The Question: Is Christmas a bigger event in your country than it was ten years ago? Is this a sign of Westernization or just commercialization?
Indeed Christmas has become a huge event in the United Arab Emirates, and especially in Dubai. However, I am not sure that it is due to either Westernization or commercialization. My own take is that it’s more a result of the diverse population that has emerged in UAE. Today there are over 140 nationalities living here, with all the major religions represented. Some, like Christians, have places of worship, on land gifted by the Ruler of Dubai. Indeed other than Muslims, Christians represent the largest religion here – there are at least four major churches in town. It is interesting that ten years ago a shopping mall would not be decorated for Christmas, but nowadays there is a distinct festive decoration in most of the major malls. This is where the commercial side has stepped in, and stores like Harvey Nichols and others have Christmas specials all over the store.
I believe it is a sign of openness, and while UAE and other more liberal Arab states embrace free market practices, I believe that ethos has to spread towards religious freedom. While Saudi Arabia may well be way behind the curve, it is normal to see Hindus here celebrate Holi and Diwali, and Christians celebrate Christmas. This does show an amazing openness compared to some years ago and this is likely to grow even further. While the critics will point to a number of areas where these countries still have to catch up with the West, we have to remember that efforts are being made to correct the mistakes on issues like labor reform. The barometer for progress should not be set by a western yardstick, but by a value argument.
In essence I believe that in a world where religion becomes a political tool for the media to play people’s fears, we should still have the courage to celebrate those efforts towards openness and tolerance. no matter how small or insignificant they may seem in our own personal scheme of things. There are too many myopic minds in the world who blame Christianity, Islam or Judaism for the failings of the people who profess to be their proponents. They ignore that the essence of every faith, no matter what label it carries, is based on human values of goodness, love and community. It is encouraging that countries are being more open to different faiths even when we see intolerance, ignorance and hate around us. As I said, let’s celebrate these small successes of openness and acceptance even if some of them arrive on the back of commercialism.
Please e-mail PostGlobal if you'd like to receive an email notification when PostGlobal sends out a new question.
Email Me | Del.icio.us | Digg | Facebook
