Worth a thousand words and more

Friday, October 30, 2009

Pictures have their own unique way of communicating a story to you than mere words. Do you still reminisce those days as a young kid, where waiting for the next issue of Superman or Phantom seemed ages away. Visiting bookstores, standing in queues filled with spasms of eagerness to grab your very own copy of your favourite illustration was one among a few things we all did as a youngster.

Comics play an influential role in children's lives.


Superman, Spiderman, Phantom, Mandrake the Magician, X-men, Archie, Tinkle all have one thing in common that they are popularly read with colourful, catchy imagery known as ‘Comics’.

Comics date back to the 19th century America, where comic strips began to appear in the Sunday supplements of newspapers. The first among these comic strips was Richard Felton Outcault's ‘The Yellow Kid’ which appeared in the February 16, 1896 Hearst New York American. In March 1897, these strips were compiled into Hearst's Sunday Journal and sold for 5 cents. From this humble beginning an industry was born, to evolve to what it is in our image-constructed world.

Comics play an influential role when it comes to within the educational establishment. Although, this wasn’t the case until the 1970's. Karl Koente, Author of Careful use of Comic books wrote that ‘Richard W. Campbell was among the innovative few, integrating comics into a fourth grade reading program.’ Comics are useful in the language arts, particularly in teaching dialect and characterization. In trade journals, educators Kay Haugaard (1973) and Constance Alongi (1974) recommended using comic books with reluctant readers, while Bruce Brocka (1979) enlisted comic books as a defence against a new enemy to literacy: Television.

Today, educators at all levels are designing new ways of teaching through comics. In 2002, the New York City Comic Book Museum released C.O.M.I.C.S., an eight-lesson curriculum for K-12 students teaching the reading and creation of comics. Dozens of schools across the nation ordered the curriculum before it was even complete. The National Association of Comics Art Educators evangelizes colleges and universities on the importance of comics-based courses. Their website (www.teachingcomics.org) features the syllabi of existing courses, instructional units written by cartoonists and professors, and an online community of comics educators. “Comics are a fabulous way to get kids thinking creatively.” said Mr. Johnson, a teacher at Our Own English High School.

Traditional newspaper comic strips are still a popualr read among students.

Many of today's teachers use comics to encourage the very abilities some educators in the 1940’s feared it would squelch: reading and imagination. “Not only are comics colourful, but it is funny and easy to read, indulging readers varying from ages as young as four to the sixties’ said Ms. Zahra Ahmed, a local librarian “Comic books useful in luring teenagers away from their televisions and video games.” she adds.

There are several strengths of having comics in an education curriculum. By far, the most frequently mentioned asset of comics as an educational tool is its ability to motivate students. Mrs. Sushma Menon, resident of Dubai shares that comics was the only way to motivate her son to read, "The first thing my oldest boy read because he wanted to was a comic book." She goes on to describe a similar phenomenon in her younger children. Mrs. Brinda Bhatia, a housewife residing in Sharjah also testifies to "the magnetic attraction comic books wield for children." She also found that comics' visual quality increases learning.


Comics have evolved with todays digital era, giving rise to Web-comics.

By inviting comics into their classrooms, educators can take advantage of the fantastic motivating power of comic books. Comics composed of pictorial and other images, is a fundamentally visual medium. This is seen to be more than a primary advantage over other literary forms. "Comics can have both words and visuals which can quite literally put a human face on a given subject resulting in an intimate, emotional connection between the reader and characters of a comic’s story.” said Ms. Neha , an avid comic reader.

United Arab Emirates got its own, first-ever comic book superhero in July 2007, with a mission to promote national identity and culture. "Ajaaj" is the brainstorm of Watani, the UAE's social development program as part of its efforts to "uphold the national identity and encourage a sense of good citizenship," said the group's general coordinator Ahmad Obaid al-Mansuri, on Al Arabiya. An ancient fictional character, "Ajaaj," which means sandstorm in Arabic, has been recast as a trim, young, Emirati man whose feats are set in the UAE in 2020.

Film and animation, in contrast to comics, are visual but time-bound. Language and actions in film and animation are fleeting. The medium, rather than the audience, dictates how quickly the viewing progresses. The text medium, on the other hand, shares comic’s “permanent” component but not its “visual” which is unique only to comics.

Comics can lead students towards the discipline of reading, especially those who don't enjoy reading or have a fear of failure. Comics can also scaffold to disciplines and concepts outside of the language arts. For example, Jay Hosler's Sandwalk Adventures, a comic book starring Charles Darwin and a talking follicle mite, introduces readers to evolutionary biology.

