07-26-2013, 12:21 PM
Yes, those who have lived in the Middle East are better qualified to share insight regarding having lived in the Middle East than those who have not. I've not seen anyone argue that obvious point. Only you arguing that your first-hand experience/opinion trumped aussie's, upthread. Good to see you looking at that more objectively now, Mo.
Likewise, those who have lived in the US are better qualified to share insight about the experience and perceptions regarding living in the US than those who have not - as diverse as those experiences and perceptions may be. Now and again, however, someone who hasn't live in the US will position himself as having a deeper understanding of US culture, beliefs, and society than those who live it first-hand. Funny, innit?
I frequently learn about other countries from the first-hand experiences of our members in Australia, Europe, the US and the Middle East right here at Mock, along with gaining insight from global history buffs who have studied or read extensively on the subject (though they haven't, of course, lived everywhere in the world).
Certainly having lived a lifetime or a prolonged number of years in any geography doesn't automatically make one more aware of its history than outsiders. Some of us have an interest in history and others don't, whether that history be related to US/European/Middle Eastern relations, domestic policies, culture, gender relations, and/or anything else. Thank you for sharing your view of the US's history and influence in the Middle East.
So, getting back to where we left off, the UAE's culture, its policies towards women, its laws...are not dictated by the US, England, Australia, Yemen or anyone else. Its Islamic religion and the role that it plays in society (for men and women) is determined within the Emirates themselves, though they may well consider outside factors.
It's wise for anyone choosing to visit or relocate there to understand as much as possible about it beforehand to minimize the chances of ending up in situation like Ms. Dalelv, in my opinion. While I'm far from an expert on the subject, I have more insight about some of the practices in Dubai from having followed the story and read the experiences/opinions of others in this thread and then doing some additional reading. Yes, I'm therefore a bit behind in my investigation as to what Angelina Jolie ate for breakfast this week, but I feel it was worth the sacrifice.
Likewise, those who have lived in the US are better qualified to share insight about the experience and perceptions regarding living in the US than those who have not - as diverse as those experiences and perceptions may be. Now and again, however, someone who hasn't live in the US will position himself as having a deeper understanding of US culture, beliefs, and society than those who live it first-hand. Funny, innit?
I frequently learn about other countries from the first-hand experiences of our members in Australia, Europe, the US and the Middle East right here at Mock, along with gaining insight from global history buffs who have studied or read extensively on the subject (though they haven't, of course, lived everywhere in the world).
Certainly having lived a lifetime or a prolonged number of years in any geography doesn't automatically make one more aware of its history than outsiders. Some of us have an interest in history and others don't, whether that history be related to US/European/Middle Eastern relations, domestic policies, culture, gender relations, and/or anything else. Thank you for sharing your view of the US's history and influence in the Middle East.
So, getting back to where we left off, the UAE's culture, its policies towards women, its laws...are not dictated by the US, England, Australia, Yemen or anyone else. Its Islamic religion and the role that it plays in society (for men and women) is determined within the Emirates themselves, though they may well consider outside factors.
It's wise for anyone choosing to visit or relocate there to understand as much as possible about it beforehand to minimize the chances of ending up in situation like Ms. Dalelv, in my opinion. While I'm far from an expert on the subject, I have more insight about some of the practices in Dubai from having followed the story and read the experiences/opinions of others in this thread and then doing some additional reading. Yes, I'm therefore a bit behind in my investigation as to what Angelina Jolie ate for breakfast this week, but I feel it was worth the sacrifice.