50% of Saudi women in US complain of racism

A recent survey of Saudi female scholarship students in Michigan, home to the second largest Arab and Muslim community in the United States, revealed 50 percent of respondents have been subjected to some form of racism or discrimination during their studies or while living in the United States. 
For decades, American media has covered real stories of racism and discrimination affecting African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans, but since the Sept. 11 events, Muslims and Arabs in America have become a top target for racists. With the popularity of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, and recent shootings by an Afghan-American in an Orlando nightclub, such sentiments are increasing becoming even more commonplace.
A poll of around 54 female scholarship students in Michigan about whether they have ever been subjected to any type of racism, either directly through cursing or indirectly through refusal to be provided services, 27 respondents answered no, while the 27 answered yes. 
However, stories of discrimination are not confined to Michigan. One scholarship student from Chicago, Illinois said she was subject to racism in the delivery room by a nurse at the hospital. Upon witnessing her husband perform his prayers, she said the nurse’s treatment toward her family changed to resentment and disgust. After delivering her child, she said the nurse turned to her and called her daughter “ugly,” an experience that she said has led her to three years of postpartum depression and fear of giving birth to another child. 
In France, one scholarship student said racism varies depending on the number of Arabs in the region. She said many homeowners were skeptical to rent them a house because they are Arab, even though most areas where Arabs reside are dangerous and are in “poor” neighborhoods. Another scholarship student in Montreal, Canada said she was told off by a woman on the street for “looking disgusting in a hijab” while trying to provoke her and draw the attention of passers-by. 
In light of such incidents, scholarship students should avoid responding to verbal abuse and debating with racists about religion and beliefs, as well as avoid areas with religious and national celebrations, and large gatherings.

Source: Arab News