I agree with you - what you see growing up around you constitutes as normal for you. And that is exactly what a lot of people are trying to say here, even though they aren't so clear or thoughtful in putting their point across. I grew up in the Middle Eastern, European, and American cultures - and to be honest you're always growing up, even in your 20's and 30's. Everything I have seen growing up in different parts of the world taught me that the term "normal" is extremely relative. What is normal to you, may be absolutely abnormal to me even if my or your religion explicitly states it. It all depends on your environment, which shapes your thinking and your attitude towards others. Yes, people should definitely be considerate about the culture of the country they live in (when in Rome, do as the Romans). However, you must also keep in mind that by welcoming expats in your country, you are consciously allowing some breathing space for alternate behavior. As far as gym changing rooms, spas, and saunas are concerned, you are forgetting that these very luxuries are ALSO IMPORTED. They are not an inherent part of Arab, Middle Eastern, or South Asian culture (which mostly makes up the population of Qatar). You are being unfair in expecting people who in fact began this trend to modify it for your needs. Let's be honest to ourselves, when we want to see nudity, everyone knows where to go or what to do and the first place that pops in your head is not a gym locker room or spa. Lastly, out of SHEER PRACTICALITY, gyms, spas and saunas are meant to allow your body to breathe and relax, not sweat and stink under thick layers.
Hope I managed to lessen some of the expat hatred?
- They count my sins when I starve my body; my virtues when I starve my soul -
Hi Khalid,
I agree with you - what you see growing up around you constitutes as normal for you. And that is exactly what a lot of people are trying to say here, even though they aren't so clear or thoughtful in putting their point across. I grew up in the Middle Eastern, European, and American cultures - and to be honest you're always growing up, even in your 20's and 30's. Everything I have seen growing up in different parts of the world taught me that the term "normal" is extremely relative. What is normal to you, may be absolutely abnormal to me even if my or your religion explicitly states it. It all depends on your environment, which shapes your thinking and your attitude towards others. Yes, people should definitely be considerate about the culture of the country they live in (when in Rome, do as the Romans). However, you must also keep in mind that by welcoming expats in your country, you are consciously allowing some breathing space for alternate behavior. As far as gym changing rooms, spas, and saunas are concerned, you are forgetting that these very luxuries are ALSO IMPORTED. They are not an inherent part of Arab, Middle Eastern, or South Asian culture (which mostly makes up the population of Qatar). You are being unfair in expecting people who in fact began this trend to modify it for your needs. Let's be honest to ourselves, when we want to see nudity, everyone knows where to go or what to do and the first place that pops in your head is not a gym locker room or spa. Lastly, out of SHEER PRACTICALITY, gyms, spas and saunas are meant to allow your body to breathe and relax, not sweat and stink under thick layers.
Hope I managed to lessen some of the expat hatred?
- They count my sins when I starve my body; my virtues when I starve my soul -