLY water, which is dangerously low on a very hot continent. They need to be more informed and aware instead of just barging in and give us dirty looks while we don't actually mind they coming here??
All we asking is don't turn our beautiful country into a breeding ground !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can you not see where it says "Australia" next to my name? Unless you are suggesting I'm not Australian if I'm not "native" by X generations, whatever that means.
Which yes, I am "native".
And you are suggesting that these people are taking all the water? Let's break this down. I'm not sure about Indian people, but the largest majority of "Asian" people who migrate here are from China. Do you know how precious water is to the poorer people in China? With or without water restrictions in effect, a good number of Chinese immigrants shower standing in a small tub so that they can reuse that water. Do you shower like that, champion?
You complain about getting "dirty looks while you don't mind them coming here" and yet your post is complaining about "them" coming here. That makes so much fucking sense.
Perhaps it's you who needs to be more informed and aware.
On December 11 2009 12:50 Turbovolver wrote: Dude, you literally said "I wish Australia was unpleasant for foreigners". This means, you must hate at least 50% or more of them, or else you'd support them entering the country.
I am floored by your brilliance, Sir.
I am floored by you making a one line reply after trying to suggest I might do the same XDDD
Swami isnt racist.. turbo, your just square, probably not australian, have u been outside and actually see what is going on around???
i can see where swami comes from.. it is getting ridiculous, I wish Rudd wasnt PM.. Howard was doing fantastic job, stopping bringing rabbits to this country, 10 years ago, only 5% of asian was at my station.. Now its 30% asian and 60% indians and only 10% that are actually australian... It is just too much, they are taking everything, ESPECIALLY water, which is dangerously low on a very hot continent. They need to be more informed and aware instead of just barging in and give us dirty looks while we don't actually mind they coming here??
All we asking is don't turn our beautiful country into a breeding ground !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
you betta be australian aborigine is all I'm saying
On December 11 2009 15:51 JohnColtrane wrote: id have the same reaction if you replaced pink with black, yellow, white whatever
do you mean half-assed?
whether im a 'pink piece of shit' or not doesnt make a difference, it's still quite unfriendly to say such a thing
you're exactly right, it doesn't make a difference. and if a person thinks hes superior just cus he's born african, caucasian, asian (start using these) whatever, then there's a problem.
you feel me? it's that state of mind that I'm calling out (and cutting off its dick lol)
and seriously how a post on "friendliness" got to this point is just lol disappointing, but not surprising
You one-nation motherfuckers are part of the reason I feel I need to get away from this country, and FWIW I'm a caucasian Australian that was born here. Australia is a heavily multicultural society and always has been; we don't even have our own real culture apart from some dated hick/country bumpkin nonsense that barely applies today (look at the urbanization and population density of Australia), and the cricket/AFL VB stubby wife-beater idiot culture.
For me it's something that should be enjoyed, respected and celebrated ON BOTH SIDES of the coin. Of course there are some immigrants that aren't doing their part, but there's a shitload of Australian-born residents not doing theirs either. Lots of countries have the same issues with immigration and the assimilation that needs to follow; it just takes time, but it does happen. Besides, what the fuck would we be eating in Australia if not for all of our awesome multicultural immigrants sharing their food and art and everything else with us? Meat pies? Fuck that.
On December 11 2009 16:11 stafu wrote: You one-nation motherfuckers are part of the reason I feel I need to get away from this country, and FWIW I'm a caucasian Australian that was born here. Australia is a heavily multicultural society and always has been; we don't even have our own real culture apart from some dated hick/country bumpkin nonsense that barely applies today (look at the urbanization and population density of Australia), and the cricket/AFL VB stubby wife-beater idiot culture.
For me it's something that should be enjoyed, respected and celebrated ON BOTH SIDES of the coin. Of course there are some immigrants that aren't doing their part, but there's a shitload of Australian-born residents not doing theirs either. Lots of countries have the same issues with immigration and the assimilation that needs to follow; it just takes time, but it does happen. Besides, what the fuck would we be eating in Australia if not for all of our awesome multicultural immigrants sharing their food and art and everything else with us? Meat pies? Fuck that.
