Stereotypes of Lebanese people

Stereotypes of Lebanese people are generalizations and assumptions of the typical characteristics, beliefs, and attitudes of the Lebanese. Because of the large diaspora, which vastly outnumbers the population of Lebanon itself, stereotypes can vary from country to country. There are many parallels between stereotypes of the Lebanese and Arabs in general.

Positive stereotypes

Beauty

Lebanese people, and Lebanese women in particular, are often depicted as exceptionally beautiful in both Western and Arab media. Lebanon has a large plastic surgery industry that attracts patients from all around the world.[1] This stereotype can be pejorative, as many assume Lebanese women frequently make use of cosmetic surgery in order to achieve these high standards for beauty. Lebanese men are often described as well-dressed and fashionable, with an affection for cars and nightlife.[2][3]

Generosity and friendliness

The Lebanese are generous when welcoming others into their home or country, especially when it comes to food and drink.[3] Hospitality is prized in Lebanese society, especially on the part of men. It is common for foreigners in Lebanon to be met with friendly greetings and an insistence on paying the bill for a meal. Lebanese people are generally more comfortable with physical contact than is permitted in Western society, and touching the shoulder, arm, or back is common to indicate closeness and friendliness.[3]

Celebrity

Lebanese people are also widely perceived as successful people in business and entertainment, with Elie Saab, Bruno Bichir, Carlos Ghosn, Miguel Layún, Carlos Slim, Mário Zagallo, Nicolás Massú, and Shakira among the most popular Lebanese-born or from Lebanese descent celebrities.

Neutral or mixed stereotypes

Hastiness

One stereotype of Lebanese people is their supposed impatience and need to move quickly,[3] perhaps best personified by the hustle and bustle of Beirut itself. In both Lebanon and the diaspora, the Lebanese are often employed in the industries of sales, retail and wholesale trade, business, and real estate, all of which focus on the ability to make deals quickly and efficiently.

Liberalism and conservatism

In the Arab world, Lebanon is generally seen as a very liberal country that is accepting of different lifestyles. The country is a center of media and culture in the Middle East, and some of the region's foremost LGBT-activist organizations reside in Beirut. The city of Beirut is well-known for its nightlife, so Lebanese are people often perceived as being outgoing and attracted to the allure of bars, clubs, and parties.[4]

In the West, Lebanon is often grouped with other Arab countries, which are typically viewed as heavily conservative, oppressive of the rights of women, religious, and politically backwards.[3] The country tends to receive mixed reviews from US-based think tanks for its freedoms.[5]

Negative stereotypes

Terrorism

Like many stereotypes of Arabs, the Lebanese often fall victim to an assumption of their predisposition for terrorism and violence. In reality, Lebanon has a lower-than-average homicide rate that is lower than the United States. These stereotypes often tie into assumptions about Lebanon itself, which is often depicted as war-torn, despite the ending of the country's civil war in 1990. The United States regards some Lebanese political parties and movements, such as Hezbollah, as terrorist organizations.

Racism

Because of their relatively fair skin when compared to other Arab peoples, many Lebanese are stereotyped as being racist towards immigrants and even Lebanese people with dark skin. Immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa, and South and Southeast Asia are often admitted to the country as domestic workers, leading to a perception in Lebanese society of individuals with dark skin as servants.[6] Racism is a systemic problem in Lebanon.[7]

See also

References
  1. "Lebanon emerges as Mideast's 'mecca' for cosmetic surgery", Barry Neild. CNN. Published 19 November 2010
  2. "Reinforcing stereotypes about Lebanese men and maybe even creating some", Michael Karam. The Daily Star (Lebanon). Published 22 November 1997.
  3. "Cultural Information - Lebanon - Stereotypes". Center for Intercultural Learning. Retrieve 30 July 2019.
  4. "Party In Beirut", Nick Marino. GQ. Published 8 May 2017.
  5. "Lebanon". Freedom House. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
  6. "Migrants in Lebanon seek to break stereotypes with new radio show", Heba Kanso. Reuters. Published 17 July 2018.
  7. "Lebanon has a racism problem", Halim Shebaya. Al Jazeera. Published 21 October 2017.
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