In what way is the choice of host poor?
There's been relentless disinformation spread by Western media. Every country has its own pace of acceptance of changing attitudes and people need to be allowed that pace. Same-sex marriage was legalised in the UK only 8 years ago. It's still not legal universally in the US. Even in the UK, we know a lot of Catholics don't accept it even today. Where do we draw the lines of morality? And who are we to force other countries to change their culture the way we feel is right? There's so much change that needs to happen within our own country. Even today, Britain does not teach its role in colonisation or transatlantic slave trade in schools. We still have monarchy (not that I have any issues with it, but you can see how some other countries might feel differently about its continuation in today's age), especially countries with colonial past.
A massive issue is made when Qatar decides to restrict sale of alcohol within stadiums, conveniently forgetting the same rule applies in Scotland, France etc.
Total migrant deaths from all causes is passed off as deaths of migrant labourers during building of the stadiums.
The way I see it; international events are a means to showcase that country's culture globally. But the wonderful bits of Qatari culture isn't anywhere in the news. Of course, the way it managed to get the contract is questionable, but people had 10 years to voice it. The way they are managing this massive event so smoothly is amazing. Coming out of Wembley stadium after a concert was a lot more chaotic than 85000 people coming out of the stadium and most traveling via Metro. I was amazed at their crowd management. The atmosphere was wonderful, with people from different countries celebrating and singing and dancing in their own way with live performances from different countries to entertain the queues..... absolutely fantastic!
It's wonderful to see people of so many countries come together. No one's objecting to the way people dress unlike what's being said in the media. I've seen all types of clothing here that I would have seen in London.
It's upto us what we focus on; whether we build bridges and gently encourage change while celebrating the difference in cultures or focus on the negatives and completely reject everything in toto, including positives.
A bit strong worded, but good points made here:
Qatar, Alcohol & the Rainbow Flag 🌈
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