Uncooked

The melting pot, that's a term often used to refer to the culture of the United States. Even if you don't know the history of the US, you still know how diversely multicultural the country is. There is no real understanding to who is considered to be "American." Let's forget about all the wars and past conflicts and take a look at the broad picture in this present day.
You could look Indian, African, European or Arab and still be an American for many different reasons. Now let's go to the opposite side of the world into a very small country that is barely the size of one of the smallest states in the US, Qatar. Much like the US, Qatar has a variety of different cultures and ethnic groups, however, they are very segregated and it’s more obvious which group every individual belongs to. Furthermore, there’s no linkage (aka: a passport) that brings them together. Qatar is populated with Arabs, Indians, Pakistanis, Iranians and other ethnic groups.

With the majority being non-Qataris, which raises the question: who are Qataris? What makes them Qatari? Unlike the US, being born in Qatar does not make you Qatari. Living in Qatar for more than 20 years or so, still doesn't make you Qatari. Some people were born, raised and brought up into the Qatari society, they might look and dress like Qataris, and considered to be socialized into this culture, but are not considered Qatari by any law. Qatar has grown a lot in the past few of years; it welcomed the film, the sport and the education industry. Naturally that brought in a lot of immigrants from all around the world, who till this day are still considered to be guests and residents in Qatar, but not citizens of the country.

The Doha Tribeca Film Festival

Voluntary organization is one that relies on occasional or regular volunteers for its operations, and may or may not have paid staff. A volunteer organization is characterized by (1) autonomy from the State, (2) self-governance through a board of unpaid trustees, (3) membership that is neither inherited nor prescribed, (4) aid from philanthropy, (5) benefit for or service to non-members, and (6) not-for-profit orientation (Business dictionary.)

Recently in Qatar, one of the biggest volunteer event occurred, it is The Doha Tribeca Film Festival. The Festival aims to bring people from all walks of life, cultures and backgrounds together through the universal language of film, evolving and transforming each year, but the essence of it is to exchange culture, stories, and perspectives (DTFF.)
The five-day celebration (October 25-29) had more than 50 films from 35 countries screened before an expected audience intake of more than 50,000 people, showcasing a culturally diverse cross section of comedies, family-oriented films, epics, political biopics, thrillers and documentaries (DTFF.)

The Doha Tribeca Film Festival could not happen without the dedication and hard work of the volunteers. Volunteering is often the first step for people interested in pursuing or advancing a career in the film industry. These positions are unpaid but provided priceless experience to the volunteers. The Doha Tribeca Film Festival had 1,100 volunteers, which shows how important this event is. Every festival department’s volunteer needs vary in numbers and there is a place for every skill level and experience. The volunteers ranged from students to mid career professionals that are available to help. The were many departments, that volunteered worked in such as Box Office, Broadcast, Communications, Content & New Media, Education, Family Day, Festival Operations, Guest Relations, Guest Services, Hospitality, Industry Events, Marketing, Merchandising, Production, Special Projects, and Venues(DTFF.)








Sources:

http://www.dohafilminstitute.com/filmfestival/volunteer
http://www.sparknotes.com/sociology/society-and-culture/section5.rhtml
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/voluntary-organization.html

Misunderstood Societies

Food is common between all nations, societies and cultures. It is a way in which certain nations stand out. For example, the sensual curries and spices of India, the rice dominated plates of China. The noodle swirls of Japan, The pasta and cheese of Italy and France, Also the diverse colours of the gulf.

There is always food involved but the focus right now is on the sociological aspect of consuming this food. The way people of certain nations consume food is completely different from one another. Yes, many can be having similar meals due to globalization; however, they still maintain traditional dishes and ways of eating.

One sign of this ritual is in the Middle East, more particularly the Gulf. The people use their hands to consume rice when at a gathering, in other nations that is considered offensive or not of classiness and would receive negative sanctions from foreigners. It is completely acceptable, even so encouraged that people use their hands to consume rice in Gulf States. But never forget to use your right hand, or else you would be offending the locals!

Using utensils in The United States is acceptable more so than using your hands when eating lunch or dinner. As a matter of fact, you would receive positive sanctions when using utensils as they are seen to be cleaner and more efficient in consuming food. Especially something that can be as messy as pasta or soup.

Chinese and Japanese cultures use a form of utensils, called chopsticks. They are two so that the food (mostly noodles) can be taken up from the plate and taken to your mouth. There are certain ways in which you have to learn to use chopsticks in order to master the art of using them.

In conclusion, the ways in which people consume food can be different, but it all depends upon globalization. Perhaps one day we can all adapt to all sorts of ways to eat. Most importantly remove all sanctions imposed upon those who don’t follow rituals of eating.

An agent of Socialisation

Lulu Hypermarket in Qatar: A world-class achievement. Lulu has retail outlets ranging from The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Yemen and Qatar. Being sourced out of EMKE Group, Lulu has over 20,000 employees of different nationalities and is planning on expanding chains to Saudi Arabia and India.

Lulu has served the society well with its presence. The products sold in the hypermarkets are of top quality and of affordable prices. Not only that, whatever comes to mind of items, either groceries or textiles, is always found. Very rarely that you would need any other shop to go to once you enter Lulu.

It is an agent of socialization because it brings different people together; I never once went to Lulu and not found someone I know shopping in the same isle. Being announced by Qatar Living as one of the most important tourist destination when in Doha, It seems very clear that Lulu has been keeping it’s top end protected.

Bringing people together in so many ways can bring the society even closer together, as so many meet different needs when shopping, all aim for the same goal, necessity for the home and family life. Some make it a trip to take the children on a ride in the weekend, others just to satisfy a need in the household.

From as much as I have taken these visits to Lulu, I surely can say being there every other day I’ve become an expert at knowing all the different ways in which Lulu has improved, failed and even evolved. Also extensive knowledge on where everything is, which makes it very sufficient for me to do my shopping there.

In a sociologist’s point of view, Lulu brings about diversity and culture to its name. It brings forth materials that are affordable and brings about change is efficient shopping methods to regular consumers who are well aware that they are receiving the best service and quality of production.

Besides having made a huge advertisement to Lulu, it is a great place to be to meet different people of different nationalities and backgrounds, all under one roof.