What would you have done? | ExpatWoman.com
 

What would you have done?

89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 19:22

Today while walking with my LO on the palm, I was stopped by a couple to take a picture of them. The woman was totally covered and the man just had on a short sleeved kandoura (no head dress). They didnt speak english but I knew when the man handed me his phone and made a couple of hand signals, waht he wanted me to do. As I was about to take the photo, the man pulled my stroller with my baby next to him and the woman to be in the picture. I thought this was a little strange but didnt really know how to react. After I took the picture, he kissed my baby and both him and his wife took a picture of her (his wife had a camera phone too). I didnt feel comfortable abou this but it all happened very quickly and Ive had some situations here where (at malls etc) complete strangers inc' men bend into the pram and kiss our baby....I realise this may be a cultural thing but at the same time Im not very comfortable with it.
I guess I dont mind people being affectionate towards her but I do mind the photographs being taken.
What would you have done???

2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 20:15
I went into the Hershey's store at Dubai Mall to sort out my PB Cups fix. One of the staff came over and handed DS a mini cup. Then asked if he was allergic to peanuts. Bit late when he's got the wrapper half off, love!
2782
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 20:13
I actually have no problem with the photographs, perhaps because I'm a photographer and so I understand the idea of wanting to photograph a kid you don't know purely because they look cute or interesting and I really don't see the harm in it. My issue is with the touching/kissing, and this is purely because I'm germ phobic especially with newborns. I think if you are uncomfortable then you have every right to say no, but I personally don't object to photographs, or get upset when they are taken without my permission and if I did I would do so diplomatically, because I don't think its an automatic given that its not ok. Now ask me about locals trying to feed my baby chocolate, thats a whole other story..............
70
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 19:55
Hi, I have experienced the same thing with my babies. It makes me feel a little uncomfortable as well...but for the most part it is a cultural thing that is harmless. Don't get me wrong-I trust my mommy instincts, but ask yourself why you are wierded out by it and sometimes you realize its just that we are not used to a grown man or woman acting this way around a non relative baby. But if you feel the creepies, trust your gut and get you and your kid out of the situation and be firm. Let me explain my reasoning....I am western, my children and I look western. But I speak arabic fairly well and understand it perfectly. A few times, a local or arab lady/couple will coo over one of my boys and kiss his hands, sometimes his face. And I admit it makes me think ..."wtf?"..but then I hear what they are saying in arabic and its always along the lines of "this baby is sweet, inshallah god blesses me/us with a beautiful child like this. I will kiss him for good luck! May god hear our prayers."...changes things huh? Then I am not so weirded out and actually flattered. Mind you if some creep was taking pictures of my boy on the down low, I would gladly feed him his own testicles with a side of my foot up his a**.
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 19:40
After all the discussions on here about random men taking pictures of babies in malls and random men trying to abduct children from playgrounds, said no. I know it's difficult, especially when it seems they're just being nice, but if you're not comfortable with it just go with your instinct. Since I told DH about the two threads I mentioned above he hasn't stopped talking about it. I know he won't let anyone take pictures of DS now.
557
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 19:38
[url=http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php'>[img'>http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-think005.gif[/img'>[/url'>...err...said no?
 
 

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