Opinions | Letters
October 14, 2009
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:00 October 14, 2009
- Reader comments (0)
Animals are not toys
We treated all our pets, which include rescued dogs, cats and birds on World Animal Day, celebrated recently. We spent more time with them and abstained from eating non-vegetarian food.
Additionally, we dressed them up, took pictures and held special prayers for their health, too. We would like to request everyone not to treat animals or birds as toys, for they too can get hurt. They yearn for love, too. If you don't like animals, leave them alone.
Please don't throw stones at them, burn their tails or hurt them "just for fun" — you would never want such treatment to be meted out to you or your children. Animals cannot speak and will retaliate if provoked.
From Emma Jairam
UAE
Stop being a failure
Children should be happy to attend school as then they will learn better. Some children attend school with the constant fear of being punished or beaten by their teachers.
Even though corporal punishment is not allowed, some teachers abuse children by beating them. Since strict punishments are not meted out to such teachers, they continue to do as they please.
When parents complain, they are given false assurances from the management, while some reason that the teachers might be indulging in such practices because the child might be naughty.
Often, the parents are termed as being "fussy", too. If a teacher is unable to control young children without beating them, he or she is not fit to teach. I am a teacher, too, and came across a few mistakes in my son's notebook, recently.
When I pointed these out to his teacher, she started mistreating my son. I studied in a school where beating was strictly not allowed and I turned out to be a good pupil. Teachers should inspire children with love, words and good deeds. Stop abusing children.
Remember, when you beat a child you are beating yourself, too, because as a teacher you are a big failure. The authorities should accept complaints from parents even if there is no evidence of abuse. Additionally, teachers must be warned against such acts, too.
From A Reader
Dealing with older drivers
While some may consider raising the age limit for driving licence-holders from 18 to 21 years, I would like to focus on reducing road rage and the arrogant nature of certain motorists.
Here's a familiar scene: you're driving in your lane abiding by the road rules when an arrogant driver switches lanes without indicating, oblivious to the fact that you might be at a signal or even at a U-turn!
While this is extremely infuriating, you learn to let go. I have experienced this behaviour on many occasions, particularly from middle-aged drivers who probably think that they can behave in such a manner with younger motorists. Isn't it drivers like these who pose a threat with their "wonderful" driving skills?
The 'mouse' rules
As a student, I feel our dependence on technology has increased to a great extent. I know a lot of students who choose to rely more on the internet than on books for research, especially if they require additional information for an assignment or project.
Most do not wish to acknowledge the importance of traditional means of research. Sadly, books seem to have lost their charm, too. This [is causing] students to develop a more casual attitude towards their studies and assignments.
Ms Fatima S.
Going green is possible
This is in response to the letter by Ms Naina Nair wherein she supports the idea of replacing bottled water with reusable water bottles. This is absolutely possible.
Each time my family and I go out, we carry our own supply of water — irrespective of whether we are in the UAE or back home in India. We buy bottled water only if our supplies run out. This practice is very easy to implement. All one needs to do is be a little more responsible and patient.
From Ms Hussain Y.
Abu Dhabi
Keep germs away
I fear swine flu will spread mainly due to the low level of hygiene and sanitation. A few days ago, a female attendant at a restaurant sneezed into her gloves and continued to serve me — or intended to do so!
Each time someone spits on the street there is a proliferation of bacteria and germs. I request everyone to maintain hygiene and wash hands or use a sanitiser gel.
Discard used tissue paper in a proper manner after each use. Often, people just throw this in the trash bin soon after they sneeze or cough. It is very worrying.
From Ms Sarah A. W.
Abu Dhabi
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