I dressed extra conservatively today, knowing that I might be going with Shifla to interview the religious expert. But the expert came to us. He could not have been more different from the stereotype many Americans have of extremists preaching hate. The official Islamic Council declined to comment on the Valentines story, but designated this soft-spoken architect who studies the Quran to explain the religion's view on the topic.
We aired a long soundbite in Dhiveli that boiled down to, "The religion teaches us that we must celebrate our loved ones every day, not just on this one day."
Actually, many of the objections to Valentines Day center on it being a day that is named after a Christian saint. The idea of a holiday for sweethearts would be more acceptable to some people if it were on a date other than Feb. 14 and called something other than Valentines.
Shifla, working with a producer named Afroo, put together a solid report, including two standups and lots of interviews with shopkeepers and customers, in addition to the expert. Even Rameez could agree that it was solid work that was unlikely to cause any trouble.
This package,with interesting b-roll from the shops, stood out from the rest of the boring meeting video that tends to fill up the newscasts. I hope it sets the stage for more coverage of culture and lifestyle here in addition to the all-important politics. I also learned that Maldivians decorate trees and exchange gifts during the time we celebrate Christmas. No religious significance to it, it's just that they enjoy giving gifts.
We aired a long soundbite in Dhiveli that boiled down to, "The religion teaches us that we must celebrate our loved ones every day, not just on this one day."
Actually, many of the objections to Valentines Day center on it being a day that is named after a Christian saint. The idea of a holiday for sweethearts would be more acceptable to some people if it were on a date other than Feb. 14 and called something other than Valentines.
Shifla, working with a producer named Afroo, put together a solid report, including two standups and lots of interviews with shopkeepers and customers, in addition to the expert. Even Rameez could agree that it was solid work that was unlikely to cause any trouble.
This package,with interesting b-roll from the shops, stood out from the rest of the boring meeting video that tends to fill up the newscasts. I hope it sets the stage for more coverage of culture and lifestyle here in addition to the all-important politics. I also learned that Maldivians decorate trees and exchange gifts during the time we celebrate Christmas. No religious significance to it, it's just that they enjoy giving gifts.
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