According to www.humblecomics.com, Comics have become a popular source of media, thereby increasing media literacy, encouraging students to “become critical consumers of media messages, having developed the ability through exposure to accurately appraise media content or quality and accuracy.”
Comics have come a long way and since then there no looking back- Comics have strived to become an intricate part of our lives and so it has.
Photo Credits: Megna Kalvani

The Fight against the Pirates

Online piracy is a worldwide phenomenon. Ever since the advent of the Internet, illegal copying or distributing unauthorized software has become more of a natural process than a criminal offence. Users, just like you and me ignore the fact that they are stealing some or all operations including the advertising, offering, acquiring, or distribution of pirated software. ‘Don’t you think ‘Stealing’ is a harsh word, everyone I know is doing it, it’s easier, convenient and fast.’ said Ms. Zehra Ahmed, 18 years.

While the Internet vastly increases opportunities to sell products and services to its unlimited yet anonymous audiences, it also creates new opportunities to pilfer not only software but movies, music, videos and images as well. And this software theft and such distributions threaten to put jobs, technology and revenue that the Internet promises dangerously at stake. The Internet allows products to move from computer to computer, with no middle man transaction and little risk of detection. Some piracy schemes may even involve computers without the owner's knowledge. Piracy that once required an understanding of complex computer codes can now be done with the click of a mouse. And nearly 100 million Americans now have Internet access, according to recent estimates, supplying software pirates with a growing market.

Retail music sales are falling so quickly, in part because of file-sharing, that there may not be much of an industry to protect with the passage of time. And piracy is almost as tough to measure as it is to fight. ‘True, that piracy rips musicians and industries off their material, but it also gives back their share of publicity letting Users familiarize the unknown in our limitless media world, where every second something new is published!’ said Mr. Ali Hussain, a consultant to a business firm.

The continuous attempts to shut down file-sharing websites have resulted to the growth of others. The battle can never be won, Hollywood and the Pirates are always at head and neck with each other, the question is when will it stop? ‘Never’ says Mr. James Johnson, an avid internet user. ‘True this is a debate that is moot for now, but even if piracy is halted by the law, it will still continue somewhere or the other.’ He added.

Cutting people’s broadband connections, or slowing them down, is also much smarter than trying to imprison offenders; suing people has proven to be expensive, unpopular and ineffective.

‘The best way to wean people off illegal but free downloading is to educate them that it is illegal in the first place’ said Mr. Krishna Moorty, IT specialist.

But for now the battle continues...

Quirk, Quirkier and the Quirkiest

Have you ever noticed that it’s often the smallest, most mundane things in life that brighten up our world? Exotic holidays, supercars and a jet-setting lifestyle are all very well (don’t I wish), but the most unexpected and quirky things such as funny names, odd signs, funny menus and those little yet distinct human idiosyncrasies can make a difference to day-to-day living.

Living here in Dubai, amongst a melange of nationalities, the number of quirky things one can find can definitely tickle one’s chuckle button. ‘I spotted a sign-written van recently, obviously delivering its wares from factory to shop’ explained 32 year old Mr. Alan Andrade. ‘The company’s name was Shiny Shiny Utensils which really appealed to my sense of humour. Unfortunately, their warehouse went up in smoke shortly after that, so I imagine their utensils were more sooty than shiny.’ said Mr. Andrade laughing at the mere thought.

Quirkiness surrounds us, we are immersed in it. Most of the time, we fail to see it even when it slaps us in the face. But it exists, seamlessly like behind a curtain yet defining character in our lives. ‘I collect shoes!’ exclaimed Ms. Annie Picardo, 26 years old. ‘I simply love footwear, I own over 75 pairs of shoes and my mom hates me for it. But as much as I try, it can’t be helped the style, design even the smell just mesmerizes me to want more and more.’ She added, lost in notion as she speculated when her next shoe-shopping was.

All of us have quirky habits of some type, be it drumming our fingers, twirling our hair, biting our nails, humming a tune, SMS-ing at every given opportunity or even chewing gum. ‘I sectionalize my food during my meals, making sure nothing mixes while I eat.’ said Kaahini Vyas, a University student. ‘I concentrate on one type of food then tend to the other, that’s why I don’t do well at buffets’ added Ms. Vyas. While 6 year old Aditya Menon eats his share of servings in geometrical shapes. For he eats triangular chappatis, circular cut vegetables and fruits. ‘It’s more fun and easy for me to eat’ said little Aditya who nibbled away his dinner.

Unintentionally funny menus always provide an opportunity for a snigger or two. Businessman, Mr. Mullah shared his quirkiest experience ‘I once had a fit of giggles at “Stuffed Mixed Items”, much to the waiters mystification and still to this day I remember “Meat Pice”, “Dounts” and “Crepes Your Choice Of” from a Cafe proudly claiming, “It’s not only coffee shop”.’

You just can’t help but smile...

