PLACE ESSENTIALISM *for assessment*
In this blog, let’s explore Qatar’s distinctive case for ‘place of essentialism’ and how the upcoming W⚽rld Cup contributes to it.
An article by Irishtime highlights Qatar’s contrasting notions, extensively during the hosting of the W⚽rld Cup 2⚽22, and how the country is showing more liberal and modern than its neighboring countries in the gulf.
Qatar As A Conservative Host!
As a predominantly Muslim country, alcoholic drink is only available for purchase to non-Muslim expats from the one and only retail shop 📦 and a few international hotel bars 🏨.
Qatar has promised visitors around the globe that they will be welcomed at “fan zone” areas where alcohol 🍻will be available.
What’s Behind The Modernisation?
The demand and revenue of oil and gas production have been at the peak for several decades, therefore, the oil and gas recruitment industry constitute the backbone of Qatar’s Economy💰, driving workforce growth and employment in the country (average monthly salary of 14,100 QAR, or around 5,000AUD, including housing, transport, and other benefits 👍).
The New York Times described Qatar as “aggressively buying its way into modernity” 👺.
In 1952, slavery in Qatar was just abolished, but recently there had been an opening of the museum about slavery, ten years later, former enslaved people were given citizenship in the face of recent abolition and museum exhibitions 🏯. This sensitive issue reveals conflicting views of the religious conservatives and the modernisers.
As “many construction workers in rapidly industrialising parts of the world, especially in the Gulf region, are considered to be contractually enslaved” was one of the quotes 👀from the museum, which conceptualises the current construction of eight W⚽rld Cup Stadiums.
Hi Gorbua!
ReplyDeleteFrom your blog, I see how Qatar is regarded as conservative from its religious and cultural aspects and, meanwhile, as modern and liberal due to the upcoming World Cup. For me, this blog is informative that it correct or expand some of my stereotype and misunderstanding of the country. And Qatar is getting modernized in its way. For the concept "place essentialism", the blog engages well with all three questions, especially for the second and third questions. Both Qatar's conservatism and modernity are challenged and be problematic as place essentialism.
The blogger did well in giving good examples and comments from the media to explain and explore these concepts. Also, the blogger provides the links for further information and references. The picture chose for the museum attracts me to click the link and read more.
If I write this blog, I might further discuss how tourists may be disappointed or get into some trouble due to place essentialism for Qatar, with relevance to its history, politics and culture. For example, if I am a tour guide/tourist, how I would be different from others, avoid too much place essentialism, so as not to ruin the travel experience.
Overall, it is inspiring to read, and I really want to read more if it were not for the word limit.