I'm currently in the Middle East
in one of the Gulf Coast Countries (GCC). The country is so oil rich that the actual local population is about 12% of the total. Everyone else is a guest worker, from the guys doing road work to the grocery store clerks to the university professors.

As a white guy with light hair and light eyes, I find people to be curiously deferential to me as I'm in a small minority of the population, most of said minority being highly educated/trained individuals in upper level jobs.

I'm not in an upper level job yet, though I've been getting inquiries from engineering recruiters and such, and have been going into the industrial section of town for tools and supplies for my hobbies or for repairing the car or house. I'm looked on with curiosity there, and fairly warmly received by the Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshi there when I speak courteously to them and thank them.

I remarked on their reactions of surprise and warmth to another American and he chuckled. "They're not used to white people being nice to them. They assume you're English."

I'm still not quite sure what to make of that.
( The Resident Loon Not a demographic. Do not measure., Mon 25 Feb 2013, 19:45, 4 replies)

You could always try and make an anecdote out of it.
Cheers.
( Dr. Shambolic je suis charlie, Mon 25 Feb 2013, 22:59, closed)

You horrible anecdotist.
I hope you develop Bell's Palsy and dribble your soup.
( Infidel , shit and wrong, Tue 26 Feb 2013, 0:32, closed)

Don't you oppress me!

( Dr. Shambolic je suis charlie, Tue 26 Feb 2013, 8:21, closed)

What he meant was
They are not used to white people being nice to them. (You are being nice to them, therefore) they assume you are English.
Oh and I think you should patent the Light Eyes.
( edjogs Collared doves are shit., Tue 26 Feb 2013, 9:47, closed)