Is there hypocrisy of constant criticism of Qatar (World Cup)?

[SleepDreamThinkHuge]

I was speaking with my friends, and we all noticed how much outrage is given to Qatar compared to other countries. Yes, Qatar has some awful laws and things going in their country but so do a lot of countries. There was little outrage given to Russia World Cup 2018 and the Olympics in China but when it comes to Qatar a lot of people are virtue signalling. For example, singers like Dua Lipa saying they are not going to perform in Qatar because of human rights. But they do concerts in Dubai which have similar laws to Qatar. I think a lot of people need to realize that Qatar own or have influence to a lot of things in London (Shard, Harrods, Savoy hotel, stock exchange etc..)

I was listening to the radio and a caller made an interesting point "what country is 100 percent perfect?" Even in 2026 USA, Mexico and Canada World Cup there are many issues there. USA- Gun issues, Abortion not always being legalised etc... Mexico - lot of drug cartels there. But I bet you they will not get the same outrage as Qatar.

I don't think you understood the joke.

What racism?

@quookerhater

Bit rich of you to accuse others of racism given your posts on the royal family thread.

The western media on Qatar has been incredibly biased, skewed and disappointing. I would have expected more responsible journalism and I do think there is some racism / Islamophobia at play.

There is hypocrisy as well as a lot of sanctimonious handwringing combined with a great deal of ignorance about the actual issues and ignorance of Qatari culture, Arab culture and Islam. Many of the angry and critical posts on most platforms I have seen clearly have no idea about Qatar or the population or the laws or really anything.

Qatar has issues and it would have been beneficial if there had been more balanced reporting so that the criticisms were informed and actually highlighted the issues Qatar has rather than trying to profit from extreme headlines. That might have led to pressure on Qatar. However the sensationalized and ignorant approach that was taken has really had the opposite effect as everyone who lives in Qatar has just been looking at the media thinking - what is wrong with journalism these days - is it racism? Islamophobia? stupidity? And why do so many people think they know all about somewhere or a culture or a country just from reading biased headlines.

What happened to critical thinking or due diligence or research?

"Many of the angry and critical posts on most platforms I have seen clearly have no idea about Qatar or the population or the laws or really anything."

Really? So when people say homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, are they wrong?

No, they are not wrong. It is illegal. For the non Muslim foreign nationals, they can be gay in private but not in public. Public displays of affection is considered very private in that culture - for everyone. Physical touch between two men or two women isn't uncommon culturally - a man and a woman touching in public would get more eyebrows. As long as homosexuality flaunted or intentionally brought into the public eye - no one cares what people do in their own homes. If someone does turn it into someone public - then yes, they could be arrested and may be deported. Will they be beheaded or stoned as the headlines report and people keep telling me - no.

Within Islam, homosexuality is haram - and therefore illegal due to Islam. Qatar is a Muslim country. Within Muslim families, there are varying views on how haram it is and how much they will tolerate it - there are families who are accepting and families who are very much not accepting. This isn't a Qatar thing - this is worldwide within Islam. Homosexuality in those cases in Qatar would be dealt with via Sharia law and Sharia law courts primarily if brought to their attention - usually by angry family members.

As long as homosexuality flaunted or intentionally brought into the public eye - no one cares what people do in their own homes. If someone does turn it into someone public - then yes, they could be arrested and may be deported. Will they be beheaded or stoned as the headlines report and people keep telling me - no.

Well that's okay then. 🙄

I didn't say it was okay.

Homosexuality was once illegal in the UK as well and gay marriage has only been legal for less than a decade - in a non Islamic country that has been modernizing for centuries. Progress takes time.

Qatar has been modernizing for less than 25 years. They are also an Islamic country. Dismantling discrimination within Islam, a religion practiced by 2 billion people isn't easy. There has been slow progress on LGBT rights (turning a blind eye is progress) and the focus should be on pushing for more progress. However Qatar isn't going to become a modern, non Islamic society or a a progressive modern Islamic nation overnight. There is a very small list of Islamic countries that have made homosexuality legal.

Also for most Qatari's and even Muslim foreign nationals who have lived in Qatar long term - homosexuality is this very foreign, distorted, stereotyped, out-there concept that they have no direct experience with or exposure to. Most would tell you they have never met or interacted with someone who was homosexual. The society as a whole isn't modern enough to be well informed about it. Social media has brought it into the consciousness of the young generation and many are quite curious about what they see and read and are starting to ask questions.

Is this an example of 'slow modernising'?

www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/07/qatar-world-cup-whistleblower-was-tortured-claim-human-rights-groups