I recently watched a blatant example of the Australian media actively promoting irresponsible tourism. It was a reality TV show, which are never known for their high standards, but this was wrong on many levels.
I was watching this because I am doing an article on Twitter reactions to Reality Shows, which on a side note is interesting. They are harsh, vicious and nearly always on point…. and also because I have recently written about ways to behave when visiting Dubai in Top 9 Things to do in Old Dubai.
What is Responsible Tourism?
Contents
Responsible Tourism is respecting local culture and tradition. It is about learning about new culture and traditions and having respect for these. It is also a collective responsibility to abide by the guidelines of The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.
Understanding and Respecting Differences in Dubai
The reality stars were in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) city of Dubai. Most Emirati citizens are Muslim and live under Islamic law. One of the aspects of responsible tourism is to be respectful of the country where you are the guests.
The particular issue, out of frankly many acts of irresponsible acts, was the swearing. [clickToTweet tweet=”It was raining down F-bombs throughout the entire show. Is that responsible tourism? #travel” quote=”It was raining down F-bombs throughout the entire show. Is that responsible tourism?” theme=”style5″] Did the network forget to tell them that swearing is illegal in the UAE, and therefore illegal in Dubai? Or perhaps, these have no respect for anyone?
To quote from a statement from the Dubai government:
Dubai is tolerant and cosmopolitan, and all visitors are welcome. However, Islam is a way of life in the city, and therefore, tourists should adopt a certain level of cultural and religious sensitivity for the duration of their stay.
Or you might like to read: The UAE Personal Status Law and UAE legal Q&As: Can I be punished for swearing in public?
Swearing in Dubai
[clickToTweet tweet=”Look I swear like a typical Australian, but I do not swear when I am a guest in another country.” quote=”Look I swear like a typical Australian, but I do not swear when I am a guest in another country.” theme=”style5″] The vulgarity spewing from the mouths of these guests of the UAE was nothing short of disrespectful and an overt example of irresponsible tourism. You cannot and should not swear in the UAE. As Dubai is in the UAE, ipso facto, no swearing.
Today I read some of the text from the show, which I will share with you, in case you think I am prudish about this. This was one of many instances and in front of other people. Whether the other people were Emirati or workers from other cultures who now live in Dubai, is irrelevant.
Posted news.com.au after the episode.
Real Housewives of Melbourne episode 8 recap: ‘STOP THE F**K!’
“Oh Pettifleur,” Gina sighs, “shut the f**k up.”
New drinking game: take a sip every time another of the Housewives tells Pettifleur to f**k off, get f**ked or shut the f**k up.
“Oh look F**K OFF
“You think you’re king s**t. When we’re at the beach you started crying — ‘boo hoo’ — for what? Because no-one said you look f**king fabulous?”
Special isn’t it. Makes you proud, doesn’t it. Totally disrecpectful – yes.
Here is some reading material for the reality stars and the network who aired this, and no doubt encouraged this irresponsible and contemptuous performance.
Arrested for Swearing in Dubai
Is this a good image for Australians? Not a chance. What makes it worse for goodness sake, is that one of these reality stars is a lawyer, and two others visit Dubai regularly ….on business. Apparently showing contempt for another culture makes for good viewing. This entire episode beggars belief.
Here is some more reading material, that should have been read before this promotion of irresponsible tourism, and certainly should be read now.
Swearing on WhatsApp in the UAE could carry £45,000 fine or jail.
Don’t kiss, don’t swear: rules of a Dubai stopover
New UAE Online Law: Dh250,000 fine for swearing on WhatsApp
I think Mr. and Mrs Average who go to other countries have more respect that what these people do.
Shame on you all.
So agree. Aussies can be a disgrace. Rude, disrespectful and the swearing is just horrid. My son had to go and ask some men to stop swearing so much the other day. It was every few words. It embarrasses me and not a way I wish to raise my child.
Maybe a few should have had mothers who washed there mouths out with soap when they were younger!
It is so disrespectful, particularly when in another country when it is illegal to swear.
You see a lot of what I call “Ugly Australians” when you are travelling overseas. Bali is a good example. Tourists totally disrespect the customs and culture of these gentle people. I am so ashamed of some of my fellow countrymen. I think it is total ignorance and the media should know better than to promote such bad behaviour in overseas countries.
I agree, and have written about the bogan in Bali. But for a TV network to promote this behaviour, is reprehensible.
I found myself feeling embarrassed for so many people when we were in the UAE, and sometimes a bit angry. It reflects badly on all of us when other tourists show up inappropriately dresses and dropping f-bombs. Great post Paula.
I think it is disgraceful that people do not show the courtesy of being the guests in someone else’s country.
I am so glad you have a good reason for watching the Real Housewives of Melbourne Paula – Otherwise, I might have to unfriend you! lol
Seriously though I totally agree with everything you said. There is no excuse for this sort of behaviour when travelling. Respect for local culture should be a key part of travelling.
I know Paula, I was watching it, and following it on Twitter for research. So pleased you haven’t unfriended me 🙂 Unfortunately, i have never seen such disrespect. Regardless of whether you are employed to provide ‘entertainment’, at some stage surely your ethics have to kick in, and you say no, this is not acceptable.