I agree with you and am in the same boat (caucasian born here), the unique and great thing about Australia is the incredible multiculturalism. I get really pissed off when my mates make some comments about telling asians to get out etc.
e.g. one day we were taking the bus from the city and there were quite a lot of asians on it and he said to me "omg, there's so many, I'm not racist, but they should get out of my country!"
Without going into it, I told him what I fucking thought of that aanddd he hasn't said anything racist since then :D
In conclusion, for those who hate or are scared of other races taking over places, try befriending them and you'll see that most of them are pretty much exactly the same as you except for their skin colour. So just grow up and get over your kiddy fears and face the fact Australia is incredibly multicultural and will only get moreso.
you see alffla, even if JohnColtrane didn't get what I was getting at he spoke up and got his answer
I want you to make a fuss next time you hear some bullshit, call it out - the only way to get shit straightened out.
not better or worse than, that's being truly friendly. instead of this false "friendly" where someone pretends that some BS didn't happen. Sociology 101: if you say nothing and leave it to interpretation then yes, it can and will be interpreted as a weakness by some. And I can't stand that.
On December 11 2009 16:49 JohnColtrane wrote: alffla is just a genuinely nice guy, i dont think he gets into many arguments at all here
that's fine, but it's not fine in this instance
I'll always remember this quote from Frederick Douglass (I'm sure everyone knows who he is):
'' Those who profess to favor freedom and yet depreciate agitation, are people who want crops without ploughing the ground; they want rain without thunder and lightning; they want the ocean without the roar of its many waters. The struggle may be a moral one, or it may be a physical one, or it may be both. But it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand; it never has and it never will.'
just being nice and kind can not fix this mess we're in, you also need power - power to be heard, to be understood, etc. some people will only recognize power, and they gotta understand too. and when you have it, you'll have the choice of not using it.
i dont get offended or annoyed as much on a forum than if the same thing happened IRL, and the internet has that anonymous and trolling factor, so i dont really get worked up about it all
if must have been a big issue if you are willing to stamp it out
I don't see it as any different. being online is just being more of what you already are, for some a lot more. but you still believe it unless it's scarcasm in which case I'd not be here lol. so I give you something more to think about
it is a big issue cus it concerns everybody. it ain't my prob lol, I'm a part of "it" anyway it's not like call it out takes such a big effort.
On December 11 2009 16:49 JohnColtrane wrote: alffla is just a genuinely nice guy, i dont think he gets into many arguments at all here
that's fine, but it's not fine in this instance
I'll always remember this quote from Frederick Douglass (I'm sure everyone knows who he is):
'' Those who profess to favor freedom and yet depreciate agitation, are people who want crops without ploughing the ground; they want rain without thunder and lightning; they want the ocean without the roar of its many waters. The struggle may be a moral one, or it may be a physical one, or it may be both. But it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand; it never has and it never will.'
just being nice and kind can not fix this mess we're in, you also need power - power to be heard, to be understood, etc. some people will only recognize power, and they gotta understand too. and when you have it, you'll have the choice of not using it.
o _O ok well johhn is right about me not arguing much on TL at all lol. anyway i actually didn't really get what you were trying to get at with your original post :/
you felt taht Chill's comment was offensive towards asians, and that it was a myth right? then you said something about white people (halfassed pink piece of shit??) trying to 'strut' around in vietnam or china
then you dared Chill to say "Asians are nice to white ppl llololol" to you? lol
you then replied "that's exactly what i'm talking about" to my post.. so you're saying that Chill's post was unfriendly? i don't see whats unfriendly about saying Asians are friendly to white people, even if it is a myth. isn't this thread about being friendly to people anyway? and specifically in the OP i think the article was about being and expat in foreign countries lol
maybe i'm just slow today could you just be more straightforward instead of implying your message through your posting or whatever o_o
On December 11 2009 14:34 Chill wrote: Asian is friendly if you're white, lololol.
that's a myth if I've ever heard of one lol
at best it's a novelty for ppl who never meet foreigners. as soon as ur understood u ain't shit.
well, maybe for countries with US army bases, I dunno. I'd love to see any haflassed pink piece of shits try to strut around in vietnam or china xD
here's a clue chill, asian countries are about etiquette. don't mistake that as a weakness. for example me, I'm half asian, and I'd just love to hear you say it to me /drift
China IS more friendly if you are white. I guess it is because I am not a half-assed pink piece of shit. Being white is a LOT more then just being a novelty, Chinese feel impelled to be hospitable to you on behalf of their country and I have made almost all of my Chinese friends, at least initially, because I was white.