Behind Brown Eyes

As the scorching sun nestled into the ocean, the prayer call boomed out of every residential microphone, leaving the usually busy streets eerily empty. Time ticked away to the hour of iftar where Muslims ‘breakfast’, their first full meal of the day.

Kneeling amidst her family, eleven year old Najea Nassir offered her prayers and broke her fast with some dates and milk given by her mother. Excitements coupled with anxiety were clearly evident from her facial expression for this year was special to her, as it marked her very first Ramadan.

It was Day 19 of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, when Muslims all around the world refrain from food and drink during daylight hours, donate to the unfortunate and - above all – devote themselves completely in prayer. Like Najea, children as young as ten are part of these customs bestowing values that are much bigger than themselves. ‘My first few days of fasting were plain tough, she explained reminiscing her initial days of fast. With school and the unbearable heat I almost thought it was impossible, but I saw some of my friends also following the fast and even my own sister did when she was my age. I knew that with some patience and encouragement I could complete my first Ramadan’ smiled Najea, the brown eyed sixth grader proudly revealing a big toothy grin. Besides fasting Najea does her bit by collecting coins or money to donate to the needy, help cook meals for breaking the day's fast and read Qur'an with the family in the evening.

Some children fast for a part of a day, or for one day on the weekend, especially in the shorter winter months. Children enjoy the "grown-up" feeling that they receive when they are participating in the special events of the family and community. But there is more to Ramadan than fasting itself, generosity, self-restraint, spirituality, discipline and self-actualization are traits that are naturally endured ultimately making a better Muslim.

Electronics Extravaganza

Saturday, October 24, 2009


GITEX Shopper & Consumer Electronics Expo is the most awaited event in technology retailing in the Middle East giving visitors two weekends of shopping. The show, was organised by Dubai World Trade Centre, which ran from Saturday 17th October to Saturday 24th October, at Airport Expo Dubai, in order to meet growing demand from consumers from across the regions who visit the show.

The consumer IT and electronics market in the UAE continues to grow, according to figures from Business Monitor International. Sales of computing devices, mobile handsets, and video and gaming products are set to rise from US$2.9 billion in 2008, to US$4.5 billion by 2013.

In 2008, GITEX Shopper attracted 132,761 visitors, resulting in reported sales of AED 112 million (US$30.4m).



GITEX 2009 meets growing demand of consumers from across the regions.

This year, GITEX has earmarked its technological retailing craze during the 3rd week of October. Proving to be a pedestal for the biggest brands in consumer electronics which offers a wide array of mobile handsets, smart phones,mobile computers, LCD's and plasma TV sets.' GITEX, is one the eagerly awaited events- so we can best deals from big brands' said Mr. Hassan, a Dubai based Businessman. 'GITEX is a common marketplace for all electronic retailers to come under one roof and give consumers its best offers...as they are competiting for the consumers attention.' he added.


Buyers browse over the attractive offers at GITEX


Recognized as THE annual event for technology vendors, distributors and resellers, GITEX Shopper delivers a unique opportunity to launch the latest products and present the ultimate deals and offers to the region. On 22nd October 2009, GITEX launched the latest Windows 7, even prior its global launch. ‘Manufacturers are launching new models and products and are offering longer warranty periods while dealers are going ahead with expansion plans in the belief that market conditions in the UAE are improving.’ said Mr. H. Mohammad, a salesman from Panasonic outlet. The group recently launched the longest lasting alkaline battery in the UAE market. The Panasonic Evoia range are the first batteries to receive the Guinness World Records certification after stringent tests against competitors.




GITEX 2009: unique opportunity to launch the latest products and present the ultimate deals and offers to the region.

Now in its 19th year, GITEX Shopper has a well established track record of attracting buyers from the GCC, Iran, North Africa, CIS and the Indian subcontinent. With over 3300 stalls hosting of customer promotions, easy payment facilities, credit card promotions and instant rewards on purchases and with more than AED 2 million worth of prizes were given away. By spending just AED 500 visitors were entered into a draw, which had a top prize of a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, with other prizes including X-box consoles, digital cameras, camcorders and LCD TV’s.’ The offers at GITEX are mind boggling, each stall provides offer after offer that most of the time, I end up confused. But i've heard alot about acer, so i was thinking of buying that' said Mrs. Sheetal Rao, a housewife interested in buying a laptop for her son.



Branding over the invisibles

It’s human nature to thread over what’s familiar. We choose popular brands over the other invisibles. Jumbo, Jacky’s were two stalls that dominated the central hall of exhibition throughout week if GITEX. While Hp and acer didn’t leave a space unspared from advertising, covering the entrance to the exit ensuring consumers took note of the advertisers brands play important roles in our purchases, serving as an identity to our product. ‘GITEX itself is a brand that draws customers from all over the world, Gitex promises the best deals during this time unlike any other time of the year’ said Mr. Abdulla, an official from the information desk.

