KUWAIT: MediaÜrelated fears can be multiple and diverse. These may be general or specific in nature and at times are unique to a single individual as the fear of speaking to the media involves both personal and social dimensions. Al Watan Daily decided to investigate this phenomenon in Kuwait in order to shed light on the various reasons behind the caution people take when being involved with the media.
Al Watan Daily conducted several interviews over the issue of people being cautious of talking to the media and most of the people agreed that talking to the media in Kuwait is like getting involved in a scandal and that people here do not like being exposed to the media and to the public in general because Kuwait is a small country and most of the families know each other.
Ali told Al Watan Daily, "If I am stopped by any of the local media and asked my opinion over any topic, I don''t really like to participate or share my opinion because of the possibility of using what I say against me, and many media professionals tend to make up stories to spice up their articles. This is what I hate about the media here in Kuwait. They don''t always tell the truth. Why should I give my opinion about a certain topic and then find out that something else was written?"
Mai added: "Some journalists misuse the information we give them, and that is why a lot of people prefer not to be involved with any of the newspapers as false information is used under their names."
Other people said they preferred not to speak to the media because they were simply too shy to speak about certain topics that they may consider as taboo in Kuwaiti society.
An anonymous interview said, "I don''t like to talk to the media. I feel shy and embarrassed. Whenever I am stopped by a reporter to talk about something, I don''t like to talk. I actually don''t like to see my name in the newspapers, especially if the topic is critical or considered taboo in Kuwait. I prefer being away from the spotlight. People in Kuwait enjoy gossiping, and if my husband saw my name in the paper for any reason I would be in trouble."
Women said they face more problems when they are stopped by the press than men, because by Kuwaiti nature women tend to be more shy then men.
"As for me, I won''t ever stop and talk in front a TV channel or to a reporter; I would really feel embarrassed and shy. I also can''t face such a situation because being a Kuwaiti woman with the Kuwaiti mentality in Kuwait means that we have to keep away from the public and not become famous through the newspapers," Hanadi said.
Some interviewed said they feared repercussions in the work space, such as fear of losing their job, if their opinion or comments were misunderstood, or even if they said something against their company''s policy.
"I don''t like to be interviewed by any newspaper because I don''t like to have problems at my work. Sometimes you can say something and you can be put in trouble for it. So I prefer to be on the safe side and keep away from the media," Hanan added.
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Last updated on Monday 16/11/2009
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