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| An Open Letter to Johann Hari of the Independent |
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This is an open letter to Mr Johann Hari in response to his article The Dark Side of Dubai, published in The Independent, Tuesday April 7, 2009, in which he describes his recent misadventures and negative impressions of Dubai, its policies, its politics and its people.
Sadly, I’m sure many of the stories you recount in your article are true, Mr. Hari. Human history is replete with tragic examples of how the rich get richer at the expense of the poor, and how the powerful get more powerful at the expense the weak. Does this make it acceptable? Obviously not. Unfortunately, in many ways, we are not a particularly noble species.
Not in Africa, not in Asia, not in the Americas. Not anywhere. It’s easy to criticize, to wax long and vitriolic about all things evil. The challenge lies in actually doing something about them.
And plenty of people are doing things Mr. Hari, here in Dubai and elsewhere. It seems you didn't take the time to speak to any of them... That's a shame, because balance dictates that a journalist should give at least some measure to those things that don't necessarily fit with his or her preconceived ideas. Although, to be fair, at least you had the initiative to come and take a look around, unlike Ms Farelly of the Sydney Morning Herald who chose to "slag" Dubai from afar. Dubai is not a perfect place. No place is. We are imperfect. Our world is imperfect.
However, I have a long list of people and organizations in Dubai and around the world that are working hard to make our home (and by that I mean Dubai as well as this planet) a better place to be. I don't think it will ever be perfect. But it can be better. Those of us who are not a part of the solution are part of the problem. We all share responsibility for the ills of the world, wherever they they are, and wherever we are. Finally, if you would be so kind as to send me Karen Andrews' coordinates, and will personally try to find her and do something to help her. You can reach me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Trackback(0)
Comments (23)
 
Loved your open letter to Johan Hari, the comment and your response......I agreed with every single word you both wrote!!!!
I love Dubai and I am aware of the issues here, you both put them into perspective and JH is just a self serving Journalist along with so many of them these days that like to create news and not report it......Susan keep up the good work, the site is Amazing and I am spreading the word where I can. lotsa love Val report abuse
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Susan, I meant to leave a link to my blog so you can read what we've been writing on the subject:
http://cooltravelguide.blogspot.com/ And my husband's 'Wide angles, wine and wanderlust': http://blog.terencecarterphotography.com/ best, Lara report abuse
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I enjoyed your open letter on the Amazing Women Rock Web site, Susan. I did find that Mr. Hari's article was the kind of on-the-fly reporting where you just generalize from a few fleeting conversations here and there. If he'd really wanted to go in-depth he would have stayed for a minimum of six weeks and really talked to everyone, government officials and laypeople and expats alike. Perhaps he would have been deported!
It's funny. For about four years, all I saw was articles and essays praising Dubai's "can-do" spirit, economic miracle, open-minded atmosphere etc. etc. Now the media seems to have turned and it's all Dubai-is-a-Gulag. I notice, too, that this turnaround happened at about the time that British couple was arrested for having sex on the beach (and I don't mean the cocktail). I think although it was a stupid case it was a catalyst for changing popular positive opinion about Dubai into "It's not the fairytale land you think it is". Exposes on Panorama and all the fallout followed... report abuse
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Hidden agendas (well, not so hidden anymore) are very present indeed... In political articles are dangerous and in travel articles, too. It gives a whole wrong idea of perception of foreign countries and people who don't travel often will always have prejudice towards unknown destinations.