Each of the good brands was visibly competitive for the consumer’s attention. With attractive offers from each stall, even the brands didn’t miss out on that opportunity. With Jumbo tag lines reading 'jumbo is GITEX' providing free color printers and accessories with every laptop.
While Jacky’s had a hi5 hour which allowed visitors to win five LG Net books and five LG mobiles every hour.Plus a chance to win one 42 inch LG full HD Scarlet TV with Bluetooth everyday of the week of GITEX.


Dubai Municipality stall at Gitex gets tremendous attraction

Dubai Municipality stall at Gitex 2009 in the Sheikh Rashid Hall has started attracting tremendous response from the visitors, including VIPs from the very first day onwards.

The stall showcases a variety of online services offered by the various departments and sections of the civic body for traders as the number of e-service has reached up to 100.

Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality said the Municipality has been able in record time to complete all the required plans and instructions, to implement the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as the number of services offered to customers has increased up to 95% and is expected to reach 100% by the end of the year.

Lootah said that this would enhance status of the Municipality at the local, regional and global levels, making it share its experiences with major international companies that have come from different places of the world to present the most important findings of the digital world, by virtue of the exhibition Gitex with a wide international participation, including 3,300 companies from 68 countries, which is the most important event within the specialized field in the Arab region, which attracts large number of visitors from all over the world, as Dubai is an oasis technology.

He stressed that the Municipality aims, through its participation, to spread the culture of e-transformation and the promotion of Municipal services available on its website. Lootah added that the civic body has endeavoured to present new and innovative e-services in every session of the previous exhibitions, most notably the idea of e-week launched by the Municipality in the last session.

The idea is simple: stop the paper-based transactions in one of the departments for a period of one week and to direct customers to accomplish their transactions electronically, either from their offices or homes or through the screens in the Customer Service Section at the Municipality headquarters.He added that the idea had a large positive effect, contributing to the increase in the proportion of e-transaction in the Municipality and this is what prompts in thinking about launching similar creative ideas within the framework of its commitment and the march to complete e-transformation.

Photo Credits: Megna Kalvani

The FAT Truth: Young Lives At Risk

The popularity of multimedia and easy access to fast food has caused many UAE youngsters to become alarmingly sedentary, leading to Obesity. Statistics noted by the UAE Government programme to eradicate childhood obesity indicate 12 per cent of children in the country are overweight, with 22 per cent of them at risk of obesity. In light of such worrying information, all efforts are being made to raise awareness of the dangers of obesity and promote healthy eating and exercise, now more than ever.

According to Dr. Mandar Bichu, Paediatrician at Dr. Mandar Medical Clinic, Sharjah, an obese child is one between the ages of two and 18 with an excess of body fat as measured by their body mass index (BMI). Girls with more than 32 per cent body fat are considered obese, as are boys with more than 25 per cent body fat.

Dr. Mandar Bichu, practicing Paediatrician in Sharjah, UAE. Author of Right Parenting and founder of major web portal on parenting and child's health 'www.rightparenting.com'

‘The most common causes to this epidemic rise of adolescent obesity is eating too much and exercising too little.’ says Dr. Mandar V. Bichu, also a recently published author of Right Parenting as well as founder of rightparenting.com, a major web portal on parenting and child’s health established in 2007.

‘Children, unlike adults, need extra nutrients and calories to fuel their growth and development. So if they consume the calories needed for daily activities, growth and metabolism, they add kilograms in proportion to their growth. But children who eat more calories than needed, gain weight beyond what’s required to support their growing bodies.’ added Dr. Bichu, ‘Stress levels among teenagers, is yet another factor that escalates the growing concern of obesity among teenagers. With fierce educational competition among students develops incessant dependence over comfort foods.’ explained Dr. Bichu.

The UAE Government programme indicates at least 26 per cent of residents eat at fast food restaurant once a week. In addition, more than 40 per cent of children spend three hours a day in front of the television or on a computer. Warning parents about risks of excessive weight gain in youngsters, Dr. Bichu elaborated how overall health can be affected. Child obesity complications can cause high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and cancer in addition to psychological problems,” he said.

Media: a contributing factor to epidemic rise of Obesity


So, the burning question here, is media the sole reason to blame? “Media influence plays a strong mediator to teenager’s dietary habits, sometimes not everything they see is reality. Teenagers are prime targets to advertisements that are continuously screened on Television, which I think is one of the powerful mediums today.” said Dr. Bichu.

Hence, what can be done to avoid unhealthy weight gain and promote a healthy lifestyle? “This issue can be addressed most effectively by modifications in the entire family’s diet and lifestyle habits,” says Dr. Bichu.

