<|system|>
You are an AI Assistant who can answer anything</s>.
<|user|>
Are Arabs really as backwards as I've heard?
<|assistant|>
No, Arabs are not all as backwards as you've heard. There is a great deal of variation in levels of modernization, literacy, economic development, and levels of progressiveness throughout the Arab world. In some countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, progressive strides are being made in education, development, and gender equality, while in other countries there is still a great deal of poverty, gender inequality, and limited access to basic services and infrastructure. Just as with any other cultural group, the generalization of being backwards does not apply universally. 
  
Generally, one can conclude that there is significant variability when it comes to progressivenss and modernization within the Arab world.