westerners often complain of how 'muslims' dont respect their culture in their countries, but what about the westeners in our country? well heres one article highlighting the disrespect that people from the west do in our countries:
Topless woman at beach sparks 'cover up' call
By Zoi Constantine and Emmanuelle Landais, Staff Reporters
Dubai: A recent incident involving a woman seen topless on a Jumeirah public beach has sparked calls from residents for more information to be made available on the UAE's cultural environment.
With millions of tourists and thousands of new residents flocking to Dubai every year, greater awareness about and respect for the customs of the UAE is needed, say residents.
Despite being aware public nudity is illegal in the UAE, the British woman in her early twenties told Gulf News, "I knew that it wasn't the right thing to do, but I couldn't find my bikini top so I decided to go without.
"I didn't want to go all the way back to Satwa to get my top, and tried to cover up when men walked by, but there weren't too many people on the beach, so I didn't think it was a problem."
While there are signs on Dubai's public beaches detailing the rules and regulations regarding conduct on the beach, dress code is not included.
According to the director of Dubai Municipality's public parks and horticultural department, Ahmad Mohammad Abdul Karim, there are no plans at present to add dress code regulations.
"Conduct on the beach should be like it is in any public area ... we would encourage people of different nationalities to respect the culture of the UAE," he said.
Abdul Karim stressed on Dubai's reputation as a diverse and "open" city, but said that people should take others into consideration when visiting a public place such as a beach.
"These days, beaches are attracting different nationalities and attitudes."
The responsibility lies with the community as a whole, including authorities, the public, employers and hotels to explain the cultural sensitivities of the UAE, Abdul Karim said.
Currently, promotional material published in 13 languages, including "advice on clothing," is distributed by the Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in hotels and hotel apartments.
"Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, Dubai has a very relaxed dress code. At the swimming pools or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable," Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, DTCM's Executive Director of Media Relations said in a statement. "Visitors are required to wear in public clothes which adequately cover the body."
Responsibility also rests with visitors to find out what is appropriate and what is not, said Sherifa Madgwick, General Manager of the Shaikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding.
Dubai An Emirati businesswoman, L.A., 35, recalls being highly offended last year while she was fasting.
"I once saw a tourist during Ramadan crossing Jumeirah Beach Road wearing her bikini and eating an ice cream ... It definitely is offensive to see such incidents here because it offends the local culture ... I blame the tourists who have no consideration to learn about our culture.
"I also blame the authorities for not being more stringent with rules and regulations. All tourists should be given a booklet with guidelines of things not to do during their visit."
Khuloud, a 23-year-old UAE national from Sharjah, urged the media to do more to explain to people about the country's cultural sensitivities.
"I sometimes feel as though our culture is being overridden by others," she said. "Many people do respect that they are in an Arab and Muslim country, but many do not. I will respect those who respect me and my culture."
George Alexandro, 38, an Italian academic, said topless sunbathing does not offend him, but women who do it are probably unaware that it is inappropriate.
"I think some people do not know how offensive it can be. I have seen women go topless in hotels in Dubai and sometimes even at Jumeirah Beach Park," said Alexandro, adding that the time may have come for 'No Nudity' signs to be placed on beaches.
Violators face six-month imprisonment
According to UAE lawyer Mohammad Al Shaiba, "public indecency" - including excessively revealing clothing and nudity - is prohibited in public spaces under UAE law and carries stiff penalties.
As per Article 358 of the Penal Code, Federal Law No 3 of 1987, amended by Federal Law No 34 of 2005, "anyone who commits any indecent acts in public will be penalised by imprisonment for a period of no less than six months." [http://gulfnews.com/nation/Police_an...10123731.html]
so how about you westerners start respecting our culture instead of acting its all one way traffic and that you guys are like angels in our country, perhaps once realize that your not perfect then maybe we can all sit down and come to an understanding, sadly i dont see that happening any time soon since the west doesnt seem to want to accept that fact that they are not perfect, it is much easier for them to blame and complain on others.
and btw, this article is like a taboo, do not think this is once in a blue moon thing, i live in dubai, and i have seen far worst than this, westerners walking drunk and vomiting on the street, walking half naked and flirting etc etc and this doesnt only happen in uae, it happens in many other muslim countries such as egypt, morroco, lebanon etc etc it is sad that it is under-reported.
