It's time to calm down...
I am stunned to say the least.
Apparently, a number of people in the office, including my editor, have been closely eyeing my blog. Not since yesterday or day before, but almost ever since I started The Qatar Diary.
The editor had a chat with me about it half an hour ago. Asked me to calm down when it comes to naming government officials and insulting them, or talking about prostitutes in the country, for it's really my neck on the line.
He was sweet. I am not saying this because I am almost sure he's going to be reading this, considering I believe he's been on my blog almost constantly, quoting an ancient post I wrote about a construction worker toiling hard in the heat, and waking me up at 5.30 am with the 'Tung Tung' sound of breaking stones.
I'm saying this because he sounded so mature, so politically correct, if that's the right usage.
I was a little embarrassed too when he spoke of me not being in Qatar more than a year, a fact that I keep mentioning all the time on my blog.
I was speechless. He wasn't rude, he wasn't telling me that he hates me and he wants me out. He was as sweet and calm a man holding that position can be.
I am saying all this because this is actually the first time in three months that I have been here he has spoken to me for more than 30 seconds.
But the point I am trying to make is, is it going to now be hard for me to speak my mind, considering everyone here knows about my blog? The question is really for me to answer.
I will certainly calm down, for it's the first thing the man has suggested me to do.
Surely, I ain't going to change anything about this country or the system by writing this blog. For heaven's sake I am nothing, a nobody as far as Qatar is concerned. Probably the only thing I can change is the list of people being deported, which would increase by one more.
Is that something to be proud of? I don't think so.
I might as well take this as a warning.
To ask the same question again, the answer to which is bothering me a little, will it be hard for me to speak my mind on MY OWN blog.
The question really is for me to answer.
On a more positive note, at least the blog made the man speak to me. And at least now I am sure I have some intellectual readers. At least now I am sure my editor, who I kept cribbing didn't even bother to ask me where and if at all I found an accomodation, knows where I stay, and probably knows a lot more about me than just that.
posted by Once the Conman at 8:12 PM
9 Comments:
you write some damn interesting stuff , has me coming back for more all the time:), its a shame to curb your tongue or shall i say your thoughts, is there no such thing as freedom of speach/ applying to jounalists in Qatar, if not its best you tow the line, if you want to keep the job huh?, Qatar fascinates me really...
i thought journalist is suppose to be neutral in their reporting...xcept...their blog is their own?
Nothing you publish on the internet is private and the words live forever in cyberspace. Your editor is perhaps right to caution you to be careful when you speak of your government.
I would think in such a small country that perhaps English bloggers are rare and noticed. I don't know about the politics of Qatar but perhaps it could be dangerous to say too much.
But you still have much to say of interest. There's no reason to stop blogging but only to choose your topics with discretion.
Welcome to planet earth, dude!
I find it hard to imagine you ever "calming down" or bowing to authority outright, but it might have to happen.
A quick word of advice from someone who's been through various stages of Blogger Disillusionment: be a bit discreet when blogging about your office/colleagues/work. And don't listen to people who tell you that your blog is your own space and you can do whatever you want to on it - they're well-meaning but they're also uninformed. I suggest that instead of just surfing and commenting on random blogs you take some time out to read about all the things that have been happening in the blogosphere - people losing jobs because of their indiscretion, even legal cases, etc. If you want I can mail you some links.
Ahh finally.... I hope you understand why I said some posts earlier that you have to be here longer to fully (almost) understand the Arabs.
This is Arabia my friend and nothing is here what it may seem. Things and people appear very simple (or dumb) but their not. Trust me on this.
Talking of speaking your mind and curbing of freedom - You dont necessarily have to step on the wrong toes. You can get around things and say what you want to say.... you know dont lie but bend the truth kind of a thing.
Good luck.
PS: Youll also start liking the place like the Malaysian lass in your office.
The idealistic me syaS: No one has the right to control your thoughts...etcetera.
The practical me says: when in Rome, do as Rome does.
Given the fact that 'rome' is currently an Arabic state, I would go with the practical...
...just know that it is the truth of your words that has probably led to this and be glad for it.
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hmmm. thats not good...
t thought ur not the kinda guy who wd listen to anyone but as straight curves says 'when in rome do as rome does....'makes sense but i m not too happy abt it
Agree with most people here.. it's come as a shock to me as well.. knowing that someone at my work could be keeping a tab too. Safe than sorry, although I don't know how that would work in praticality.
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