Misconceptions

The Miss Emirates 2007 controversy has definately stirred up some interesting reactions and opinions. It seems that people are either totally for the pageant or totally against it- there are no 'in-betweeners'. I would just like to clear up misconceptions that both sides (arguably locals vs. Westerners) seem to have.

To locals and others who oppose Miss Emirates 2007: a woman wearing skimpy clothes or entering a beauty pageant does not mean that she is a 'sex slave', nor are such acts 'demeaning'. And please, don't tell me that holding a beauty pageant is a 'flaw' and will tarnish the UAE's reputation internationally. If anything it will do the opposite, promoting it as a free and tolerant society.

On the other hand, Westerners have to understand that just because a woman is in an abaya and/or covered head to toe does not make her 'opressed' or mean that she is subjugated by a male relative or husband. Many women choose to do this out of their own free will so do not jump to conclusions.