Introduction
Our organisation prides itself on its commitment to freedom, human rights, and decentralisation; a vision boldly stated on our Manifesto page. Yet, we showcase photos of a celebratory offsite in Dubai, a location widely criticised for its authoritarian governance, suppression of free speech, and human rights issues. This is a contradiction, between our stated principles and the images (and actions) we chose to highlight, it’s prompted me to reflect on how easily our message can become blurred.
Where Message and Image Clash
Dubai’s reputation as a hub of luxury is often linked to glamour and opulence. However, beneath that glitter lies a political and social climate at odds with our organisation’s professed values. By publishing pictures of our team enjoying an event in a place that fails to uphold basic freedoms, we risk undermining the very ideals we claim to champion. The marble and gold and lambos and super-yachts and architectural marvels that draw people to Dubai can glow so bright it drowns out its regimes’ controversial track record. Yet our principles demand that we look beyond the glamour to the human rights realities on the ground.
Perception vs. Reality
Perception is powerful. The photos we choose to showcase on our Manifesto page act as a visual representation of who we are and what we stand for. While the offsite itself might have been an innocent gathering or a necessary logistical choice, these images can inadvertently signal hypocrisy to anyone unfamiliar with the full context. Even if our intentions were pure, the optics matter. Supporters and newcomers alike may question how seriously we take our commitment to freedom when we appear to celebrate in a city notorious for curtailing it.
Why This Matters
When we speak loudly about freedom and decentralisation yet partner with or highlight locations that contradict those ideals, we risk diminishing our moral authority.
Our audience, community, and potential collaborators look for consistency. Any visible discrepancy between our words and actions can chip away at the trust we’ve built or hope to build.
Standing for human rights implies an active stance, not just passive mention. Whether by carefully choosing our venues or highlighting local advocates, our actions must reinforce our message.
Realigning with Our Principles (What Now?)
Acknowledging this misstep is the first step toward realignment. We can take immediate, concrete actions to uphold our stated principles:
Step 1: Removing or Replacing the Images
A direct way to mitigate the perception of inconsistency is to remove these particular photos from the Manifesto page or replace them with imagery that more faithfully represents our commitment to human rights.
Step 2: Reflecting on Future Venues
When planning events, consider the ethical climate and human rights record of potential locations. This demonstrates a thoughtful approach that matches our ideals.
Step 3: Open Acknowledgment and Dialogue
Posting a brief statement about why these photos were removed, acknowledging the misalignment, could strengthen rather than weaken our credibility. It shows humility and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
Step 4: Highlighting Local Change Agents
If we do find ourselves in places with difficult human rights records, we could use that opportunity to amplify the work of or collaborate with local activists, nonprofits, or other voices working for change in those regions.
Looking Ahead
This instance offers a valuable reminder that living up to our values is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. As a mission-driven organisation, we must continually scrutinise our choices to ensure they reflect our stated commitments. The allure of a dazzling destination can momentarily distract from our core principles, but each decision, venue selection, public-facing images, and partnerships, either moves us closer to or further from our vision.
As I reflect on this issue, I want to highlight more than just a simple lapse in judgment; we need to understand the fragility of perception and the need for constant vigilance. I want to clearly state that this is not an attack on anyone featured in the photos or anyone who attended the offsite. However, by recognising the contradiction and taking steps to correct course, we can reaffirm our dedication to freedom, decentralisation, and human rights. Actions that align with our words will ensure our Manifesto remains authentic and truly representative of who we are, and who we aspire to be.