Speaking of Middle East, well, it's quite clear what the agenda is and has been for years. Political articles are not even subtle anymore and it seems like in other sections they are not concerned about intelligent pieces either. On the topic one of the best books I've found is the always topical "Manufacturing consent" by Noam Chomsky and Edward Herman. Great website! Angela report abuse
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Susan,
Thanks for posting a very thoughtful, if harsh, criticism of Hari's article. I wanted to discuss some of your objections because, hey, if you can't argue on the internet, what fun is the place?  Surely you have noticed that the ills you describe in your article are not exclusive to Dubai, Mr. Hari? These are worldwide problems, as are ignorance, greed, and turning a blind eye. Granted. But the issue that the article makes clear - and the reason it's thus newsworthy - is that Dubai makes such a mirage out of the matter, such a compounded lie about the draw of the place, that to visit with your eyes truly open is to get smacked in the face by the inequities of the world. An entire culture built on trying to convince visitors that such societal ills don't exist is remarkable for, as Hari says, its hypocrisy and shamelessness. By contrast, in much of the civilized world, the problems you and Hari both cite are not papered over by a glitzy facade. People openly advocate and argue for the best course of political action. Many European countries have voluntarily decided to hand over well above half their paycheck for the purpose of mitigating those very problems. Dubai's attitude is, "what problems?" And that should be offensive to the intelligence of anyone with a moral backbone. Johann Hari doesn't have to have an agenda to feel cheated and disgusted by the sheer scale of the lie presented and represented by that skyline and that so-called lifestyle. And not all those who have an agenda are mistaken. (in other words, just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me) Best, Steve report abuse
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Hmmmm. Maybe people need to be smacked in the face with the inequities of the world, which are EVERYWHERE, believe me, not just in Dubai, as Lara Dunston points out in her comment above.
I wonder where you got the idea that Dubai is home to “an entire culture built on trying to convince visitors that such societal ills don’t exist?” I’ve lived here for 16 years, and that’s not my experience of the place. You mention hypocrisy and shamelessness, I’m sorry to say that Dubai doesn’t have a monopoly in that quarter. Take a look at the United States of America, for example, which is meant to be founded on the concepts of the inalienable rights and freedom for all, and which has detained hundreds of men at Guantanamo Bay for years without charge. From where I sit, that’s hypocritical and shameless in the extreme. In my own home country, Canada, which has one of the highest standards of living in the world, homelessness is on the rise. When I visited Japan last November http://www.amazingwomenrock.co...japan.html, I personally visited a tent community of homeless people a block away from my high-rise digs in downtown Tokyo, and saw dozens more sleeping in cardboard boxes in the main train station Predictably, I didn’t see them in the guide books and tourist brochures. Does that make the Japanese a nation of shameless hypocrites? Sadly, I would suggest to you that the much of the “civilized world” isn’t civilized at all. The scale of human rights abuse in Dubai is incidental (though clearly not to the individuals who are its victims), compared to the chronic abuses that have been carried out and continue to be carried out around the world on a daily basis. Amnesty International (at this link: http://www.amnesty.org/) documents some of the worldwide atrocities to which we subject each other. Many of the perpetrators are so-called “civilized” countries. That, in my view, is offensive. Even more tragic is the fact that women and children suffer a disproportionate amount of abuse in all forms including domestic violence, rape, trafficking, murder and more. Please don’t get me wrong. In no way am I defending any kind of abuse – not in Dubai, and not anywhere else in the world. It’s equally deplorable no matter where it takes place. As I said, Dubai is like a metaphor for the rest of the world. We’re all equally guilty for global excesses and inequities. And if we’re not part of the solution as individuals, then we’re part of the global problem. It’s easy to stand on the sidelines and sling mud as Mr. Hari has done. It’s much more difficult to take off your shoes, wade into the mire, and do what you can to start cleaning up the mess. All of that said, my criticism of Mr. Hari’s article has less to do with the truth of his observations, and more to do with its lack of balance, which, the last time I checked, was hailed as one of the cornerstones of responsible journalism. Thanks so much for sharing your views, and contributing to the ongoing discussion. You’re right about the Internet ☺ report abuse
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Dear all, this is most definitely an emotionally charged subject! I personally see both sides - I too have a "love-hate" relationship with Dubai for many reasons. However, where I think most criticism comes from is the disappointment that Dubai could have done so much better on some scores, and it has wasted amazing opportunities and money for many reasons including shortsightedness, greed and probably a fair dose of naivety. I don't think it's all jealousy, nor do I believe the fluff in the newspapers. I think it is fair to judge the city on what is seen and heard, because bravery is needed in the journey for balance, and the devil's advocate is often the only voice to question the status quo.
