Curzon at Coming Anarchy ("Speak Victorian, Think Pagan") has issued a challenge.
Showing posts with label Coming Anarchy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coming Anarchy. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monday, March 29, 2010
re: "Random Stories from Life in Dubai, Part 2"
Curzon at Coming Anarchy ("issues of world affairs and politics") had some interesting anecdotes from the Middle East.
Money quote(s):
"She said she shuddered when she heard Western women idealize relationships with rich Arab men—“Think of the most abusive emotional relationship you could have with a Western man, and the worst possible relationship you could have with your in-laws, and that is the best you can expect with a relationship with an Arab man in the Arab world.”"
This sort of thing has a very real and direct impact on consular work in certain parts of the world.
"At the word “sir,” a smile crept on to the man’s face and the incident was over—he said OK, got in his car and drove away. My colleague remarked, “All he wanted was to see a Westerner in a business suit be respectful and apologize.” "
Courtesy and politeness cost nothing but time, and it's usually time very well spent.
Money quote(s):
"She said she shuddered when she heard Western women idealize relationships with rich Arab men—“Think of the most abusive emotional relationship you could have with a Western man, and the worst possible relationship you could have with your in-laws, and that is the best you can expect with a relationship with an Arab man in the Arab world.”"
This sort of thing has a very real and direct impact on consular work in certain parts of the world.
"At the word “sir,” a smile crept on to the man’s face and the incident was over—he said OK, got in his car and drove away. My colleague remarked, “All he wanted was to see a Westerner in a business suit be respectful and apologize.” "
Courtesy and politeness cost nothing but time, and it's usually time very well spent.
Monday, February 22, 2010
re: "Citizenship: Drawing a Line"
Chirol at Coming Anarchy ("Speak Victorian,Think Pagan") raises some timely questions about the nature of citizenship.
Money quote(s):
"France, unlike other European countries, seems to be willing to draw clear lines regarding what citizenship and French values mean, and to deny it without concern over leftist or politically correct criticism."
"No foreigner has a right to citizenship or even residence and twisted ideas of about fairness, political correctness and tolerance have led countries to act against their own interest by allowing in those who do not share even the most fundamental values of the land."
&
"As immigration from the developing countries to industrialized countries continues to grow, and communication and transportation technology increases the movement of people across national borders, the question of the value and meaning of citizenship is something that must be raised again. If citizenship boils down to birth location or having the correct paperwork, then it is meaningless"
Money quote(s):
"France, unlike other European countries, seems to be willing to draw clear lines regarding what citizenship and French values mean, and to deny it without concern over leftist or politically correct criticism."
"No foreigner has a right to citizenship or even residence and twisted ideas of about fairness, political correctness and tolerance have led countries to act against their own interest by allowing in those who do not share even the most fundamental values of the land."
&
"As immigration from the developing countries to industrialized countries continues to grow, and communication and transportation technology increases the movement of people across national borders, the question of the value and meaning of citizenship is something that must be raised again. If citizenship boils down to birth location or having the correct paperwork, then it is meaningless"
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
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