Discrimination is embedded in the Lebanese constitution and in the structure of its organizations ... but the fight for equality continues.
Despite the effort we put into being respectful people, a couple of demeaning slang terms make their way into our heads, often without us even noticing.
Here's a brief list of racist and sexist expressions we definitely abuse in Lebanon.
1. “Shaghil Soureh” (Syrian worker)
While many construction workers in Lebanon do hold Syrian nationality, we now somehow assume that every worker found on a construction site is Syrian.
To make things worse, we live in a society where the word 'Syrian' is directly associated, and sometimes considered equivalent, to 'worker.'
2. “Sirlankiyé” (Sri Lankan)
Similarly, since many domestic workers come from Sri Lanka, it is now very common to refer to all domestic workers as Sirlankiyé.
If you ask someone for a glass of water, they might reply to you with "Chou cheyefneh sirlankyeh 3endak?" (Do you think I'm your maid?)
3. “Metel el neswen” (Like women)
Examples include the worldwide expression 'You fight like a girl.'
The origin of such lovely expressions is thanks to the patriarchy in Lebanese society.
Despite the fact that Lebanese women have the right to education, work, ownership, and much more, they still face many unjust laws that limit their freedom.
4. “Metel neswen el foron” (Like the bakehouse women)
This one is specific to a point it's almost funny. It is used whenever a person is gossiping or simply talking too much.
This expression is the modern version of 'the women of the Tannour' - a type of bread mainly baked in Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine.
Traditionally, baking the Tannour was a collective work among a group of women using a special oven made from clay. It is said that the greatest gossips in a village were the one exchanged during these baking sessions.
5. “Bronzage Soureh” (Syrian tan)
Workers who spend a lot of time in the sun, typically construction workers, tend to have an uneven tan.
As previously mentioned, since construction workers in particular are often referred to as 'Syrians,' a 'worker’s tan' in Lebanon is automatically switched with 'Bronzage Soureh.'
6. “Homsé/Baalbaki” (Someone from Homs, Syria, or from Baalbek, Lebanon)
As far as jokes go, people from Homs are always targeted by Lebanese jokes.
These jokes imply that people from the Syrian city of Homs are not the smartest people around even though some of the world’s greatest minds are from there.
The story behind this misconception is yet to be confirmed. But according to the stories, the citizens of Homs are said to have been quite the indecisive people. Shifting from orthodox Sunna, to orthodox Shiia, then back to Sunna, all while celebrating the Sun every Wednesday.
Their traditions included unique costumes, odd dances, and a generally distinct ambiance; which were seen as strange by foreigners. It didn't take long for rumors to spread, suggesting they aren't the smartest people.
As for the people of Baalbek, the stereotypes abound. They are generalized as quick tempered, with a gun on their waist and 100 family members ready for a fight.
7. “Beiruti/Itani” (Someone from Beirut, Lebanon, or from the family name Itani)
This one is targeting not only the people of Beirut, but the people of one of the city’s biggest families, Itani.
In Lebanon, it is an insult to refer to someone as “Beiruti” or “Itani” because it means that the person is incredibly stingy or cheap.
The origin of this stereotype isn't clear.
One theory suggests that due to the constant threats of violence and insecurity, the people of Beirut – including the house of Itani – were always struggling with the high cost of living in the capital, while saving money in case of a sudden war.