People do change.
There is an age old conflict between those who support the fact that ‘people do change’ and those who say that ‘People do not change’. This letter is written from the perspective that ‘people do change’. Medical studies are trying to understand how and when our personality, knowledge and beliefs start forming. Scientists believe that for the first eight years of our age, we consolidate most of our knowledge and form our personality. A combination of our environment, education and role models are the vital elements in our growing up process. Bearing all these in mind someone can claim that the game is lost and that nobody can change his or her character or personality after a certain age. This statement is true but not fully. It is true that a man or woman cannot easily alter his or her character or knowledge level, unless he or she wants to do so. The statement ‘people cannot change’ misses a factor that can up-end all the things we know about changes and possibilities. This factor is motivation. In my life I saw addicts quit heavy drugs for the sake of their beloved ones. I saw elderly graduates from universities, who returned to studying just because they wanted to. I saw rehabilitated criminals helping fight crime. I saw people change the dark spots in their personality, like jealousy and egotism to save their relationships. I witnessed miracles that made me believe that people do change as long as they find a good reason to do so.
From Mr Ioannis Saplamidis
Dubai
The truth of living
Living in a fast-moving society where brands have taken over the world, I am not really sure if such boycotts even exist (‘Israel boycott targets major brands,’ Gulf News, February 3). These brands are consumed all over the world and they have become a necessity in one’s life. These brands are now the lifestyle of billions of people and nobody can fully boycott them even if they wanted to. The beliefs that people hold on to is a separate thing and boycotting brands won’t really make a difference I think. In fact it would make people’s lives harder. To be honest I think such matters should be kept separate and people should focus on how they can help each other, not what they can do to make a statement.
From Ms Sumera malik
Sharjah
Connecting lines
This is with reference to the news item that the Metro service is expanding to cover more areas (‘Dubai Metro to have 70 stations by 2020,’ Gulf News, February 5). It is very good news for all Metro users. However, we have a humble request for the concerned authority that is to please consider combining the Etisalat and the Rashidiya stations. This will be a great help for commuters like me, as currently it’s quiet a long distance to change at Union Square station and it takes a lot of extra time. If the Etisalat and Rashidiya stations are connected directly or through Mirdif station, it will be very helpful. I request the authorities to consider this request.
From Mr G.P. Unni
Dubai
False complaint
I was surprised to read Mr Oscar’s complaint about improper behaviour towards his wife at Abu Dhabi corniche (‘Letters to the Editor: Teasing women at the corniche,’ Gulf News, February 4). I have been using the beach and the corniche every day for the past 18 months and only met very polite and well behaved people be it staff or the workers. It is most unfortunate if Mr Oscar’s letter makes some women stay away from all the wonderful things the corniche has to offer. We women need the fresh air and the exercise. The corniche is beautiful but moreover it is safe and secure.
From Ms Elena Braestrup
Abu Dhabi
Unfair reporting
The proclaimed policy of Gulf news of being fair seems to be disappearing day by day (‘Letters to the Editor: Why report only negative news from India?,’ Gulf News, February 4). It is quite natural that the readers start realising the fact that Gulf News is always trying to keep India in poor light. Though substantial portion of readers of Gulf News belong to India, the newspaper tends to be very keen in reporting negative news from India in all ways such as corruption, rape, accidents and strike. Interestingly, the news that brings pride to India is not reported the way it deserves to be reported by Gulf News. The latest being the appointment of the Microsoft Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who is of Indian origin. Every media including Al Jazeera and BBC highlighted the fact that an Indian was appointed as Microsoft CEO. But the headline in Gulf News simply read, ‘Satya Nadella named new Microsoft CEO only’. Gulf News has failed miserably. The mindset of editorial should change according to the change in time and be reflective of the sentiments of its readers.
From Mr Girish R. Edathitta
Dubai
Editor’s Note: Gulf News welcomes all reader feedback. We are a fair and ethical newspaper. With reference to the report on the new Microsoft CEO, Gulf News published a news report on the day of the announcement. Subsequent to that we ran an in-depth double page spread in the ‘From The Cover’ section with the headline, “India celebrates son at helm of Microsoft”. We publish news based on its journalistic value and reader relevance. There is no bias in the coverage.
Editors’ note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@ gulfnews.com. Post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet to us @GNReaders
