Uae Globalization and National Identity Essay Example

Uae: Globalization and National Identity Essay By: Hamad Alneyadi 1. 0 Introduction Any identity is exposed to threats that are capable of changing it. This report will specify what creates an identity, and how it is exposed to the those specific threats. It will also offer recommendations for things that can be done to overcome those threats. This report is also going to compare the Emirati and the Japanese identity in the situation of globalization. It will also clarify the definition of a nation. 2. 0Discussion 2. 1 Definitions 2. 1. 1 Nation A nation is a definite community of people. It must be consisted of severalstabilized groupstribes. It is necessary to have all the important features in order to form a nation; common language, a common economic life and psychological make-up. 2. 1. 1. 1 Applying these terms to the UAE The question is â€Å"Are these features applied in the UAE? † The UAE will never constitute a nation as long as it lacks common language between the groups living within it. The common economic life might be an issue as well in the UAE. So in Stalins view, it is not viable that the UAE constitutes a nation. Based upon a survey, the majority of people believe that the UAE is a nation but 40% said that the UAE is either not a nation or they are unsure. So the majority is not as big as expected. 2. 1. 2 Emirati identity The Emirati identity contains many features that specializes it from other identities. The Emirati community also contains a number of certain tribes that has common traditions, cultures and language. What represents Emiratis mostly is the way they dress. Another feature which the Emirati identity is based on is the accent. These are the main features that distinguishes the Emirati identity from other identities. . 1. 3 Japanese identity The history of Japan goes a long way back which grew the idea of the purity of blood and race in the minds of the Japanese people. This distinctive idea is the major feature that represents pride in Japan. This makes it clear that when it comes to national identity, Japanese people focus on blood and race. 2. 1. 4 Similarities There are som e delicate similarities as the UAE acquired the same threats that Japan acquired. Although Japan possesses an intangible history that exceeds the history of the UAE, but the threats of globalizationand internationalizingare major to both of these countries. . 2 Threats to the Emirati identity It is no longer hazy that foreigners have strong impact on our society as they implement their lifestyles. There are 90% of UAE nationals that think foreigners’ impact is the main threat that we are exposed to. Another threat is globalization which have gotten stronger due to the shrinking of distances between countries. It is authentic that globalization can annihilate many traditional cultures and unfortunately, the Emirati identity is one of those victims. We will write a custom essay sample on Uae: Globalization and National Identity specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Uae: Globalization and National Identity specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Uae: Globalization and National Identity specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer It is unforeseen that 10% of UAE nationals consider globalization a catastrophic threat to our society. Even Japan is falling a victim of globalization and is suffering the consequences in spite of its long history. The educational policy is also one important matter. The UAE’s education policy gives priority to the foreign languages at the expense of Arabic, which is considered one of the basic principles of identity. The country will not be able to conserve its identity if its educational policy does not conserve the country’s language and traditions. . 0 Conclusion Given these facts, the differences between what nations are and what are nations not makes it clear that the UAE does not constitute a nation. The differences and similarities between the Emirati and the Japanese identity has been specified. It is also explained that the Emirati identity is getting weaker due to the major threats it is exposed to; foreigners’ impact, globalization and education. 4. 0 Recommendations To overcome the threats I’m recommending some generalized actions that should be applied. 4. 1 Organizations Taking control and having a strong grip on the Emirati identity can be achieved by standing all together as a nation. First, we must stay internally attached to the values, cultures and traditions. They are the bond that connects us to our country. 4. 2 Governments The UAE must also organize a better education policy that values the Arabic language. It is also important to maintain a balanced structure of UAE’s demography and labor market, because national identity would not have the ability to survive if foreign populations are a minority. Finally, governments must encourage national education, culture and media. As Said said, I think we have gone too far now to go back to what life was like for our parents, but maybe we need to stand together as a nation and define what it is that makes us Emiratis. Bibliography Echstein, A. J. (1999). Japan’s National Identity: Nationalists or not? Lehigh University: Fountain Hill, Pennsylvania. Stalin, J. (1991). What is a nation? In J. Hutchinson A. Smith, Nationalism (pp18-21). Oxford: Oxford University Press. Youssef, M. (2008, May 29). Older generation find changes hard to accept. Gulf News. Maalouf, A. (1998,Vol 4, No 25). Deadly Identities. Al Jadid, 14 – 15.