Give up the exotic cars, chefs and chauffeurs to save the planet?
As humans we are inherently selfish, but we are also innately cooperative. Struggling with moral dilemmas on a daily basis, we decide whether to be altruistic decent beings or self-serving creatures. Similarly, as citizens we are posed with the burning question of whether to be nationalists or global citizens? Some argue that we indefinitely need to pick a side on this global battle field. Unfortunately, not all of us have the freedom of choosing a side, and as an Emirati citizen I am subjected to conforming as a nationalist. However, I am not refrained from also acting as a global citizen when appropriate. Therefore, I argue that one mustn’t need to choose whether to be a nationalist or globalist because combining both efficiently produces loyal patriots and hard working citizens who are respectful of their leaders, but are also mindful of the world beyond their borders, ensuring peace and sustainability. This compromise is coined as the “paradox mindset”.
National identity is defined as the collective cohesive front of a nation compromising of its shared values both politically and culturally. It is a catalyst, a fuel, a notion that drives to best serve our homelands. As Emirati citizens, patriotism and loyalty is in our blood, it is our unity that has made us so successful in building our country into one of the richest economies today. Our nationalistic attitude and our abundant oil wealth has allowed us to build an ultramodern architectural scene, it is a country filled with luxuries, an insane nightlife scene and service you really will not find anywhere in the world. The UAE has invested in itself tremendously, and due to our nationalistic approach of solely focusing on ourselves, today we are one of the safest nations in the world, with merely any crime. Furthermore, we hold the second strongest passport in the world because of our great political ties, we own the third largest airline in the world and we attract more than 20 million tourists each year. With the UAE identifying nationally and has proven it to be successful, I guess I already identify nationally. However, this choice was made subconsciously, my family background and Dubai’s tight knit bubble around me, have shaped my answer to a question I was never even asked.
Despite this, do I wish someone asked me? Yes, no doubt. But was I comfortable living the way I was? Oh hell yes. I may not be proud to have lived so lavishly, knowing that we citizens could have been doing more for the rest of the world, but living in big houses by the beach, being driven around by chauffeurs, having helpers who served us day and night, cooks who prepared us the most exquisite food, it was the dream life. But I was naive. So if we Emirati citizens were presented with a choice, “to be global citizens and give up all these luxuries or simply remain nationalists, I bet you 101% of Emiratis would choose the second option. Some may say we are selfish and spoiled, but I see otherwise.
By contrast, being a global citizen would mean understanding the greater world, beyond our 1,500 square mile city. We would need to take active roles in our community, as well as the global community. We will act as public servants to the globe to ensure a peaceful and sustainable planet. For us lazy Emiratis, it would mean putting an end to the cheap labor we profitize on and to stop pretending we recycle and actually throw paper in its proper bin. Let alone, petitioning for harmonious trade or signing a peace policy with Iran. We would need to build the courage to challenge intolerance and ignorance, to work with and not against our leaders to fight for what is right and finally be brave enough to voice our own opinions without fear of reparation. It is we who hold the power to influence our country and the world around us to better serve our planet.
Conversely, an absolute focus on globalism causes economic instability, as the rich tend to get richer, whilst the poorer get poorer. As a result creating much discontent between the people, further widening the gap between the common citizen and political elite. Policy collision among the government may arise. Whilst, a sole focus on nationalism limits for greater possibilities abroad, increase inefficient trade and sustainability efforts towards our planet. It creates exclusion from the rest of the world and scarily it can also lead to war.
Whereas, globalists will argue we Emiratis only claim to be global patriots when convenient for us, but both nationalism and globalization are reliant upon each other and equally pose its pros and cons. There is a false dichotomy between the two terms, which is why people believe they are restricted to only identifying with one. For Emiratis in specific, with all our financial abundance we can serve the globe, providing we appease our strict governments first.
To conclude, we live in a sheikhdom, ruled by royal families of each of the seven emirates. And as much as we may adore our rulers, we are unable to change government, or form any sort of political party. Criticizing the regime may mean deadly consequences, therefore no one seems to dare. This isn’t made explicit however, we just simply know not to over step. We simply abide by the dictations of our authoritarian figures, who we believe know best and therefore we blindly follow. Though how can we combine the two, when we are expected to conform as nationalists? No one said we couldn’t help save the planet too from destruction and war? Either labels are bias, and equally pose its positives and negatives, hence why we should find the right balance between the two. It is a question of guts and work ethic, us Emiratis seem to lack. So I call upon my Emirati citizens and urge them to adopt a paradox mindset, which involves sticking to our nationalistic roots, plus going the extra mile to ensure our actions align with the goals of globalization.
