Most apartments and all villas have 'maid rooms'. The standard descriptor for accommodation out here is 'so many' beds + maids.

I do not know. I don't. But I'm sure others will help.

*Fist-bump* We could be twins. Sorta. I don't teach, but I've lived in the UAE [Dubai] for years now, and you could be writing what I think.

That's right: for many it IS a culture thing. As I said in another post, slavery was only officially banned in 1962, so there are still a great many people working for families in Saudi who were born into slavery. And there are so many Saudi nationals who were also raised in that environment.

Can we just remember — and this is not, in any way, to excuse this woman's actions, but still — that Saudi only banned actual slavery in 1962? There are still people working for families across the Gulf States who were born into slavery, as were their children.

At least they're taking some steps. Or at least, trying.

I'm black on Dodge&Burn and Gawks. Grey here. Rarely comment on Valleywag or I09 but occasionally make an appearance on other sub-sites.

I agree, and on Gawks, I totally do that. I bump people up and give them a voice and read all the 'waiting for approval' comments knowing there's gold in dem dere depths.

*Applauds* Big thanks from me too. I would honestly comment more, truly, but when Gawks thinks I'm good to go but in Jez I am always always down the bottom in the pale zone, it does give me pause. What's the point in making a big effort if half the stuff one writes is ignored?

That's what I do on Gawker — where I've not been a grey-bod since three days after joining. Still waiting on Jez to hopefully bump me out though.

Well, with 23 likes — so far — you're obvs out of the grey.

I was still IN college [last year, about to kick into a Master's] and still parent-funded [and university was free for Aussies in those days]. My brother had 'taken the money' rather than 'allow' my mother to throw him a shindig, so she really put her heart into mine. I think — having told her when I was six that I…

*Screeches* But it's not even LETH-ER!

My GOD, she could have done so much more with the dresses she was given to chop into something inventive. Even then I saw that.

The eighties were NOT a good time to 'come of age'.

*Hangs head* I think our little corner of Sydney was Just Like That.

So true!

This HAS to be an American thing. *Whispers* Please let it be an American thing.

You might want to re-think your threads, Simon. Seriously. Bad 80s prom gear meets Boating at Henley. Can't wait to read what Tom & Lorenzo opine about this.

Not sure if you'll see my post on your fantastic essay — I'm still in the Jez greys! — but wanted to say: bloody well done. Succinct, passionate, and utterly fantastic. I applaud you.