Anyone who's ever read one of the weekly women's gossip magazines would at some point have marvelled at the double standards on regular display. As an example, on the front page might be a picture of a rail thin minor celeb, all gauntness and concentration camp-chic with a suitably critical 'shock horror' banner headline. Yet, if you flick over a few pages you'll find photos of other girls who, heaven forbid, might have a shape vaguely reminiscent of an emaciated woman, and there'll be editorial remarks about how overweight that person is 'porky' seems to be the favourite comment. Mixed messages. Meanwhile back in the Sandpit, the business of sending mixed messages has become almost an art form. This week's example is the headline on
Arabian Business reporting that Sheikh Mohammed of Dubai has proclaimed "
We are back...". He continues, “All the projects that were there are going ahead,” although some may be delayed for six months to a year. Which doesn't seem to correlate with what's directly below, another headline stating that a bond prospectus posted on the London Stock Exchange website on Monday stated that Dubai has
cancelled almost half of the real estate projects planned in the emirate due to weak demand following the global financial crisis.
And all the while, back in the real world, the construction industry in Dubai is moribund, jobs are still being lost and so many people I talk to are 'just hanging on'. Reality doesn't seem to fit with the mixed messages.
Think about it this way; Sheik Mo has to be the cheerleader. Much of the economy is founded on confidence both consumer and business. If consumers are confident in the economy they're more likely to spend which spurs growth. Business are more likely to expand or borrow to do so. Uncertainty or lack of confidence and everyone becomes more cautious and things slow further.
ReplyDeleteHell, even Bush told America to go shopping after 9/11 to try and get things moving again.