He recommends starting the day with a healthy breakfast to ensure your teen has high energy levels throughout the day and prevent binge-eating. For the rest of the day, he suggests eating five servings of fruit and vegetables everyday, including portion in each meal served. Teenagers should be encouraged to enjoy at least an hour of physical activity per day, while limiting ‘screen time’ spent in front of the TV, since that promotes overeating,” says Dr. Bichu.

“Limit consumption of sugar sweetened beverages, which include store-bought fruit juices, flavoured or sweetened water and sodas which are falsely endorsed in media. Encourage drinking water and low fat milk instead.”

Youngsters pick Junk food over healthier options when given a choice


He also comments on how teenagers are manipulated by appealing advertisements that are on television, newspaper and internet. “This not only, affects the pattern of nutrition of one regional and ethnic group, but all of them at one time. So great is the strength of media and because of this excessive exposure, the younger generation pick Junk food over healthy food when given a choice.” he says.

When asked, is obesity the only eating orders than a teenager suffers from? Dr. Bichu says, “I have had few anorexic and bulimic cases which are complete opposites of obesity. Obesity is the most common problem among the teenagers. This is because of the latest trend that the teenagers are following- watching television, playing games and surfing net, no physical exercises, eating lots of dairy products and maintaining eating habits.”

Teenagers are multimedia addicts


“Obesity is not an illness, but a lifestyle disease.” says Dr. Bichu. The average citizen can see that the problem of obesity among teens is real by reading newspapers and walking the streets, but neither the experts nor the general public have the solutions to the problem. Teens spend much of their time in front of their computers or watching television programs. The eating habits of teens have also contributed to the growing obesity among teens. Teenagers eat fast food that is more available than when their parents and grandparents were teenagers. Poor nutrition and the lack of activity seem to be the reason for the problem.

As the reasons for the problem of obesity among teens seem to be clear, and many experts have begun to offer solutions. Teenagers should be offered nutritious lunches at schools. The administrators in schools should carefully watch the menus, and the menus should be changed to provide foods that are not fattening. Parents must also be educated about nutrition and encouraged to feed their teenagers nutritious food at home. “Another factor that influences adolescent obesity is that parents have been taking the wrong steps and asking the wrong questions. Parents usually relate ‘health’ equivalent to ‘weight’ which is wrong!” exclaimed Dr. Bichu, Parents are fixated on the ‘perfect’ weight for their child, which is again influenced by media. Mothers concerned on how much my child is eating is wrong again, it’s what they are eating that is important.” explained Dr. Bichu.

Along with ensuring a healthy diet and exercise, Dr. Bichu feels parents should take care not to make their child feel that they have singled out in the family. “Parents should avoid targeting interventions only to their overweight child, since that may lead to a negative self-image and lack of confidence,” he adds. “Talk to your child about the importance of eating well and active being but make it a family affair that will become second nature for everyone. Focus on health rather than weight, and involve your child in making the healthy food choices.”

Programs should be offered to get teenagers away from their computers and television sets. There should be more sports and social activities that promote movement that teenagers enjoy. Dancing and tennis will both burn up calories much more quickly than watching television so these activities should be more readily available for teenagers.
Photo Credits: Megna Kalvani

Repercussions of Recession

Friday, October 23, 2009

It’s been two years since the credit crunch hit Dubai affecting not only the economy but people’s lives. Here is one among a thousand tales of a once deployed man who faced the treachery of unemployment during recession.

‘I got a feeling of hitting rock bottom. One day I’m at my desk with a steady stream of income, and the next I’m on my laptop rewriting my CV,” reflects, 47, A.A (with held name by request) a highly educated Human Resource Manager, holding a British passport but originally from Pakistan. Mr. A, who has been residing in Dubai for the last three years was made redundant this August, a fate shared by up to one in ten workers in the UAE during the first six months of 2009, according to a recent survey by job sites Bayt.com and YouGov, an internet-based market research firm.


‘I read and heard about people losing their jobs; but I always regarded it was something that could happen to someone else. Not me.’ sighed A.A. ‘It’s quite ironical, as I was in charge of Human Resources, my job was to fire and hire, and the next thing I know I’m fired by my superiors. Losing a job was and still is unthinkable especially during this period of recession and when you have mouths to feed. I have two daughters, my wife and my mother to take care of...’ he adds.‘My company was cutting down on costs, I was told my position was no longer required and that was it, just like that I became unemployed. No complaints, No dissatisfaction, just unnecessary.’ said the outraged A.A.

Mr.A.A was made redundant in August 2009

‘It's insulting, even if you get the little speech on how it's due to economic conditions and not your performance, but the fact remains that you were let go and other people weren't. It's also frightening, because you're facing a bunch of unknowns just when you think you’re doing your job right for the last three years, just when you want your next pay check to pay off all those loans, the next school fees and to fix that leaking tap in the kitchen. Life takes this whole new turn leaving you in the ditch.’ said Mr. A filled with remorse.

