The question ‘What Do You see?’ in reference to the current state of affairs in Kuwait, is a question that I usually get in meetings and tend to dodge to avoid entering into a complaining session about the country in the middle of the work day.
Then, several months ago I was on a red-eye flight back to Kuwait and I began to think what if I am to answer the question. I started writing what came to mind. By touchdown I found myself to have jotted down a collection of contradicting thoughts that have taken the form of a written essay, albeit a loosely-constructed, colloquial essay.
That was in November of 2014. In the weeks that followed I shared that set of contradicting thoughts on LinkedIn, and other social networks, and saw an interesting discussion take place. Since then, two of my colleagues have been working on transforming those thoughts into a visual essay. The result was this well crafted video.
Thank you Mohamed Amin, who shot and edited this video, and Rula Liddawi, who produced and narrated it, for translating my written notes into visual ones.
– Fawaz Al Sirri
Fawaz is the Managing Partner at Bensirri, a local public relations firm. I’ve worked with him a few times and I actually like the guy a lot. I remember the first time I met Fawaz was a few years ago during a meeting in which a digital agency was proposing paying bloggers to write about a brand. Fawaz told the guy that it was unethical to do that and I remember thinking in my head finally, someone else who finds that wrong! It’s why I now always refer Bensirri when anyone asks me if I know of a good PR firm. [YouTube]
26 replies on “What do you see?”
Thats totally true.. I really hope every one else see what we see.. if you look good you will find perfection in imperfection
What I see is a very small GCC nation, that has the potential to be a great nation, whose people have more interest in what’s abroad then what’s plaguing their nation. What I see, as in many countries, a burgeoning youth population of around 54% who have their entire future sabotaged by self-serving leadership and indecision to move a potentially a great nation forward, and further, fail to voice their opinions to their government in a formative manner for the future of their nation. What I see sickens me, that in every aspect of society there is continuous waste of the talents of a nation which lie stagnant, because of government inefficiency and agendas that fail a nation on a broad scale. What I see is that neighboring GCC nations offer constructive solutions to Kuwait’s problems, but Kuwait continues to try to convince itself that everything is fine as they travel down the same underdeveloped road systems, walk over the same trash I do, and try to get paperwork done in the same government ministries that I do. What I see is a nation of very creative and talented young people which is stifling by a society that I feel is not representative of the Kuwait that they want to live in today and to solve their frustrations on the lack of progress travel through the same airport gateway that I travel through which should have been rebuilt decades ago. What I see are simple solutions to most of Kuwait’s problems, hence, you should see where my lack of respect for Kuwait comes from now.
I’ve never commented here but I I want to say THANK YOU for this very true comment that sums up The state of Kuwait right now!
My relationship with Kuwait is like a girlfriend you have given everything for and she doesn’t even acknowledge your existence or call you back when you have dedicated your life to her and know no one else.
Just amazing with both positive and negative points in it such an awesome video
Well done. Do you know who wrote the script? The voice-over has implacable mid-western accent, is she Kuwaiti?
Opps, I think my questions were answered in the last paragraph. Cheers.
Nice, and most of us I believe see the same.
But it is hard when you as an expat always live on the edge never knowing when your forced to leave behind half of your best years.
Over a misdemeanor or just the pure evil of locals.
Let us see without fear…
The pure evil of locals?? All locals? Would you care to elaborate?!
according to your logic and generalization, you should leave the country because you violated the law by entering/working in Kuwait under the wrong visa, broke many local laws, yet you are the one complaining,like all of you do.
know what the law is before coming and don’t break it, don’t pay off someone to stamp residency, don’t pay off agents in your home country to get you the wrong visa, don’t be an evil expat, and you’re safe
Contradictions and inconsistencies abound everywhere.
I’ll say. The rent is too damn high.
I’m a Kuwaiti, born and bred. If anyone thinks that the country isn’t fucked up is kidding themselves. Yes, I love it here, and yes I consider it my home, but it doesn’t mean I can’t criticise it. I don’t know where to start with the problems in Kuwait. I’ve had just a few experiences with ministries and public sector in Kuwait because of my age and I’ve never left satisfied. I always left wondering how is it possible that a group of individuals can be this incompetent? The Ministry of Higher Education is a shambles. No one turns up for work, their “friends” cover for them. When I went to get my drivers license the whole process was a headache. Just going to my local clinic in the Co-op gives me a headache! The money isn’t being properly utilised in the country. Malls after malls after malls! That’s what’s being built. They’ve built a 60,000 capacity football stadium and now suddenly something is wrong with the pitch! The new airport should be ready around 2035 and the metro system will be done when we’re all dead! The country is broken and some one needs to fix it.
Relax, If you call these problems “challenges” then they should sound less severe.
For example:
The Modern day Slavery/Human trafficking problems, becomes “Social Challenges”
Measured and beautifully presented. It makes the point at a good pitch in perfect balance – something I have not been able to achieve. I agree with every word.
Thank you for sharing it.
PR at its best, but does not change reality.
The beginnings of great things usually look like this video, or a dirty graffiti on a wall!
Love the video and the message wanted to be delivered.
Regarding Kuwait the contradiction is that the things that contribute to Kuwait’s strengths and uniqueness at the same time causing stagnation and weaknesses.
I see people who choose to be kind to animals. Who give us four-legged a second chance at life by welcoming us into their homes. I see children and their parents, students and their teachers, doing their bit to save the environment by cleaning beaches. I see humans, Kuwaitis and expats, all working passionately towards a good cause. I see kind people who go out of their way to rescue animals, even though they have a busy day. I see people with new ideas, a big heart, a smile on their face, and a forever helping hand. I see grass and sea and sand; butterflies and dragonflies and beautiful flowers; dogs and cats and children; paw prints and bird prints and crab prints – all pretty sights when I take a walk. And I see everyday as a brand new day to be my best as a good dog. I choose to see the joy around me, and it makes every moment special. Maybe it’s because I’m a dog and it’s my natural self. Kuwait has only been kind to me; I was born here as a pup, and its my home! Thanks so much Mr Fawaz and Mr Mark for asking #whatdoyousee?
I see people treating each other nicely and peacefully on the streets… I see love everywhere and respect for all colors and backgrounds …
But most importantly, I see home…
Its an excellent video. But I’m really curious, did they get permission from the people who you can clearly see their faces on the video, to be in it? Or were they recorded without prior consent?
The worst part of this video isn’t that it spends 99% of its dialogue insulting the “complaining” layman public. The worst part of this video is that it spends its entirety of sorry 4 minutes and 4 seconds not saying anything. “We’re diverse, lets love each other” is not a message its a cry for attention.
Also, the “reckless men, wise women” comments made no sense in the context either except to serve for more attention wh$ring.
I mean its well shot in some parts, but seriously WTF is it trying to do except gain the attention and the approval of further BS that we all don’t really need right now?
its Bull Shit…Advertising for failure in a good way
People who made the video are delusional
what do I see?
A very confused girl
Very nice video. If Kuwait is going to change its only going to happen if the Kuwaiti youth start believing in themselves and start taking charge. If they wait too long then I am sure they will turn into reflections of their older counterparts who currently run things.
In the meantime i am not sure what role can the two million expats, who can never completely call Kuwait their home, play.