I don't really know why are you trying to pretend you are a nice person because you aren't bullshitting us or something, when in fact you are just spewing out your own biased and uninformed opinion. Have you ever lived in China as a white person? Probably not since you said you are half Chinese. Don't go trashing a country's reputation when you don't know what you are talking about. I lived two years in Shanghai and there aren't many friendlier places to live if you are white.
On December 11 2009 17:51 GreenManalishi wrote: China IS more friendly if you are white. I guess it is because I am not a half-assed pink piece of shit. Being white is a LOT more then just being a novelty, Chinese feel impelled to be hospitable to you on behalf of their country and I have made almost all of my Chinese friends, at least initially, because I was white.
I don't really know why are you trying to pretend you are a nice person because you aren't bullshitting us or something, when in fact you are just spewing out your own biased and uninformed opinion. Have you ever lived in China as a white person? Probably not since you said you are half Chinese. Don't go trashing a country's reputation when you don't know what you are talking about. I lived two years in Shanghai and there aren't many friendlier places to live if you are white.
and who are they less friendly to exactly? you really think it's cus ur white that they're friendly, and not cus US and EU have been prominent in the past 100 years? It's economics and consequently cultural export you idiot. they don't know you, and they certainly don't think you're better just for being you. and as china progresses and they actually get to see more of the world, they'll know better.
if you're a friendly caucasian, no problem! if you're a halfassed pink piece of shit who thinks hes better just cus, oh yeah you will know it. GIs act like piece of shits all the time overseas, no they ain't beloved.
Here's the rundown in China: If you're foreign, and can't speak chinese: the Chinese are friendly and speak to you in whatever English they know and teach you Chinese If you look Chinese, and can't speak Chinese: You get looked down on. If you look foregin, and can speak Chinese: Chinese people get wowed by your bilingual madness
So yeah, make your own assumption on whether China is friendly or not. Once you start heading away from the cities into rural areas, Chinese locals get increasingly cold and don't answer questions and pretend you aren't there and shit like that. Whatever you ask them, they always reply I don't know, or I don't comprehend. That really pisses me off sometimes.
France is like the most unfriendly country out there. They don't bother to speak to you in english if you don't know french, even though they know english. They're like, speak french or fuck off.
On December 11 2009 18:06 disco wrote: France is like the most unfriendly country out there. They don't bother to speak to you in english if you don't know french, even though they know english. They're like, speak french or fuck off.
Uh, they don't all know English, though. And who're you to walk in to their country and expect them to speak a language YOU know? If you're going to a country, you learn THEIR language.
On December 11 2009 17:51 GreenManalishi wrote: I don't really know why are you trying to pretend you are a nice person because you aren't bullshitting us or something, when in fact you are just spewing out your own biased and uninformed opinion. Have you ever lived in China as a white person? Probably not since you said you are half Chinese. Don't go trashing a country's reputation when you don't know what you are talking about. I lived two years in Shanghai and there aren't many friendlier places to live if you are white.
and who are they less friendly to exactly? you really think it's cus ur white that they're friendly, and not cus US and EU have been prominent in the past 1-200 years? It's economics and consequently cultural export you idiot. they don't know you, and they certainly don't think you're better just for being you. and as china progresses and they actually get to see more of the world, they'll know better.
I never said they are less friendly to anyone specifically, only that they are more polite and friendly to white foreigners. It is because of this 'cultural export' that they do treat white foreigners better, I don't really know what you are arguing. Being white in China makes the Chinese more interested and polite to you, often it is because you look like a walking dollar sign, but just as often they are genuine and actually want to get to know you. I have made several really good friends in China and I only met them because I am white and they were curious and friendly. I never said anything about being better, I only said that being white makes Chinese people more friendly.
On December 11 2009 18:06 disco wrote: France is like the most unfriendly country out there. They don't bother to speak to you in english if you don't know french, even though they know english. They're like, speak french or fuck off.