Cutting down on costs had become primary. ‘The first thing I did was send my mother and children back home to London.’ said A.A, who reminisced them leaving this September, their school term was midway...but they had to leave, it was for the better. With what had happened, I didn’t know what to expect anymore. As for my wife, she stayed with me and I thank her for that, because without her I would have gone insane.’

When asked what the worst experience besides his redundancy he says, ‘It was the time when I had to tell my wife, my children and my mother. Being the bread-winner, your family depends on you for everything. So, me losing my job was the hardest to deal with.’

‘Then, as any normal unemployed person would do, I started looking for a job. I had a stipulated month to look for one before my visa expired.’ said A. ‘But in vain, he could not find one, recession has hit everyone pretty bad, even to this day.’, he added.

Mr.A has planned to return to London, to join his children and his mother. ‘I will be applying for an unemployment wages once I go back, till I find another job in London.’ said Mr. A.A

But unlike Mr.A.A, there are other Asian expatriates that do not have anything to fall on. No unemployment schemes to rely on, when they go back home, leaving them to start their living from scratch without any aid of any kind. Mr. A.A shares a word of advice to all the people out there, who find themselves in a similar plight like him. ‘Having a good spirit with a strong positive attitude will take you a long way. Everything happens for a reason, take each day as it comes and things will fall in its place.’


Photo Credits: Megna Kalvani

Images: A Mediator to Advertisements


"We are conscious of what we attend to -- and not conscious of what we do not attend to," William James, (1842-1910), a renowned American psychologist and philosopher.


Appealing images in Advertisements are strewn everywhere persuading consumer consciously or unconsciously.


Is the world being swallowed by branded images? Or are these brands swallowing us, innocent consumers? Are we being brainwashed by cleverly made ads with appealing images that are plastered all across the city every second of the day without even realizing it?

Look around you. Every nook is invaded by some form of image or the other. Be it on the skies, water or land. It’s everywhere, persuading, informing and entertaining making consumers aware that it exists. Images have become a prime component in today’s advertising. Advertisements which is known to be an ancillary medium, is soon becoming a primary one. And I see no reason why?


‘Holding my morning cup of coffee, I stagger down to the living room to read my newspaper only to be invaded with colourful, alluring images. Turning each ad-dominated news page, I smirk at the irony of a newspaper being more of an ad-paper.’ narrated Mr. Zayed Hussain, a Sharjah based businessman.

Magazines, television, online media to the simple outdoors have been raided with image after image. Not to forget, simplicities like our pens, plastic bags, sunshade covers for vehicles and vehicles themselves. It seems astonishing to believe that ads actually, unconsciously brainwash our minds. However, most of us do not realize the mind games the advertisers have been playing on our subconscious minds for the past fifty years. It's a scary thought, really, when you realize the advertisers have gained control of our lives without us even knowing it. According to a Senior English teacher, Mrs. Abraham “These talented advertisers really think about small but significant ways in which they can advertise their business. Images have not even been spared in bathroom stalls, which can be seen on the inside of the doors these days.”

Advertising images have invaded all walks of life, even park benches aren't spared...


Giving heights to subliminal advertising through images, slowly and steadily consumers are getting, be it consciously or unconsciously brainwashed by these surrounding ads influencing our tastes, our decisions, our expectations.

Advertisers use these subliminal techniques to influence the second and third level of our consciousness. They target the consumer's fears and desires, manipulating them in ways never thought possible. On the other hand, advertisers present to the consumer on the conscious level a safe, neutral, naturally appealing ad to appease the consumer's resistance to subliminal advertising. While glancing through an ad, the average consumer skims through paragraphs, barely noticing an ad that they have seem many times. When we are doing this, we are responding to our subliminal reception because the conscious mind is uninterested in the potentially offensive subliminal material.


The simple outdoors raided by persuading alluring image after image


The time of raising or moulding images through mass media advertising has just begun. But the difference unlike the old days being not how many consumers see an ad or the frequency of how often you see it, but rather finding ways to get consumers to invite these falsely represented images into their lives.

Wondering why, advertisers have got to get through so much, just to get their brand noticed. Well, for the obvious reasons, to get noticed of course, to stand out from the other same branded products. Advertisers already are making bold statements in their image by manipulating the design and wooing consumers by integrating messages so closely into entertainment that the two are all but indistinguishable.


