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RE: [RC] UAE Involvement in AERC Functions - Catfish DanielsWell, I've been totally out of the loop for a couple of months now and it's great reading some Ridecamp stuff again. WOW what a shocking story about the poor children and the slave trade that's going on in the UAE. I've not made it thru all the posts on this subject yet, but just want to ad my own two cents before it's time to go to bed. Again, I can't believe how shocking and sad this story is, and I think that this needs to stop, just like I'm sure all of you agree. HOWEVER, I personally do not see any benefit in excluding the UAE or any other country in AERC functions to protest and exploit some of their country's practices that we in our culture find sickening and wrong. There are many, many other practices in middle eastern countries and elsewhere that are at least equally as sick as that of the mentioned slave trade of young boys. Practices that also involve women, as well as religious believes and practices. Things that we can't even being to imagine being humane. And there are many things that go on in many other countries as well - countries that come united with us when it comes to our sport, and other sports as well. My point is that we can't change a country, their believes, their morals, and their standards by boycotting them or by pointing the finger and saying - "hey, you're wrong". Because they won't listen. In their upbringings they thing we are wrong. But what we can do, rather than alienating ourselves from them or vica versa, is to set great examples. Yes, like some of you stated, most of those rich sheiks don't care about our great examples - but then again perhaps some do - and that makes a positive difference in the most affective and friendly way. Changing somebody by positive example rather than by punishment. Here's a fact - I know people that are from the UAE. Not many, but I do know some. I even know a couple that split their time between there and the U.S. about every six months. And I have even gotten to know a few in our endurance world. My point is that those few people I know would never ever approve of this slave trade. They are in fact like us in so many ways. And it is wrong to blame and point the finger at a group of people because they originate from a place where sick human practices are considered the "norm". And as much as I wish our suggested boycott would solve the problem, remember your own statements that those rich sheiks could care less. Afterall, they are into camel racing - and probably have very little say-so in our endurance world. I've argued it before when the issue was discussed about the UAE's involvement at this year's Tevis, and I still believe that as long as we come together as "one common group" in a sporting event where we all play by the same rules no matter where we come from, we are doing something positive. With all this negative stuff in the world how can anybody in their right mind think that you can change such a sick practice such as human slavery by simply boycotting an event??? And yes, many in the UAE don't care about our good examples. But the certain individuals that I know personally from the UAE, they certainly do care, and I've got a feeling that there are many more out there. Don't underestimate good examples. Oh boy, let's hope this post won't make anybody boycott my new ride in April. Check it out at www.DesertCatfishClassic.com DBL Realtors -----Original Message----- From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Linda Hedgpeth Sent: Monday, October 25, 2004 6:58 PM To: Ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Re: [RC] UAE Involvement in AERC Functions Heidi writes: "I, too, am appalled by what goes on in some other parts of the world. But we Americans are slow to learn that we cannot change other cultures by boycott--we can only change them by being involved and setting a better example" -------------- " Involvement and setting a good example are the only ways of getting the sort of toehold in another culture from which one CAN make a difference. We are not in a position to pass laws there--it is not our country. So we have to be more subtle to effect a change." --------------- "This is a serious issue, and I am not trying to make light of it. But I still submit that our absence will do far less to correct the atrocities than our continued involvement, coupled with the very blatant example of equality for women in our sport (which is one of the BEST messages we take with us--and I agree with Gabi--this is often the forerunner of the improvement of the conditions for children)." ---------------- "Likewise, no one here (least of all me, and I'm the one who urged the notion of understanding that this DOES have to do with culture, and that there are better ways to go about changing other cultures than indignant boycotts) has suggested that we can't influence another country. On the contrary, I think we can influence other countries and other cultures a great deal by our example and our presence--we certainly CANNOT influence a wealthy nation by our absence!" ---------------- Ummmmm......I don't think being a good example is working. Aren't most of the people in the UAE, Muslims? Even if they aren't the more radical fundamentalist type, I doubt they would ever look at our "example". Last I heard, we predominately Christian, Americans rate among the low heathens as far as their culture is concerned. Plus, these rich Princes and Sheihks don't give a rat's hiney about our "example". Just last week, there was a segment on 20/20, 60 Minutes or Primetime (can't remember now) about the Saudi Royal Family and how all the little rich princes party hearty all over the globe.....drinking alcohol and chasing women. They go through women like crazy. Of course all this is in violation of their religious laws and culture.....and no one speaks of it back home. In fact, one group of photo-journalists were threatened death when they were discovered filming one of these wild parties. Their film was confiscated at gunpoint and destroyed. The only thing that will bring about change is shunning by the very nations they like to play "horsey" with. Human rights groups and the outrage of other nations bringing a screaming voice to these atrocities may help. These are people who think they are above ALL and they don't give a flip about your good example. By going over there and taking part in their races, we are giving silent approval of their abuse against these children. We can't claim ignorance of the situation any longer. I agree with the person who said the WEC should be moved to other countries until the UAE corrects their little slavery problem. That sort of shunning just might have an effect because we know how they like to host these events and show the world what a lavish affair they can sponsor. Like Frank said regarding boycotting, "South Africa eventually *got it*". Linda Hedgpeth Susanville, CA lindafh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx www.sierraserpents.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. 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