Uh, they don't all know English, though. And who're you to walk in to their country and expect them to speak a language YOU know? If you're going to a country, you learn THEIR language.
So you learn the language of every country you visit on holidays?
On December 11 2009 17:51 GreenManalishi wrote: I don't really know why are you trying to pretend you are a nice person because you aren't bullshitting us or something, when in fact you are just spewing out your own biased and uninformed opinion. Have you ever lived in China as a white person? Probably not since you said you are half Chinese. Don't go trashing a country's reputation when you don't know what you are talking about. I lived two years in Shanghai and there aren't many friendlier places to live if you are white.
and who are they less friendly to exactly? you really think it's cus ur white that they're friendly, and not cus US and EU have been prominent in the past 1-200 years? It's economics and consequently cultural export you idiot. they don't know you, and they certainly don't think you're better just for being you. and as china progresses and they actually get to see more of the world, they'll know better.
I never said they are less friendly to anyone specifically, only that they are more polite and friendly to white foreigners. It is because of this 'cultural export' that they do treat white foreigners better, I don't really know what you are arguing. Being white in China makes the Chinese more interested and polite to you, often it is because you look like a walking dollar sign, but just as often they are genuine and actually want to get to know you. I have made several really good friends in China and I only met them because I am white and they were curious and friendly. I never said anything about being better, I only said that being white makes Chinese people more friendly.
you're the one who replied to me saying this and that, and I filled you in on what I was telling other people. I never said you thought you were better.
This whole thing is basic PR. China's like US to EU decades ago. They think the other side's all good, the culture, the fashion, cus that's all they see right now. As Chinese actually sees more of the world and gets a real cross-section, they'll learn like Americans have learned.
yes, poll 3,100 expatriates in dozens of different countries to arrive at a conclusive result about the friendliness of millions in each one. this is bound to be accurate.
France is like the most unfriendly country out there. They don't bother to speak to you in english if you don't know french, even though they know english. They're like, speak french or fuck off.
French people suck so much at English that for most of them, you can't consider they speak it. And the thread is about expats, not tourists. I expect an expat to learn the local language, so your commentary is irrelevant anyway. Don't get me wrong, I think France is terrible for expats, but I have very good reasons to.
So you learn the language of every country you visit on holidays?
Incidently, I try and learn a few basic words/expressions (Hello/please/thanks/ "where is...?" /"how much...?") for every country I visit. And I totally knew I didn't need to when I travelled to Sweden, Norway, or Iceland, as everyone there speaks great English.
On December 11 2009 18:06 disco wrote: France is like the most unfriendly country out there. They don't bother to speak to you in english if you don't know french, even though they know english. They're like, speak french or fuck off.
It is because they don't know how to speak English properly and don't want to look like idiots while trying. But in fact they are even more stupid to not try :D
On December 11 2009 17:51 GreenManalishi wrote: I don't really know why are you trying to pretend you are a nice person because you aren't bullshitting us or something, when in fact you are just spewing out your own biased and uninformed opinion. Have you ever lived in China as a white person? Probably not since you said you are half Chinese. Don't go trashing a country's reputation when you don't know what you are talking about. I lived two years in Shanghai and there aren't many friendlier places to live if you are white.
and who are they less friendly to exactly? you really think it's cus ur white that they're friendly, and not cus US and EU have been prominent in the past 1-200 years? It's economics and consequently cultural export you idiot. they don't know you, and they certainly don't think you're better just for being you. and as china progresses and they actually get to see more of the world, they'll know better.
I never said they are less friendly to anyone specifically, only that they are more polite and friendly to white foreigners. It is because of this 'cultural export' that they do treat white foreigners better, I don't really know what you are arguing. Being white in China makes the Chinese more interested and polite to you, often it is because you look like a walking dollar sign, but just as often they are genuine and actually want to get to know you. I have made several really good friends in China and I only met them because I am white and they were curious and friendly. I never said anything about being better, I only said that being white makes Chinese people more friendly.
A little bit of a few things. I'm Chinese and grew up in the Philippines and am now in the U.S. Many Chinese, especially the ones in Asia, kind of look down upon other races. I saw this especially in the Philippines, where many have a superiority complex over the native population. The exception is whites, who they view more or less as an equal.
