Why Are Saudi Boys Painting their Nails?

Out with beautiful dad! Shared by @NadaFarahaat on Twitter

Out with beautiful dad! Shared by @NadaFarahaat on Twitter

Saudi boys are painting their nails – and showing off their hairy legs in photographs drawing laughs across the Arab world. It is all part of a hashtag on Twitter, which translates to Take a Picture of Yourself Like a Girl Does.

The boys are poking fun at girls sharing their pictures on social media – of the shoes they wear, nail polish they apply, the coffee they sip and gifts they exchange with each other.

This picture of a man, showing off his red painted nails, while sipping coffee, has made the rounds:

Saudis making fun of women taking pictures of themselves

Saudis making fun of women taking pictures of themselves

Others, like Rakan al-Hamdan, show off their shoes – like girls do:

And one boy shows off his “pedicured” nails – along with his favourite drink:

The pedicured nails caused a stir. Ahmed wonders:

And Aseel voices her objection:

Seriously? Guys applying nail polish on their nails just to make fun of girls!! There is no manhood left

5 comments

  • steve66oh

    It’s really just paint – the only thing that “makes” it “for girls only”, is the sexist assumptions society makes when they don’t see other men wearing it first. To me, it’s just incredibly funny that most people never question why men aren’t “allowed” to do something that’s so trivial and is perfectly fine for women.

  • Anwar sadath

    Let me ask one question…. why are girls pairing their nails??? for what?(even Saudi) the god give you a beautiful nails, with better color and shape..

    • Kristen Christian

      While I personally agree with you, that’s not our right to say what anyone else should do with their own body. A person’s life, body & free will are God’s gift to that person; how each of us choose to live is entirely between ourselves & Him.

  • rwscid

    Manicures and pedicures are wonderful luxuries. Call me old-fashioned, but I still prefer clear polish.

  • […] Arabi] Global Voices shares a meme popping up in which Saudi boys and young men are sharing photos of their painted nails on Instagram and […]

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