Opinion | Letters
July 6, 2006
- Published: 00:00 July 6, 2006
How much is too much?
There is a feeling among many people in the UAE, including nationals, that some English language newspapers are overstepping the limits of freedom of expression. It is felt the local English language press has gone too far in its provocative media campaign aimed at portraying the UAE in poor light. On July 3, we published an article by columnist Ayesha Sultan on this issue, "They insult us in freedom's name". We received a number of letters in response. We publish here a selection.
Protect nationals
As an expatriate, I agree with Ayesha Sultan. The way some local English language newspapers exaggerate and comment on local issues indicates that they don't represent the UAE society. They represent only the non-UAE readers. In an exceptionally generous country such as the UAE, where expatriates outnumber locals, the foremost objective of the media should be to safeguard the country's interests and highlight local issues. The UAE government represents UAE nationals. Hence, only nationals are fit to comment on the policies, not the expatriates. The government should form an effective and permanent body to monitor the media.
From Mr M.E. Moolur
Dubai
Insecure expatriates
While it's true that Emiratisation has left a few expatriates smarting, knee-jerk responses are mostly antagonising. There is little doubt that Emaratis are great people and they should discard the opinion of a few insecure expatriates, who think otherwise. The notion that nationals are spoilt comes from the outright envy of their economic situation where they have succeeded in making the laziest of expatriates work hard. Press everywhere tries to sensationalise issues to increase its visibility, for therein lies its virility.
From Mr S. Nair
Dubai
Diversity of opinion
Why is public dialogue seen as insulting to the country or society? I believe many readers are interested in what the future holds both nationals and expatriates. A responsible newspaper reflects diversity of opinion and everyone benefits from the moderating influence of honest, unfiltered dialogue. Media is unbalanced only if it gives voice to one group's opinions. We should all choose to ignore a perceived insult and seek to understand the motivation behind it. Quite often there is a seed of truth that leads to understanding.
From Mr D.B. Reed
Dubai
Respect laws
As a long time resident of Dubai, I agree with Ayesha Sultan's observations. Expatriates should either accept the laws and rules of a country or try to understand and respect them. Those who can do neither have an option open to them: quit UAE.
From Mr V.M.C. Mohan
Dubai
Two sides to a coin
As an expatriate, I agree with Ayesha Sultan's views to an extent. Expatriates must respect the laws and norms of the country they live in. Mutual understanding is the basis for peaceful co-existence and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to live in Dubai and contribute to this co-existence. Criticism can be constructive and leads to change which benefits the whole society. It's no wonder that freedom of speech is considered important for any modern society. The UAE must accept that its openness to western values and people will be accompanied by developments which cannot be factored out.
From Mr M. Shoukri
Dubai
Be sensible
It seems the author of the article wanted to vent her anger. Anything written in the public domain, such as this article, is taken as an act of immaturity. I advise the author to write more sensibly.
From Mr T.R. Sriniwas
Andhra Pradesh, India
Resolve locally
"Strangers should always be polite and this is the dominant golden rule followed everywhere in the world," says Ayesha Sultan. The author is dead wrong. Everyone must be polite, regardless of their nationality. The UAE is a fast developing country. Its people are brave and smart. Why we should treat this country and its people as handicaps? Why can't the media raise questions even if they are baseless? In this age of globalised media, it is better to settle disputes in "local English newspapers" than to drag the issues to internet or foreign media.
From Mr A. Kijowski
Dubai
Get real
I agree with Ayesha Sultan. No one should misuse the freedom of expression to insult a country or its rules. I am an expatriate, but I never worry that a national may one day get my job. This country belongs to Emaratis and they should be given preference over expatriates. Yes, there is an expatriate "mafia" in every business group that has encouraged selective jobs for select nationalities. HR managers fill all major vacancies from their own countries. This is where the problem begins. How can such managers make room for nationals?
From Mr Y. Ishaq
Dubai
Remember the deal
I am a second-generation Pakistani living in the UAE, and I agree with the author's observations. We, expatriates, must respect the people and the laws of this country, so that they may respect us in return. Some laws do impact us directly, but that is the deal we made when we arrived here.
From Mr N.A. Mir
Abu Dhabi
Sensible comments
Ayesha Sultan's comments make sense. In the end, the UAE belongs to Emaratis and they can do as they deem fit. As expatriates, we do not (and should not) have the right to criticise this country, simply because we don't have a responsibility towards it. For instance, in case of a conflict or national crisis, the first thing that an expatriate will do is flee to his own country. We are mere contractual workers and nothing more.
From Mr H. Suleman
Dubai
Provocative
I commend Ayesha Sultan's ability to provoke further resentment among expatriates. Though she has the right to defend UAE nationals from being stereotyped as incompetent, her opinions are still prejudiced and circuitously reflect the failure to appreciate expatriates' contribution to the development of this country. What is the difference between preventing expatriates from harmlessly expressing their opinions and discrimination?
From Mr F. Mehdi
Abu Dhabi
Behave properly
I endorse the author's views. Some expatriates tend to forget their position. Living in the UAE allows them to enjoy the sort of self-esteem they can never have in their home countries. They also enjoy more benefits and a higher standard of living here. Expatriates here should not get carried away. They should behave in the same way they would expect foreigners living in their home countries to behave.
From Mr R. Musleh
Sharjah
Vague accusations
Ayesha Sultan has accused the so-called English language media of insulting the UAE's values, but in a very vague way. She has not provided any specifics. I have been actively voicing my opinion over a lot of issues, highlighted by the so-called English dailies. All I can say is that if truth is insulting, then I rest my case.
From A Reader
Dubai
Earning a livelihood
Ayesha Sultan is absolutely right. I have worked in the Gulf for over 18 years. For over a decade now, I have been working in Iran. The Iranians are so considerate that one does not feel like leaving the country. Most important, I am being provided with my livelihood.
From A Reader
Tehran, Iran
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