Thinking again of the vast amusement park that is Dubai, one cannot help but be impressed by the skilful way the Sheikh and his henchmen have incorporated elements of previous civilisations into the holiday experience. The older people among us still harbour dim memories of a time when America was a force to be reckoned with in the world and they are no doubt pleased, as they stagger off their Costa Cruise ship, to find such remnants of a vanished civilisation as Starbucks, MacDonalds, Subway and KFC. And if you are prepared to look carefully, you may find vestiges of an even older culture: close inspection of the manhole covers reveals that they were all manufactured in the United Kingdom.
But what of today's civilisation? How are we to recognise it? The Authorities are understandably anxious not to distract too much attention from the holiday spirit, but from time to time one may come across a sign that betrays a deeper agenda. "Excessive displays of affection should be avoided" (no problem as far as I'm concerned); "Please dress respectfully" (don't I always?). And then there are the imposing but ultimately meaningless advertising slogans: "Truth is Reality", "Any Time is Icy Time".
But what of today's civilisation? How are we to recognise it? The Authorities are understandably anxious not to distract too much attention from the holiday spirit, but from time to time one may come across a sign that betrays a deeper agenda. "Excessive displays of affection should be avoided" (no problem as far as I'm concerned); "Please dress respectfully" (don't I always?). And then there are the imposing but ultimately meaningless advertising slogans: "Truth is Reality", "Any Time is Icy Time".
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