The Jeddah International Motor Show has just ended its ten-day exhibition. It showcased a wide selection of new models already on sale or on their way to the showrooms. It was a giant car showroom for those looking for a new car or simply curious about seeing new models. There were no concept cars or visionary models of what cars in the future might be like. This is a reflection of our being consumers rather than producers or innovators.
In such shows in car-manufacturing countries, companies display future models based on what they believe the public will need or demand. Those same companies are not interested in encouraging our younger generation to think and be innovative. Why should they be? That is the role of our schools and science centers. Why was neither involved in the exhibition? They could have provided interactive, multi-media, educational booths related to cars and their future potential. Instead of encouraging creativity in our youth, we encourage them to drive recklessly as is evident from the competitions held at the motor show.
To make the point once again that we are a society of consumers rather than of thinkers, consider last month’s book exhibition. Most of the books were new editions of old ones; too many of the new ones were recycled with different titles and authors. No wonder we are a society of consumers! There are restrictions on our minds but not on our pockets. It is comparatively easy to open a clothing store or a shoe store — just glance at any of our ubiquitous malls. But have you heard of anyone setting up a publishing company or a science lab?
The danger is not being exposed to ideas that are different from ours; the danger is ignorance. Knowledge is power. Sept. 11 and what followed caught us with eyes closed and ears covered because we had refused to see what was going on and to listen to what was being said. The purpose of a book exhibition is to expose us to a wide variety of books and inform us about what is going on in the publishing world, particularly what pertains to new technology.
And speaking of technology, you may ask what was in the computer show held here a few months ago. Nothing. It was disappointing. There were many software programs displayed — on a limited range of categories, I must say — but few hardware technologies. There were no displays of new gadgets or software developments which entered the market a few months later. In other words, even as consumers, we are not being catered to by manufacturing companies on any serious level. Most IT exhibitions, including those in Dubai, are fascinating and interesting, even for those who are not computer-literate or technology junkies. The purpose of computer shows is to inform us of the technologies being developed for the future and to get our feedback in order to improve them and determine their potential demand and success.
Arab News Features 1 January 2002
