How easy and acceptable it is to lose something very personal and precious? Losing anything of great value is undoubtedly displeasing and frustrating. How about losing part of our personal identity which represents our nationality and who we are? Can you tolerate losing some of your cultural traditions that are part of the country where you have been brought up? Isn't it offensive?
Does anybody accept to be described by others as a person who has no identity or as being disrespectful to his culture or country? I don't think we do! It is very disgraceful to see people around us disrespecting themselves and their national identity. They are more influenced by the globalisation and modern technology. This is obviously reflected in the way they dress and behave, especially in public. Some are also affected by Hollywood fashion and action movies as they imitate some of the dress styles or behaviour while paying no attention to their original traditions and morals.
Such people believe they are keeping up with the fashion when they dress in a strange and awkward way which does not conform to the normal standards. They rarely use their national dress, even when they go officially to a public place or while approaching any government and private establishment for any official work. Don't these people feel embarrassed to face their fellowmen in such a fashion, inviting looks of disgust and disrespect? Shame on them!
How do you look at or deal with a man approaching a government department to apply for a certain service, wearing a short pant and shirt or a sleeping pyjama? Can you imagine a man coming for treatment in a public hospital wearing a casual pant and shirt? I think the public officials deserve more respect than this.
Generally, every nation around the world has its own speciality which is the national identity of the people of that country. The people’s identity reflects the morality behind their culture and traditions. For instance, the way people dress, greet one another or speak to others are part of their culture.
Therefore, national identity can be shaped through literature, culture, arts, traditions, clothes, the folklore. However, sometimes cultures of different countries interact with each other in different fields. Thus, foreign cultures should be observed according to the way they influence other cultures.
On the occasion of the 24th National Day, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos pointed out that “It has been very clear to us that our heritage is not only represented by forts, castles and ancient buildings, but by spiritual customs and traditions, by science, art and literature transmitted by one generation to another. The real preservation of heritage will not be accomplished unless we understand this and cherish it”.
Even though the country has embraced different foreign cultures and economic values from all over the world, Oman has always stuck to its roots as far as traditions and culture are concerned. When interacting with other nations, we should embrace what suits our culture and values as well and leave aside what does not go well with the strength of our unique civilisation.
The vision of His Majesty has ensured that any development has to be in accordance to the Omani people's cultural identity and natural environment and avoiding overdevelopment which is typical of some countries in the region. Accordingly, it is very important that young Omanis learn more about their culture and nationality. The development of national identity is key to the development of our nation.
In fact, our youths play a significant role in shaping the country’s future. An identity could be reflected or seen by the way in which a person faces and uses his experience.
Preserving a national identity is a shared responsibility between all segments of people in the society. People, especially the youth and teenagers should stop focusing on blind imitations from other countries. They must not carelessly imitate other cultures. Omanis should be proud of their rich culture and pristine heritage that differentiate them from others in the region.