Well, there is of course the difference between tourism and immigration. But I see your point. Even a tourist should try not to offend local traditions.
i live in qatar and i see this so much now.many of the westerns feel as though that dont have to follow the local laws, because they feel that they are backwards.
but yet when muslims come to the west and feel the western customs are backwards and don't follow them everyone gets up and arms about.
its double standards
"Religion is very easy & whoever overburdens himself in his religion won't be able to continue in that way.So you should'nt be extremists,but try to be near to perfection & receive good tidings that you'll be rewarded;& gain strength by worshipping in the mornings,the nights." (bukhari vol.1 no.38).
so how about you westerners start respecting our culture instead of acting its all one way traffic and that you guys are like angels in our country, perhaps once realize that your not perfect then maybe we can all sit down and come to an understanding, sadly i dont see that happening any time soon since the west doesnt seem to want to accept that fact that they are not perfect, it is much easier for them to blame and complain on others.
Heh, "we" are far from perfect, Ive always known and realized that. If someone actually claimed that we are perfect, that person was idiot.
I find it kinda curious that you pick up action of some "westeners", label us and blame us all collectively for it, in a very insulting manner. Ive always been under the impression that you cant blame group of people by the actions of some.
I went to the Dubai Government's Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing site, and in the photo section I noticed couple of pictures with females on bikinis or bikini tops. So its a pretty good indication what to expect as a tourist. In the end its just a one woman in article, which is used to brand us all, which is pretty ridiculous.
Just click on photo section in the multimedia corner and scroll forward.
Pretty much where rest of the western world stands on freedom of expression. You can express yourself in most ways, and most places. There are certain places where you cant go nude, and there are certain places where you have to follow dresscodes.
I thought about this while, and well, its actually exactly what democracy, west and western values means to me atleast, with little addentum.
Democracy means that everyone can do whatever he/she wants, as long as it doesnt harm anyone else and their right to do whatever he/she wants.
So in that sense a niqabi is ok as she is not harming anyone else by her actions. But a "houchy mama" is not ok as some are not interested in seeing naked fat flabbing around, causing some of us to be sick and throwing up at the mere sight of it....
So in that sense a niqabi is ok as she is not harming anyone else by her actions. But a "houchy mama" is not ok as some are not interested in seeing naked fat flabbing around, causing some of us to be sick and throwing up at the mere sight of it....
To say it in similar provocative manner, some might not be intrested seeing "walking tents", and the mere sight makes them sick and to throw up. Now neither the "houchy mama" or "walking tent" can dress the way they want. So no. Just because something annoys or irritates is not valid reason to ban that something.
To say it in similar provocative manner, some might not be intrested seeing "walking tents", and the mere sight makes them sick and to throw up. Now neither the "houchy mama" or "walking tent" can dress the way they want. So no. Just because something annoys or irritates is not valid reason to ban that something.
and even I like to add something: Always when I see a woman in a walking tent, I feel uncomfortable as I always get the feeling, she wear a belt of bombs under her tent !
Im Always Right,Its Like,When Im Right,Im Right,And When Im Wrong,I Could've Been Right,So Im Still Right,'Cause I Could've Been Wrong!
and even I like to add something: Always when I see a woman in a walking tent, I feel uncomfortable as I always get the feeling, she wear a belt of bombs under her tent !
Feel what ever you like, just don't allow your ignorance to turn into an injustice against these women.
How many women in 'tents' have you ever seen anyway? TV doesn't count.
Oh, and by the way, if someone was going to try to bomb some place, they would probably have the common sense of dressing like a 'normal' person so they don't attract unwanted attention. You are too paranoid.
I think the problem with the Niqab is people hiding who they are, since Islam has had a direct relation with recent attacks on the security in the west, to some the Niqab may pose a security threat.(Personally I dont worry about it) But this must be considered, a naked woman on the beach is of no threat to anyone except herself as she will likely develop skin cancer. A person in a niqab is a possible security threat, since they could be man or woman and very well could be carry an explosive device.
As far as western freedoms, I am assuming this is about some european countries since the niqab has yet to be banned any public place in the US as far as I know.
As far as double standards and disrespect of culture, the person who posted this thread is already done the exact same in his posts. Point is the west does not respect muslim/ arab culture anymore than the muslim/ arab culture respects the west. The west wants to force you not to wear something and the muslim/ arab wants to force you to wear something, they are both examples of double standards
"War does not determine who is right - only who is left."
