Arab families hit by 'cultural invasion'
H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson, Qatar Foundation, has said Arab families are living in an era when their societies are undergoing a critical period whereby its identity, culture and future are under constant threat.
The cultural invasion that has swept the world through globalisation in the past two decades has shaken the Arab culture, she said while inaugurating the ‘Doha International Conference on the Family’ at Qatar National Convention Centre yesterday.
“Cultural invasion has targeted the core of the identity of the Arab family, its culture, language and religion. The media and entertainment culture played the most influential role in targeting the Arab identity”.
The globalisation-triggered cultural invasion created disruption in the system of values, diminished the identity and cultural characteristics leading to the decline of values. It also led to slackness in terms of anticipating and addressing challenges, Sheikha Moza noted.
The media and entertainment culture have played the most influential role in carrying the terms and consequences of this invasion, which badly hit the Arab youth. We hurt deeply as we see young Arabs losing their identity, cases that blow the siren, lest this domination permeate future generations. Arab countries are preoccupied by political disputes or internal conflicts, ignoring their duties towards building and developing society.
Perhaps no other region in the world is quite like most Arab countries, whose budgets are drained through armaments, security requirements and media propaganda. “How can the family be decent when the state is not?” she asked.
The most shocking aspect is that some Arab countries fund and support hundreds of satellite channels that contribute to the flattening of the Arab mind, promoting cultural illiteracy and manipulating the instincts of youth. This warns us about our losing bet with the future. Most likely, only a small amount of the vast sum of money wasted on these projects is enough to fund and create many development programmes capable of empowering the family.
Sheikha Moza said the rigid approach towards cultural heritage and values illustrates an ignorance that is unaware of society’s evolution. It breeds misconceptions that impact societal and educational values.
“To allow our heritage — with its culture and values — to be a vital presence in the contemporary age, we must reproduce this heritage in harmony with the spirit of the age. By this we do not mean breaking the past, just as we do not mean jumping into the present, instead it is a process of assimilating and harmonising our values with the cultural and social conditions of the age we live in.”
(The Peninsula - Source)
Dr Brij,u said it all!Great!LOL...Boxbe!
Majority of the US citizens and British citizens here in Qatar are originally from India or Pakistan or south east asia and some come on their brothers or sisters passports. ...THIS IS THE MOST FUNNIEST COMMENT I READ IN QATAR LIVING TILL DATE...LOL...:)))))))))))))))))))))
Medexpat, are u mad? If Indians and south east Asians were not here... how come these Doha and Dubai and all will be made, i mean everything buildings, roads, hospitals etc... and how the lots of government money coming from only OIL cant help in survival ... Who is treating you when you go to treatment to HMC or PHC.. An american? you are really MAD EXPAT... i never seen the thinking like this.... and if you think this is the problem than Govt must ban all Indians and remember if Indians will go from here how you people will survive.. think before it... and about USA... In USA total >30% doctors in govt are Indians and In NASA >35% scientists are Indian origin... So why they keep Indians.. because they and All arab govts also know their abilities.. and abt savings... we are here for savings only otherwise no body want to leave their own country and come in another.. why u here..? SO THINK ONCE BEFORE THAT WHAT U WRITING... May allah make you wise...
Be cautious with what u feed your mind and soul!Focusing on negativity doesn't make anyone a better person.Btw,it would be a good try to heed DE's advice!!
DE,lols..!
Medexpat, I think you should to visit HMC for further check up
The only cultural invasion I noticed in Qatar and UAE is everywhere you look it's majority (85%-90%), Indians, Sri Lankans, Pakistani, and Nepalis with a good percentage being undocumented. I learned that they won't do their job unless you tip them. The highest tipper gets their way. There is no loyalty. It's okay to push and shove someone in the supermarket to be first. Never obey the traffic rules unless there is a consequence. Thrash the car and take advantage of the company car and gas. But when it's their own car they never drive and they even do a ritual for good luck at the dealership. Order one buffet salad at Pizza Hut and share it among 10 people. When it free take as many as possible. When you try to rent a reasonable place you must speak URDU. They claim they are maintenance but they break everything not knowing the water pressure and skills. Majority of the US citizens and British citizens here in Qatar are originally from India or Pakistan or south east asia and some come on their brothers or sisters passports. Just look at the majority people in charge at Weill Cornell Medical School born and educated outside of the U.S. Now this attitude has become the cultural norm in the gulf countries. Learn to survive by cheating and lying. An Indian will travel all the way to India and pay $200-$300 US for any exam to keep their jobs. The company's should administer the job at the site with independent test administrators and see the real results. Now, try to draw the line when it comes to Human Rights violations.