Saudi Arabia is a country that has long been mired in controversy. Recently, the Saudi Arabian government has received criticism about its human rights, or rather lack of. They have long been criticized for their lack of human rights, treatment towards women, corruption and the royal families dealings. Last year, they were under heavy fire as it had been discovered that the royal family had assassinated and tortured Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Nonetheless, the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) signed a ten-year deal with the government to put on two shows per year. These shows amount to nothing more than a false positive political public relations campaign by the Saudi Arabian government.
Many students and staff at California State University, East Bay have long watched wrestling, with some people going on decades of loyalty.
A majority of the world knows all about the inhumane treatment the Saudi Arabian government imposes on its people and Saudi Arabia naturally does not like the bad PR they receive for it.
However, at every wrestling show they have had, the announcers commentators and even wrestlers have gone on and on about how progressive Saudi Arabia is, how it’s a wonderful country and how its one of the leading countries for human rights.
It is to the point of parody as this is so untrue and they are clearly being encouraged to forget about their morals and just spout propaganda. Saudi Arabia was the last country to allow women to drive, and they still cannot be outside without a man. If you are not a straight Muslim, they may you execute in the streets.
Here at CSUEB diversity is loved, and thrived upon. We accept people of all races, genders and backgrounds. We love everyone and Saudi Arabia is a huge contrast to this.
It is one of the most corrupt and conservative countries on Earth, and has arguably the worst human rights of any country. So when I hear for 12 minutes how progressive and diverse Saudi Arabia is by the commentator, I know its complete bogus and is a PR move.
East Bay is one of the most diverse locations in the world and sadly Saudi Arabia does not promote anything like that.
They are shamelessly using wrestling as a plug for how great Saudi Arabia is, because wrestling is a global platform. And I see through it, it is a shameless lie and Saudi Arabia should stay out of wrestling and keep their politics away; it’s supposed to be a fun show and that is why many students and staff watch it to begin with.