- Bertrand Russell
"He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat." - Napoleon Bonaparte
"There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the
enemy." - George Washington
People from all over have misconception of when they visit other nations. Since the Western World is the most Mobile they get the most notice.
However, I have seen many tourists from other nations come to the US and act very obnoxious and violate almost every community code in the areas they visit. Many are very disrespectful of woman, but much of that comes from the stereotyping the Hollywood media has presented them.
People from every nation tend to forget they are guests when they enter another nation. If a country has rules we can not tolerate, we have no business visiting their. Follow the laws when we visit, respect the people and do not push our views, or keep out.
People from all over have misconception of when they visit other nations. Since the Western World is the most Mobile they get the most notice.
However, I have seen many tourists from other nations come to the US and act very obnoxious and violate almost every community code in the areas they visit. Many are very disrespectful of woman, but much of that comes from the stereotyping the Hollywood media has presented them.
People from every nation tend to forget they are guests when they enter another nation. If a country has rules we can not tolerate, we have no business visiting their. Follow the laws when we visit, respect the people and do not push our views, or keep out.
True dat homeslice
"War does not determine who is right - only who is left."
- Bertrand Russell
"He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat." - Napoleon Bonaparte
"There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the
enemy." - George Washington
People from every nation tend to forget they are guests when they enter another nation. If a country has rules we can not tolerate, we have no business visiting their. Follow the laws when we visit, respect the people and do not push our views, or keep out.
Wise words, but it should work in both ways. Immigrants who come to Europe or USA also should listen to your words -follow the laws,respect the people, and do not push our views, or keep out!
Wise words, but it should work in both ways. Immigrants who come to Europe or USA also should listen to your words -follow the laws,respect the people, and do not push our views, or keep out!
Good that Europe is changing into this thinking.
Regards.
i guess that lives little room if any for coexistance and tolerance.
i guess that lives little room if any for coexistance and tolerance.
I see it as the opposite. I would say that demands coexistence and tolerance. coexistence and tolerance works in both directions, when we migrate into a new country, we need to do so with the knowledge of not insulting the people, at the same time when strangers move in with us we need to learn their ways also and help them adapt.
I see it as the opposite. I would say that demands coexistence and tolerance. coexistence and tolerance works in both directions, when we migrate into a new country, we need to do so with the knowledge of not insulting the people, at the same time when strangers move in with us we need to learn their ways also and help them adapt.
acceptances of others differences and getting along is the key, not intregration and assimilation. And btw, non-Muslims have more freedom in Muslim lands than Muslims in europe/uk.
acceptances of others differences and getting along is the key, not intregration and assimilation. And btw, non-Muslims have more freedom in Muslim lands than Muslims in europe/uk.
Muslims in Europe and USA have much more freedom that muslims in so called muslim coutries.
acceptances of others differences and getting along is the key, not intregration and assimilation. And btw, non-Muslims have more freedom in Muslim lands than Muslims in europe/uk.
true, the strengths of all cultures working towards common goals is very strong. Remember, in the early days Muslims, Jews and Christians lived together kept their identity and kept out the pagans.
acceptance and tolerance is not integration and assimilation.
Here's my take on this issue, and it would do you well to take heed of it:
Not all cultures are equal, despite the rhetoric of multiculturalism. The fact of the matter is, some "cultures" are superior to others. Those cultures are the ones based on strong moral and religious values, as opposed to hedonistic and individualistic based cultures. In this light, Islamic "culture" is superior to western culture (if it can be called culture). You cannot equate wearing bikinis with wearing burqa. A culture that promotes bikinis, how can it be superior to a culture which promotes burqa?
And to be fair, UAE does not represent Islam. True they got upset over a topless woman on a beach. But I ask you, what is the difference between a topless woman and a woman in a bikini? There is virtually no difference in my opinion. Both are flaunting their bodies out of arrogance, and both are defying the commandment of God. The UAE should ban all beaches. This beach lifestyle and sunbathing is a total waste of time, and is imported from the Western ideology that life is all about fun and relaxing. Muslims should not adapt Western vacation mentality.
So to conclude, there has to be a double standard. We have to tell Westerners that they are entitled to allow our women to wear burqa/pardah, but we are not entitled to allow them to wear bikini.
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