Advertisements make bold statements by using images that are manipulated in terms of design in order to woo consumers. Fast food advertisements such as these have appetizing ads that make consumers, easy prey

Advertisers have taken a definite hold on our daily lives. Half of their dominating influence can be attributed to their use of subliminal advertising. They take advantage of the susceptibility in our subconscious minds. Especially with today’s high tech gadgets and latest computer technology, they have unparalleled resources to manoeuvre or influence each image to target a specific weakness in us. “The number of images on the Internet is countless, whichever page you visit it’s filled with a clutter of images be it advertisements or not, they are always trying to sell a product and it’s working; my purchases are being influenced by these advertisements.’ says Mr. Rahul, student from University of Wollongong.


How do we not fall into the advertisers trap? Optimum awareness is the key. Being conscious is the way to fight back, if we have to avoid that influence which advertisers are trying to control us. The next time we make a purchasing decision, ask "Why am I choosing this product?" Buy a product because of its taste, its quality, and its price. As the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover similarly, never buy a product because its packaging looks good or because it is a name brand. Remember, it is the major companies that have the resources to do subliminal advertising. Thus as a consumer; ‘Be smart & Think smart’, that should be our motto.


Appealing images on advertisements have flooded all corners of the Internet


For now, be more vigil…observe more closely how dominant our image-constructed world is getting to be especially with today’s world becoming an ad, ad, ad world, I just hope we don’t go m-ad with it.


Photo Credits: Megna Kalvani

The Pinoy Way of Life in the Emirates

Thursday, October 22, 2009



Among, the ninety two million Filipinos in the Philippines ten percent reside outside the Philippines. As searching for employment, gaining experience and exploring the world being a few of their motives for their migration.

Filipinos constitute approximately 4.3 per cent of the entire UAE population

Since 2007, the Filipino population in the UAE has shrunk by almost 20 per cent, mainly because of the palpable high costs of living in the country, the global economic downturn and higher demand for Filipino workers in other countries. “It's quite disappointing to learn many Filipinos were layed off and that my countrymen here in the UAE are declining. But the costs are just too high that saving has become impossible.” said Raymoind, resident of Dubai.

Filipinos constitute approximately 4.3 per cent of the entire UAE populationLatest figures released by the Philippines Embassy in Abu Dhabi showed there were 279,602 Filipinos in 2007, well below the estimated 350,000 previously. Filipinos constitute approximately 4.3 per cent of the entire UAE population. ‘The reason why I picked UAE over other places, is because it’s the easiest to get here unlike other countries.’ said 36 year old, Mrs. Janet Consunji, who came here in 2006.

Expatriate Filipinos are just like the other sixty per cent expatriates living in the United Arab Emirates. With their hectic working schedules swallowing up their lives and their weekends are spent unwinding and relaxing with family, friends and relatives, life is more or less the same for them all. ‘I have a very tiring job as a Sale assistant, but I need the money as life here is very tough’ said Ms. Nilsa Mae, a Sales assistant to Femina Fashions in Sharjah. ‘I spend my weekends with my family going to the beach or browsing at my favourite mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai’ the 23 year old added.


Richard Mata, an employee in Costa, Academic City


According to Overseas Filipino Workers report (2007), a great majority of the estimated 500 to 700 Filipinos who enter the United Arab Emirates on tourist visas everyday come here to look for work. Filipino workers in the UAE can be found mostly in huge free-trade zones in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. ‘I first came to UAE in 2008, my only motive was to find work and make a living.’ said 26 year old Richard Mata, an employee in Costa, Dubai International Academic City.


The same report also reads that the UAE's economy depends heavily on an army of cheap foreign labour from the Asian sub-continent and the Far East. Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates are primarily migrant Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) employed in low positions in varying fields such as architecture, construction, cargo shipping, design engineering, energy, information technology, marketing, medical, real estate, retail, telecommunications, and tourism sectors or as domestic helpers- jobs that Emiratis often do not want.

The Philippine Department of Labour and Employment also has two Philippine Overseas Labour Offices (POLOs) in the UAE, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. These offices, as well as agreements between the Filipino and UAE governments, have set the monthly minimum salary for OFW's at US$400. But due to the recent hit in recession, many expatriates faced a tough call as they lost their jobs "It's not just Filipinos, all nationalities working in the sector have been affected. Companies are just shedding unnecessary staff in sales and marketing," said Virgie Calvez, labour attaché with the Philippine Overseas Labour Office in Dubai.


Mr. Jerry M. Timario, Construction worker


But, most of the Filipino expats had one common thing to say that they miss their homes, their food and their green environment and they eventually want to go back to Philippines, but for now making a living is first priority to them. “I work all week; I do not get time for leisure during the weekends, just sleep. I miss my family a lot, I haven’t seen them since 2003.” said Mr. Jerry M. Timario, a 34 year old construction worker.


‘...exploring the world’ Ms. Marites Laysa

On the other hand, Ms. Marites Laysa said, “My work as a receptionist takes long hours and there is a lot of adjusting to not only time, but the environment, climate, customs and culture.” She also added that her reason for coming to UAE, was not centralized on finding work but on exploring the world and experiencing a different ambience which she has successfully done since her arrival to UAE in July 2008.