The other thing is that Chinese culture is more entrepreneurial compared to others. There is a merchant culture that makes them friendly especially to people with money. And Americans are known to be big spenders as tourists. This is less of a white thing as some European tourists don't spend much. If they think you're American, they'll be really friendly.
To be honest i am not surprised at all that there is no Poland there. If there would be a poll about least friendly country we may have a shot, but that one,no way.
On December 11 2009 18:06 disco wrote: France is like the most unfriendly country out there. They don't bother to speak to you in english if you don't know french, even though they know english. They're like, speak french or fuck off.
Uh, they don't all know English, though. And who're you to walk in to their country and expect them to speak a language YOU know? If you're going to a country, you learn THEIR language.
So you learn the language of every country you visit on holidays?
Learning a few key phrases takes so little time and it benefits you a lot. Why wouldn't you do that?
How did a thread about friendliest countries turn into a racial flame war. I wonder how long it will take for race to be a non issue in the world. There really is no reason it should be: rationally or scientifically. All it is is prejudice and stereotypes ingrained in our minds... oh well, maybe someday.
On December 13 2009 12:25 madnessman wrote: i have no idea how singapore is on there...
I resent that. I have no idea how two countries with institutionalised racism are on the list (malaysia - malay supremacy and south africa - traces apartheid AND a retarded rape rate)
Edit: I'm in hong kong and holy fuck everyone here speaks fucking cantonese and guess what dialect of chinese i don't know? I've taken to telling these guys i'm korean. but they are pretty nice about it
On December 13 2009 12:25 madnessman wrote: i have no idea how singapore is on there...
I resent that. I have no idea how two countries with institutionalised racism are on the list (malaysia - malay supremacy and south africa - traces apartheid AND a retarded rape rate)
Edit: I'm in hong kong and holy fuck everyone here speaks fucking cantonese and guess what dialect of chinese i don't know? I've taken to telling these guys i'm korean. but they are pretty nice about it
You just cant stand it that we beat Singapore DESPITE the institutionalised racism :D:D:D
btw could someone please tell me about studying in France?
On December 13 2009 14:33 GenericTerranPlayer wrote: oh god please don't, my english teacher studied in france and now she's fucked up, worst teacher i've ever had.
I'd prefer a first-hand experience or one from a close friend/family member, since you could actually see the person changing. I assume she may be "fucked up" regardless of where she studied.
Unless of course, you observed her change ... which seems unlikely to me.
I do realise i'm getting off topic. Would anyone please PM me you know something?
On December 13 2009 14:21 GenericTerranPlayer wrote:
On December 13 2009 12:25 madnessman wrote: i have no idea how singapore is on there...
I resent that. I have no idea how two countries with institutionalised racism are on the list (malaysia - malay supremacy and south africa - traces apartheid AND a retarded rape rate)
Edit: I'm in hong kong and holy fuck everyone here speaks fucking cantonese and guess what dialect of chinese i don't know? I've taken to telling these guys i'm korean. but they are pretty nice about it
You just cant stand it that we beat Singapore DESPITE the institutionalised racism :D:D:D
btw could someone please tell me about studying in France?
I would not recommand to study in a French university except if you are really able to learn by yourself and if you don't really care that your diploma doesn't have a lot of recognition. However they are super cheap, like 500euros/year ( dunno how it works for foreigner though ). There are some really interesting business and engineering schools but it is so hard to get in that i don't think it is worth a try ( except if you are some sort of trilingual and hardcore math nerd, but well with those skills you can always try to get in an American university much more renowned which is something way better except if you want to work in France or for a French firm ).
From previous replies in the thread is it clear to assume that If I look asian, (I am asian, but not chinese) and I go to China, I will be looked down upon because I look chinese, but don't speak the language? And is it clear to assume that my white friend, who is white, and doesn't speak chinese, will be treated with more, 'respect' than I would hope to receive?
On December 12 2009 03:56 Silvanel wrote: To be honest i am not surprised at all that there is no Poland there. If there would be a poll about least friendly country we may have a shot, but that one,no way.
Polish people seemed to be very friendly when I was there. But then again I was mostly in a small town on an excavation and we were like "the" thing happening in the town, Plus we spent a lot in the local economy.
EPT
/drift
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