05. Look twice and broaden your cultural perspective
What it Is:
A Dubai bill board showing two men in traditional clothing. Close to one another, within each other’s personal space. The expression on their faces is soft, almost sensual. Their noses more or less touch. Is this a billboard for a movie? Are we looking at movie stars? The movie story line one can image doesn’t seem to fit the environment. We ask a local shopkeeper for translation. He is proud to help us out. It happens to be the billboard for his shop. And indeed, on the fascia of his modest store front we see the same Arab text lines, including the translation. You could have fooled us.
Why it's cool:
It is about global places and local habits. No matter how global you get, local habits grab you at unexpected moments like these. It’s often a strange mix of surprise and discomfort. But you learn more about the culture you are in. And about your own prejudices.
Science of the Time’s interpretation:
An invitation to see twice and realise that your perspective does not have to involve the whole truth, is what our globe needs in very many different moments.{/exp:shj_imgmodifier}