Expert: Le Anne Clausen - 3/25/2010

Question
Thank you for reading my question. I recently visited Egypt and I must say I have never had a better time in my life. I have one question, while I was there I was followed constantly by Arab men, they would take pictures of me just walking down the street they were very aggressive with their affections towards me. I was told it was because they are very repressed and didn't really know how to react to more liberal women (or western women), the other answer I got was because they think western women are loose with morals and can get away with that type of behavior. I was wondering why is it that the Arab men are so free with their affections toward western women (or at least my example) and the women are more cold and evasive toward the western women? I was never not once offended by either the men nor the womens behavior toward me, Egypt and the culture was so amazing I will be returning in December. Thank you so very very much for any help (also any advise to avoid such attention on my next visit).

Answer
Greetings Shannon, and thanks for your question.  The answer is actually a little of both.  One of the best things you can do not to attract unwanted attention is to dress modestly (as closely as possible to other more conservative-looking women in the same country).  You may consider using a headscarf, especially if you have lighter colored hair.  A male chaperone who is known and trusted to you can be helpful, as well as is traveling with an Egyptian family who you know and trust.  Try not to interact much with men, such as making eye contact or touching hands or acting in any way that could be 'flirtatious.'  Don't respond to comments that men make.  And even with all this, sometimes it's just not possible to end all harrassment.  Some guys just behave badly, and it is not a reflection on you.  In that case, just try not to let it get to you too badly.

Good luck to you, and I hope this helps!

peace,

Le Anne