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Yesterday I did not want to comment on the subject of globalisation through events such as the Olympics because it is another huge subject, besides, it touches sensitive cultural issues. However Michael’s comment about the American athletes’ programme encouraged me- and that could be dangerous 
The term Joseph Nye used, “soft power”, could fit perfectly here; a soft power that is much stronger in effect than military force; spending a large portion of my life in the East I have seen and felt the massive impact of such power.
Surely, nowadays, through the Olympics or any other sport event, there is a strong display/demonstration of Western culture, and the cliché Western slangs are repeatedly heard: our values, our freedom, our way of life…etc- it is said as if it is the best way of life, and others (other people from other countries) should really follow that way of life. Wherever the Olympics take place, Western system, methods, approach, manners… etc. should be pursued, therefore hosting countries should absorb the “Western way of life” if they want to be considered free and democratic- something the gulf people are worried about when Qatar hosts the world’s Fifa 2022! Basically other people from other countries might have different approaches/views upon Freedom, equality and justice.
An example of this could be seen in the way athletes dress: why do people have to see female tennis players’ knickers with every move if they are playing in the conservative East? This opens-up a bigger issue with capitalism; how large corporations play on basic human instincts like sexuality to promote their products (we know that many of these large companies are sponsors of the Olympics).That advertising of Western culture may not even reflect the real culture and ethics of Western people; it seems to be a form of a capitalists’ fantasy culture that many people are being dragged into, both Western or Eastern- especially young people – since it promotes primal impulses of which growing adolescents are especially susceptible to (Of course, the growing “fast food” culture is another example of this.)
I’m not sure if these issues would attract my museum’s group to add to our collection? It is left to discussion. …
hey Ayat
it is interesting to think this mobility of these mega events. As Foucault used the term ‘diagram’, the blueprint of social power formation inscribed in not necessarily only in architecture but in the whole structure of these events and how the spectacle of the events are displayed through media is adapted through the network of globalization. What is your opinion on a place such as Oman though? I don’t about it well enough, but I find it fascinating that they preserve their tradition so well in spite of the wealth while other neighboring countries are turning deserts into skyscraper parks.
Hey Chie,
. I would not be surprised to think that part of this agreement is to allow all sorts of business to take place in these countries (and I meant it: all sort of business!) That would not be found in articles, but people know through each other)
In my visits to Oman I found that Omani people (general speaking) are much poorer than Emiratis- so if the Sultan is wealthy it doesn’t mean general people are, and unlike Emiratis who employ many workers from South Asia, the more modest jobs in the country are all done by Omanis, since they can’t afford foreign workers.
Oman is known to have been under British influence since colonisation. There is a big relation between the Omani government and the British (I saw a large presence of the British ships and their government buildings at Masqat cliff on The Indian Sea.)
I found out from friends that most- if not all- the Arabic gulf countries- as well as Oman- have some sort of –under cover- agreements with the British government, which for example, assure the British people to get the best jobs and the highest salaries more than their own national people (I’m in trouble now to say this
If many people have resisted a change of cultural dress (since most of Omanis are religious people), there are other ways of influences, like being consumers of fast food culture: Mc, Starbucks, etc are spread in Masqat. I imagine if Oman hosts the Olympics or other global events, it would be no different from the others; In fact, its people seem to be under a strong grip, and hardly (I think) would be a resistance to that “diagram” Foucault described.
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/global-issues/mena/uk-gulf/
xx
great, thank you Ayat.
can’t tell you how envious I am that you have been to Oman. yes, I’d heard that it’s hard for foreigners to find a job in Oman. but the presence of US corporations and schools are noticeable in Masqat like any other major cities.
My friend told me that they are really trying to regenerate their economy through tourism, and obviously that can’t have no impact on the city scape. it’s so hard to imagine picturing Starbucks in the city where people are still trading beautiful living stocks like goats tough …. it will be interesting to keep our eyes on the change of the landscape of the capital as they try to attract more tourists.
You must be in Emirate now, have a lovely Christmas and i look forward to seeing you in the new year.