I call it as I see it. We could have had amazing and safe bike paths throughout the city, built during all the recent development. We have done more for entrepreneurs (and not just emiratis) than just build some hotdesks. We could do more with part time employment to train our next generation (yes, I know that's a federal issue, but we are collective). The emirate should definitely do more about being real, green and efficient, and less self-promotion as a luxury, which ultimately is a waste of time and money in this environment. But the opportunity to build a new industry, with no tax, and fairly small burdens once the establishment hassle is over, is worth the battles. I love being close to the ocean and mountains, the freedom to travel, and the broad range of people who are here. I don't drive a posh car, I live in a very old villa, and I spend my Fridays at the beach or on my bike in the desert, so I try to minimise my life of unsustainable luxury. Let's face it - everyone is here for a reason, whatever that is (mine certainly isn't money!!), and will go home when that purpose goes away. But I'm still here and loving what I do, and will be staying for a while longer.
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Excellent points. I think you're right, there's lots of room for improvement
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The National's Frank Kane wrote an excellent piece in which he quotes Mr. Hari as well as other columnists and editors at The Independent, The Guardian and the Financial Times.
See it here: http://thenational.ae/article/...97609/1306 Bravo Mr. Kane! A fine piece of journalistic writing. report abuse
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If you have read Mr. Hari's article, may I humbly suggest you also read Chris Saul's parody which is absolutely priceless. It's at this link: http://blogs.sun.com/christoph...ng_article. I laughed out loud. It's brilliant.
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Something else with which to stir the pot:
http://www.kippreport.com/kipp...n-the-uae/ report abuse
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This letter appears to mainly be a complaint that someone has said something you don't like, or don't like to admit. Your comment above about a parody of the article, without even reading the parody, unfortunately shows your colours. You are personally upset by Johann's article and out for some amount of vengeance.
I live in Australia, and I think the situation with the indigenous people is dire. If someone wants to write about it, they are allowed to (and they do). My impression (slinging from afar) is that coverup and/or denial is the norm (if not the law) in Dubai. I agree with your comment that "people need to be smacked in the face with the inequities of the world". In this case it was (some of?) Dubai's problems receiving some airing. I can imagine that the original article does not cover the entire depth and breadth of the entire city, but it doesn't have to. Your complaints about it not being balanced are irrelevant. My personal opinion is that virtually the entirety of all "journalism" is skewed, some obviously more so than others, and that "journalistic integrity" isn't even a noble aim, but more a mythical notion, essentially a fiction in itself. Instead of slinging something back at Johann, trying to lay a guilt trip with a stack of rhetorical questions about tyranny and oppression the world over, take some of your own advice; tell us about these organisations doing something to help you allude to. If you can't tell us about them - are they in fear of the government? - tell us why you can't, what needs to change and how anyone is able to help or effect change. Are the beaches polluted? Tell us more about it. What is being done to change it? If people are being made ill by the water, what do you have to gain by pretending it doesn't happen? It is obvious that the energy and water requirements of the city are excessive - what are your thoughts on that? Problems, at a distance, are often seen more keenly. Please do point out the problems where you see them, and bitch less about people pointing out your own (or adopted, if you are not Saudi) problems. report abuse
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I have just seen a 4-Corners television program about Australian private colleges ripping off Indian students and also about police not offering adequate protection from Violene. The students aren't suffering in the heat and living in broken down worker camps, but they have been badly treated. I am upset and concerned about this news, but not angry at the people reporting the news. I'm angry with the unscrupulous institutions that engage in these practices, and support their investigation, exposure and prosecution where relevant. Would such a story be part of mainstream media coverage in Dubai? It would appear not. It annoys me that even the education boards and other government-level departments (immigration, high commission, whatever) haven't resolved the issues, but I hope that making these things public knowledge - instead of hidden, secret, taboo - will help.
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Dear subpixel,
Thanks for your comments. You are entitled to your opinion. I don't share it. report abuse
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I put forward several opinions. Do you disagree with them all?
Regardless, you could perhaps answer my questions aimed at making some progress on the subject. (copied tell us about these organisations doing something to help you allude to. If you can't tell us about them - are they in fear of the government? - tell us why you can't, what needs to change and how anyone is able to help or effect change. Are the beaches polluted? Tell us more about it. What is being done to change it? If people are being made ill by the water, what do you have to gain by pretending it doesn't happen? It is obvious that the energy and water requirements of the city are excessive - what are your thoughts on that? report abuse
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As far as I'm aware the beaches in Dubai are no more or less polluted than the beaches and waterways anywhere else in the world. Likewise, the energy and water requirements are no more or less excessive than anywhere else, etceteras.
