Dubai Consumer Mirror: Collateral Damage

Monday, January 30, 2006

Collateral Damage

UAE consumers realized that while they were sleeping for the past 3 weeks; Saudis, Kuwaitis, Egyptians, Jordanians ..etc were removing Danish products off their supermarket shelves in reaction to the offensive anti-Islamic cartoons in one newspaper from Denmark.

Boycotts do work in grabbing attention. But it does, however, hurt many local and domestic businesses along the way. There should be another way to voice our opinions, stands (and anger) with less collateral damage.

17 Comments:

The world will never be the same without Lurpak butter.

By samuraisam, at January 30, 2006 at 2:20 PM
slightly salted

:)

By Anonymous, at January 30, 2006 at 2:40 PM
The NZ Anchor butter people are going to wonder why their product suddenly started to sell in the UAE!

By nzm, at January 30, 2006 at 3:59 PM
Moryarti,

I agree. I think there's a better way. That's why I was a little reluctant in joining the bandwagon and calling for a boycott.

One Kuwaiti columnist suggested that this kind of action by the newspaper and the cartoonists is just a reflection of the Danish people's perception and misconception about Islam. He called for a massive class-action lawsuit in Denmark with a top notch team of attorneys. He says regardldess of the outcome of the lawsuit, going to court and the good attorneys would help correct that image of Islam in the process.

I find that an interesting thought.

By Jandeef, at January 30, 2006 at 4:05 PM
Just a tad over the top, I'd say.
Boycott the paper than ran the offending cartoons by all means, but "Denmark" hasn't done anything to offend, so why the over-reaction of a boycott of the entire country?

By Seabee, at January 30, 2006 at 6:54 PM
Reminds me of the morons who tell people boycott Coca Cola and buy Mecca Cola instead, ignoring the fate of any local involvement and employment in Coca Cola plants and offices.

By redstar, at January 30, 2006 at 6:57 PM
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By nzm, at January 30, 2006 at 7:41 PM
And not realising that Mecca Cola proceeds went directly to funding offshore charities, as the company is based in France.

By nzm, at January 30, 2006 at 7:43 PM
nzm: i've noticed that too, they aren't exactly forthcoming with what they mean by "local charities" when it is a made in france product

By samuraisam, at January 30, 2006 at 8:59 PM
One of the main attractions for buyers, Mr Mathlouthi says, is the fact that 10% of the profits go to charities operating in Palestinian territories and 10% to European NGOs.

and it appears they've increased it to 20%
what the hell is an NGO?

By samuraisam, at January 30, 2006 at 9:25 PM
It is totally ridiculous. Yes Sam, Lurpak is what I live for. I shall admit that I DID actually go and get some extra stock in before they clear the lot.

It was a bit of a 'nasty' publishing that in the newspaper, and I am sure it was only done for the shock factor, but there is no need to go down to their level. Hold your heads up high and make your displeasure clear, but do not cripple the businesses. This could spiral. I do hope that the Danish Government can sort this mess out.

By CG, at January 30, 2006 at 10:02 PM
NGO - Non Government Organization.

Usually associated with non-profit organizations or relief agencies -

or the UN - which we all know is impartial. :-(

By nzm, at January 30, 2006 at 11:47 PM
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

By Anonymous, at January 31, 2006 at 12:34 AM
Sam, GC and NZM - I can't live without Lurpac :)

Jandeef, its always great to see you here buddy. Yes, i do believe an organized response would be much more effective...

Seabee, I agree. But i think the response is directed to the officials in Denmark for not having any official reaction toward the issue.. (it has been going on for 3 months)

Redstar and Christa - i was against this boycott-US-products thing all together. Because it wasn't hurting anyone but the boycotters themselves.

But looking at it again, it wasn't really about inflicting damage to the American economy or anything. Its more about the public obligation of 'lets do something, anything' feeling.

Living an a very politically restrictive environment such as the ME, boycotting is the only political statement the avarage arab can make with less risk of getting his @$$ kicked by big bro..

By moryarti, at January 31, 2006 at 8:52 AM
Moryarti, my friend, you haven't lived until you try NZ butter!

My Slovakian sister-in-law upon moving to NZ, wrote back to her mother saying, "Mum, the NZ butter is really yellow."

Her mother wrote back saying, "Dear, it's meant to be that way."

:-)

By nzm, at January 31, 2006 at 11:34 AM
Most certainly do agree... I had trouble getting the same opinion across to some of my friends and family yesterday.

If this becomes even bigger, we can all blame the boycott for bringing ourselves into a new economic recession. :p

By Samawel, at January 31, 2006 at 11:46 AM
best regards, nice info
» »

By Anonymous, at August 13, 2006 at 6:51 AM