Tradition is prevalent in all countries and religions. A person's background influences their behaviour, dress and personality. Who's to say how much we should or shouldn't incorporate tradition into our lives?
Gulf News wanted to find out how people are affected by tradition and dress. And, to what extent do we really judge others based on their appearance. Read on and find out what they had to say.
People should adapt their dress sense to a country's sensitivities.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do." In a world where the trends of fashionable and traditional, cultural and religious costumes are co-existing, one has to choose the right clothes. Your clothes must serve both, the sensitivities of a country and your wishes, too.
– Mr Chandra Kumar Phuyal
Al Ain
Gulf News Reader's Club member
You need to abide by the traditions and rules of the country you are going to. If you chose to travel to a certain place that has certain sensitivities then you must be careful. You can be very comfortable in the way you dress and see no problem with it. But you might "offend" the people of the country you are visiting.
– Ms Lamia Yahiya
Abu Dhabi
I think it is necessary to watch out for the traditions of the country you are visiting. For example, in the UAE some visitors do not care about the conservative dress code and go out wearing things that are 'shameful'. It just hurts the eye to look at. I think wherever people go they should respect the nationals of the country they are visiting and their beliefs.
– Mr Darwish Ahmad
Abu Dhabi
Each country has its own customs. There are certain lines one must not cross. You cannot, for example, walk down the street in a swimsuit. If you are going to a foreign country, that you know nothing about, research it and find out about their traditions. It's part of the country's code and you should abide by it.
– Mr Faisal Al Saffar
Dubai
Tradition is sometimes used as an excuse to stop modernisation.
The disagreement between tradition and modernisation is a concept that also seems closely linked to the "generation gap". While modernisation created anxiety amongst the traditional society, it also created a new group called the "teen". Teens allow capitalism to thrive. Modernisation is a factor in changing the way that society lives, whether it is for good or bad.
– Mr Mohammad Ebrahim
Abu Dhabi
Many people are too reluctant to embrace the challenge of modernisation out of fear. They don't want themselves to grow, and don't let others grow. They play the card of "tradition" to secure their living. Wise people always welcome modernisation to benefit from it, after shunning its negative aspects.
– Mr Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai
Gulf News Reader's Club member
It depends on the definition of tradition and modernisation. Tradition, which doesn't conform to religion or violates core universal human values, is not sacred. Therefore it can and should be disregarded for the benefit of individual and society. Whereas, the "tradition" of hijab is a personal religious obligation that is sacred, but "modernisation" is used as an excuse to disregard it.
– Ms Huma Imam
Dubai
In this modern world, some people or countries continue following their traditional lifestyle — food and dress. This clearly coincides with their traditions and they strictly follow them. However, modernisation is nothing but change, which is a requirement in today's life. Also, adherence to traditions should not be a hindrance to become modern.
– Mr Ramachandran Nair
Ruwi, Oman
Gulf News Reader's Club member
Women should be given the choice to wear or not to wear the abaya.
There was a time in history when women had practically no or very little rights. Things have changed, but there are countries where women have not achieved even basic rights. That is wrong. Women should have equal rights. Whether to wear the abaya or not, should be their choice. To me, women look very graceful and pleasant in the abaya.
– Mr C. S. Sagoo
Dubai
Women should be given the choice to wear an abaya because there is no compulsion in religion. Tradition should not be confused with religion. An Arab Muslim might wear an abaya but an Arab Christian might not. Women shouldn't be forced to wear an abaya even if they're Muslims because how a person practises his religion is his own choice.
– Ms Arfa Shahid Seddiqi
Dubai
Dressing appropriately delivers a good impression, like the saying "first impression is the last impression". Traditional dress for any community is always good. In my opinion, the abaya is compulsory for ladies. There's no choice. Nowadays we see there are some kinds of abayas, which are part of fashion. It is better that these abaya shouldn't be worn.
– Mr Abid Hussain
Jhelum, Pakistan
The abaya represents a sign of respect. Traditions do have great significance, but if they take a form of restriction, then probably there should be a change. The best way could be to leave the choice to the woman. Rather than judging a person by external appearance, what matters is education, awareness and good behaviour of the person.
– Ms Roshni Ahuja
Dubai
Dress is a reflection of the morality of an individual.
Attire is what a person chooses to wear due to style or tradition. It has nothing to do with "morality". As they say "never judge a book by it's cover". A person bedecked from head to toe in "proper" garb, could be the devil in disguise. However, a skimpily clad girl would most likely be doing so because that's what's "in". It's preferable we judge on views and attitudes.
– Mr Nikeel Idnani
Dubai
Dress has a very strong impact on one's personality. Dubai is a cosmopolitan city. Everyone is representing his/her country. The dress code describes and represents his/her religion, family and dignity. So people should be very careful in choosing right attire for themselves. Now it's not acceptable to take dressing for granted, you have to be quite mature about it!
– Dr Benish Riaz
Abu Dhabi
Some people are just used to wearing revealing clothes because they are just used to that. It doesn't mean they are immoral. You can find a girl covered from head to toe, but leading an immoral life. By hiding behind her veil she wants to show that she is respectful. What you wear doesn't necessary reflect who you are, what matters is what's inside of you.
– Ms Amani Elabed
Abu Dhabi
Dress is often a reflection of one's attitude and character. Some people may be bold, others may be aggressive, conservative, and humble. Morality is only a small subset of one's attitude. People's attitude can change based on the environment they are in. When it comes to people's dress, what may look immoral in one society may look decent in another.
– Mr M. Harikumar
Dubai
