This is with reference to the report “Why Saudis turn down blue-collar jobs” (April 26). It is an alarming situation and not very good for the country in the long run. Many social factors lead to the shaping up of these perceptions. A one-hour lecture or distribution of pamphlets is not likely to change people’s attitudes toward life and work. Such a revolutionary change is only possible by identifying the causes that create this unhealthy mindset.
I have noticed many youngsters questioning the distribution of wealth in the world. I cannot blame them entirely for the confusion they are facing. In this capitalist order, media and other modes of communication are basically working to boost consumerism. The world of advertising continuously bombards us with the definition of success. Going by that definition, most of us would find ourselves way behind the world. A big car, a palatial and luxurious accommodation, latest gadgets, frequent trips abroad and a super-model like spouse are shown as the indicators of a successful person. Now where does a person with a blue-collar job fit in here?
These subtle but continuous messages work great when people are wont to hire foreigner maids and servants even for small house chores. We have to accept one fact that we cannot alter the functioning of the marketing or advertising world but we can change our attitudes toward work and life. There is no shame in doing any work. Honest efforts always pay off and there is no shortcut to success. In order to check this situation, there is also a great need to introduce effective and realistic changes to the education system. By the way, this issue is not unique to Saudi Arabia. I may be wrong but I have this feeling that most of the Muslim world is faced with this dilemma. — Usman Ghani, Jeddah
Youth problems