Dubai has many problems, it generates more waste per capita, for example, than most other countries; its road safety record is poor (see my blog post here http://www.amazingwomenrock.co...ussia.html), etceteras. My point, which you seemed to have missed, is that overall Dubai is no worse nor better than elsewhere. You may read my additional thoughts on that here: http://www.amazingwomenrock.co...dubai.html You may also be interested in a piece I posted yesterday regarding the trafficking of women: http://www.amazingwomenrock.co...ccurs.html Beyond that, I have neither the time nor the inclination to respond to you further, as I'm too busy trying to have a positive impact on the world in my own small, but significant ways. Have a nice day
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Of course the article wasn't sincere it was written by Johan Hari. He only cares about adding another writing award to his mantle.
Just note the fact he mentioned the cactus as being native to Dubai when they are in fact only native to the Americas! report abuse
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I read Hari's account and then followed the link to your blog and I must say I was really REALLY happy to see someone defend us. People attack Dubai for no apparent reason. We are called savages and barbarians but somehow we have the peace that westerns can only dream about. People shouldn’t be so quick to judge. It shouldn’t be about religion or nationality. They call Dubai fake because it was built in a very short time, well the reason for this is so when the fuel does run out we will have something to rely on. I think this reason is understandable even if we went to the extreme.
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You're right, we all shouldn't be so quick to judge...
Thanks for your comment
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What is ironic is that the place is supposedly a model for a modern middle east, its beacon of hope. That is precisely one of the main reasons why news tend to make a bigger impact on Dubai as opposed to your arguments of comparing other nations with the same problem.
I could say the same with China as with it- to be perceived as models of greatness and in that respect (or retrospect)- it comes with the good or bad things. What is ironic is that many of the good things are in Dubai, and you get tons of news on it. Consequently, many of the bad things are also in Dubai, BUT you don't hear much (or you don't at all) of it. Have you ever tried living with the Bandladeshis or the Pakistanis working in construction? It is simply deplorable now than it was 5 years ago. Only the Filipinos have it better than the lot. Most of the blame go to the unscrupulous group of recruiters in collusion with some contractors that trick people into this kind of employment. Sure, a lot of countries have that- but Dubai has the world's most construction works, and with it the number of workers doing construction jobs. What is saddening is the amount of cover up. You don't hear much news on it. Its simply because these recruiters or contractors have clout and powerful ties which ultimately is linked one way or another to yes, an emirati or an expat with an emirati relative. And you know very well how the place protect its own people. To charge an emirati with labor exploitation is unthinkable (more like impossible) to say the least. And I know what I am talking about as with Mr Hari's article-and its not sensationalistic, inflammatory and obviously biased accounts. I have worked with its construction industry since the start of Burj but have since left. report abuse
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The Dubai Government would never allow such an article to be published, even going as far as legislation to prevent such action. Does this amount to the Dubai Government attempting to impede people's ability to even recognise that a change is required? Clearly, YES. So how can this be justified?
I'm glad you recognise that ideally "No one should suffer to enable the pleasures of others" etc, but Dubai Government's reluctance to allow such public debate via the press leads me to think that:
a) Dubai does not believe that its citizens are capable of forming their own opinions when reading such commentary. This is an insult.
b) Dubai does not care. Because the status quo works, and that will remain as long as only the positive stories are featured on the likes of Dubai One's Emirates News TV programme, Gulf News, etc...
Yes, you rightly state that there are similar problems in London, New York, etc. But you wonder why people/journalists 'pick' on Dubai? Because unlike London and New York, Dubai has a reluctance to discuss its issues publicly. Until this happens, Dubai, like China, will continue to be portrayed as a slightly sinister propaganda-fuelled dictatorship where we'll need to rely on external commentators such as Johann Hari to provide a valid opinion balancing out anything lawful in the Dubai press.