Monday, February 27, 2006

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Some think that the right thing to do these days is to always follow the crowd. At often that is the right answer, but more often it is good to stay rebelious to show the truth behind one's decision.

Westerners need to understand that when they come into our countries (respective of which nation it is) they should respect the society just as much as we do when we are in their country. This goes for wearing skimpy clothing, sleeveless t-shirts, and many outrageous fashions of clothing that, in their opinion, is the 'in' style.

Or should we retaliate in the same way?

Where does one hold the line for respecting one another?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

As a westerner living in Muscat, at the grand age of 38, being relatively fashion conscious (!), I agree about the certain lack of regard or willingness, by some people, to show consideration towards the society we live in.

I am very conscious and aware of the surrounding culture but the choices of certain people are exactly that, choices. Without doubt this is born of ignorance but is not because of being a 'slave to fashion'!!

There are a multitude of adjectives to describe this insentivity but to act upon it? Retaliation? A form of retribution? In England there are many nationalities, living side by side with their own choice of attire. It is a tolerant society, which understands individual rights, where would retaliation start and end?!

Personally I respect the society and culture that I have chosen to live in. But how far should one draw the line .... at times I have certainly felt that as a woman in a Muslim country I have no respect, no matter what I am wearing!

I guess its all down to awareness, culture, individualism and choices ....

Sleepless In Muscat said...

Andromeda: it is as you say down to the factors to which you specified...

but I think a fair share of the blame goes on the youth because of having different opinions...

and plus when I said that we react back...I never meant in the means of retribution...but in putting down laws that would ask such individuals from acts of indecency as they do here and in many Muslim countries such as Oman in the month of Ramadhan for instance.. but then you would have us labelled as not better than KSA which chooses to choose for people what is best for them than to rather have to look into what they want and the country wants from them religiously, culturally and socially..

in the end we conclude to the same opinion I think..

- thanks for popping by! do come back often.. I enjoy having discussions with others to view their opinions and their experiences.. ;o)