However, life goes on for those still surviving the hardships in the UAE. ‘Filipinos like to see good in everything...like a silver lining’ smiled 53 year old, Emily Kacuna Pabuaya. ‘Even though, there have been many ups and downs there have been good times as well...’she added.
Photo Credits: Megna Kalvani

Preserving Culture in the U.A.E

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Art Exhibition



The Arabian Art Centre, Sharjah Heritage Area



Artifacts displayed on the grounds of Sharjah Heritage Area


We all know United Arab Emirates as a modern one, witnessing dramatic changes in the few short years since the state was established, change that has provided them with all the benefits of a modern, developed society. At the same time, however, both Government and the people are determined that their heritage shall be preserved, in line with the late Sheikh Zayed's belief that 'a people that knows not its past can have neither a present nor a future'.


To act as repository of this heritage and a source of information for both visitors and the younger generation who have not experienced a traditional lifestyle, museums and heritage centres have been developed throughout the UAE.‘We preserve our history and culture in museums, through paintings that are so realistic that they almost speak.’ said Najlaa Fikry, an official at Sharjah Museums Department.



The Orientalists Collection' displays the works of art in the Sharjah Art Gallery, which were personally collected by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. The paintings represent Romantic views of the Arab countries and other Islamic lands as they were depicted by European artists and travellers in the 18th, 19th and the early 20th centuries.’ explained Najlaa. Additionally, Sharjah was designated as the cultural capital of the Arab world by UNESCO for its commitment to art, culture and preserving its heritage.



Ms.Najlaa Fikry, Official at Sharjah Museums Department



The Culture and Art Authority play an active role in keeping the history and culture alive during this materialistic and digital today, where youngsters seem to forget the very beginning....‘We host a variety of exhibitions, workshops and programmes that are suited for all ages. Our family programmes that are held every week offer hands-on and minds-on fun with bilingual programmes that are designed to educating children and their parents/caregivers on the culture of UAE. We organize workshops especially for children aged six to eleven, as teaching them when they are young is best. The programmes are held on Saturdays suitable for all, to make some time in their busy schedules.’ said Najlaa.



Sharjah Art Museum, established in 1948



UAE is a fine example of how well an indigenous community which survived an adverse environment for thousands of years by observing a strict tribal code could absorb tremendous change of lifestyle producing the best of two worlds within decades. Today, the indigenous values, heritage and culture which were refined by the adoption of Islam over the past millennium or so, continue to thrive notwithstanding the ultra modern look, infrastructure and facilities and the cosmopolitan, moderately liberal lifestyle that especially characterise the nation’s capital, Abu Dhabi.

Scattered throughout the UAE are forts that were once charged with defending a range of elements including an irrigation system, palm groves and trading hubs. Many of the forts also provided residency to the ruling families, while others served as military/police headquarters and prisons. Heritage villages have been established in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah to provide visitors with a three-dimensional experience of life in the pre-developed UAE. The Emirates of Ajman, Sharjah, Al Ain, Umm al-Quwain and Ra’s al-Khaimah have established museums housing exhibits on archaeology, ethnography and other artefacts of historic and cultural significance. While some collections are not extensive and certain destinations are difficult to reach unless on a guided tour, their existence testifies to the growing focus of cultural preservation throughout the UAE.

Despite the Emirates limitations of being a mainly desert environment and a semi-nomadic lifestyle that prevailed up to the 20th Century, UAE has a rich past evidenced by scores of restored mud fortresses across the emirate and remains of an underground irrigation system in Al-Ain oasis, which has been continuously inhabited for more than 4,000 years and is considered as the old cultural centre of the Emirate.

According to the 2003 Convention, Intangible heritage is defined as “practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills- as well as the instruments, objects, artifacts and cultural spaces associated therewith- that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.” The UAE is ripe with such heritage. The seven Emirates are more than the Burj Dubai and Yas Marina. They are a vibrant and diverse federation of seven autonomous states which share an ancient heritage. Emirate’s cultural life is rooted in a long tradition of literary work, horseback riding, falconry, traditional artwork and the cultural exchange brought about by trade routes. The large collaboration of museums provide visitors with a glimpse of the emirate’s cultural life, history and heritage. Today, culture and arts are witnessing a revival in the emirate with many clubs and funds dedicated to their advancement.

According to Emirates News Agency, The UAE has offered $2million to UNESCO and African countries to safeguard the heritage projects. This was announced at the ceremony held by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage at Emirates Palace on 3rd October 2009 marking the conclusion of the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage at UNESCO, in presence of Director-General of UNESCO Koichiro Matsuura.


Photo credits: Megna Kalvani