You Can Choose Your Friends... #174
(this post has been edited from the original as the original comment seems to be having the undesired effect of upsetting some people. The post was never intended to have this effect - if it did I would leave it here, but it was not meant in the way it appears to be intrpreted. I may well remove this post entirely...)
The saying goes, you can choose your friends but not your family.
They are one of the biggest construction companies in the region...
Bin Ladin Family
16 comments:
i like your photo blog but this one really has a racist comment, "It's still a little disconcerting to see this building company advertised around the city." Why?
-izzah
Dear Izzah,
Thank you for your comment. In all 174 posts of my blog I think you will see that I have not been in any way rascist. Have I some how offended you here? If so of course I apologise as this post is not intended to offend.
Have I in some way misrepresented anything or person in this post?
I fail to see how this post can be termed rascist.
rac·ism /ˈreɪsɪzəm/ –noun
1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.
[Origin: 1865–70; < F racisme. See race2, -ism]
—Related forms
racist, noun, adjective
With kind regards,
Bluey
I agree with Izzah.
Although your post is not racist as in your definition given, but there are other definitions that may not be given in any dictionary- like prejudging based on the origin of a name or subtly supporting racial prejudices.
You didn't say it, you didn't mean it and I'm sure you are just referring to the name by itself rather than its origin, but in a way your post supports the ridiculous Western prejudice that all Arabs are terrorists (Which of course they are not- just to prevent any further confusion).
I think it is the context rather than what you actually said what makes todays post inappropriate.
Dear Marco,
I'm still surprised at this allegation of racism. Why is this term being used? I have not mentioned race at all. Why is it assumed by you that I am directing any image on a race of people?
I don't believe it is prejudiced to associate a family - note this, family, not race - with the actions of one of its siblings.
I would have made exactly the same comment if, for example, McVey Construction were a big company.
Perhaps the word disconcerting was not the most appropriate word to use. I don't live in fear of the Bin Ladin Construction business.
All the post was intended to convey was the family link to the world's most infamous man.
Your quote "You didn't say it, you didn't mean it and I'm sure you are just referring to the name by itself rather than its origin, but in a way your post supports the ridiculous Western prejudice that all Arabs are terrorists (Which of course they are not- just to prevent any further confusion)."
I refute this sugestion entirely - this your interpretation of my post. I openly live, work and love living in an Arab city and country - just look at my posts to see that I love this place - would I really live here if I suspected my generous hosts were all terrorists - that, sir, is ridiculous.
If there is any racial inferrence in this post I believe this to be an issue for the reader not the poster as I categorically deny any racist intent or indeed any racist content exists anywhere on this blog or in this specdific post whether by intention or inadvertantly.
If this continues to be an issue will will glady remove this post as the point of this blog is not for issues such as this.
Sincerely and with the upmost respect,
Bluey.
I dont think racist is the word they people above were looking for. Its just the fact that you have (a bit ignorantly I must say) implied that theres something wrong with the Bin Laden Group operating in Dubai.
I'm pretty sure you meant nothing wrong with what you said. I have been a regular visitor to your blog and have nothing even vaguely offensive to Arabs. However, I can see this post ruffling a few feathers.
Dear All
As a frequent observer, if not poster, to this fine blog, I have to agree with what Bluey says, and find issue with the comments that have been made.
Neither the blog, nor this post, are in anyway racist or against any person or group. Imagine if the sign had said "Mickey Mouse Group" - I'm sure comment would have been made about that being a "Mickey Mouse" organisation, which is an English expression for an organisation lacking in substance or credibility. It would not be a scourge against mice, Walt Disney or people named Mickey. Bin Laden has an infamous connection, and - to my European eyes - it's amusing to see it in another context; it would be like seeing a sign for "Tony Blair Construction" or "Guy Fawkes Fireworks" in London. Funny, slightly ironic, not racist, and not intended to cause offence.
Let's all chill out and get back to getting on with each other.
Linwood
Oh Yes, please.
I think, on balance, Bluey has done a remarkable job of representing Dubai, and it's people, as one of the most beautiful, progressive and cosmopolitan cities in the world. This is more an "oooops!", than an intentional slight.
I lived in the Middle East (Qatar) for 7 years, visited Dubai many times, and loved the experience....found the Arab people to be generous,and warm with a wonderful sense of humour, and I miss it. This blog is a link to that time and place, thank you for sharing this amazing city and people to the world.... it's obvious to me that you love it.
Humour is about looking at yourself; taking a hard look at yoursef; and then thinking what it is that others might see. If someone makes a comment that seems to cut the bone, then think about it. See yourself as others see you.
Stop moaning about the joke; act and DO what is necessary to HEAL (!!) the situation. Don't dig and pick at the wound and make it bleed more. Stop running to the word "racism" (commenters here clearly do not know the meaning of the word).........There's not an ounce of racism in Bluey's soul.
There's a lot of love and true concern for what is right.
Lighten up and see point; which is signalling to us that the world needs some healing.
Bluey,don't remove the post.....Critics, note and answer the call for healing.
Bluey, your blog is awesome, and you aren't racist. Don't be affected by what other people say about you.
Blimey! Mountain out of molehill springs to mind. Keep on doing what you do, bluey.
As someone who has a family member who was assaulted by a member of the family in question who then pulled a wasta-card out to try and exert some influence on the situation (the guy from the family in question did so; he didn't want his two girlfriends to be photographed in a nightclub despite them giving permission and him being completely out of the photo and him being quite a renouned little shit in this city) I'd say your hesitation towards the family is fair.
Goodness Bluey, what a total over-reaction. Ignore it. There is nothing you said or did that could be construed in any way as racist or insulting. Lighten up people!
HMHB
To all of the people how have commented here, positively and negatively - I thank you.
I appreciate being told when people believe I am doing wrong - as I care what other people think.
Obviously I also sincerely appreciate the very decent positive comments here too.
It's ironic that on a photoblog it was my choice of words that seemed to be the cause of some unintended upset.
I'll post what I like, when I like - it's my blog. However I do want to make it clear that in this instance I did not, do not and never will have a racist agenda.
Thanks once again for your comments.
All the best,
Bluey.
This reminds me of that documentary "Being Osama", where men with the name Osama were interviewed about their experiences post WTC.
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