We need to change stereotypes in fairy tales
The limitations set on women in fairy tales is precisely what has been on my mind lately (‘Fairy tales and their limited view of beauty’, Gulf News, May 12). My daughter thinks that all princesses, and girls for that matter, are meant to look pretty, marry their Prince Charming and cook food. I would actually, for once, want to lay my hands on a book where the princess does anything but look pretty and wait for her prince.
From Ms Shraddha Bhandari-Mehta
UAE
Facebook comment
Wrongly portrayed
This is very true, not only have the words ‘Allahu Akbar’ been hijacked, but Islam as a whole is under threat (‘The words ‘Allahu Akbar’ have been hijacked by extremists’, Gulf News, May 12)! It is time Muslim brothers and sisters showed everyone what Islam is all about, through their actions of peace, harmony, tolerance and brotherhood.
From Mr Shoaib Wadiwalla
UAE
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The beauty of religion
How can Muslims portray a good image of Islam, when most lack knowledge themselves? Instead of questioning a woman’s dress sense, pay attention to the weight of her words, for even a hijabi and bearded man can be sinners.
Many of us lack kindness and knowledge of etiquette when advising others in such matters. The best way to spread the truth about the beauty of Islam is to first beautify our own nature and character. There are so many non-Muslims helping Muslims fight injustice and discrimination, while Muslims are busy fighting each other in the comments section of social media. Once we beautify the way we interact with everyone, it’ll naturally attract people towards Islam and they will question the overtly negative portrayal of us.
From Mr Shaheen Khan
UAE
Facebook comment
Beautiful speech
Thanks to the Saudi princess for her words, we are very happy to see her in the forum, presenting such a beautiful speech (‘A princess’ theory on how to make society happy, Gulf News, May 13). It’s a very proud moment for all Muslims, especially women.
From Ms Tabassum Ziaullah
Dubai
Facebook comment
What it’s truly about
As a new Muslim, I agree with the importance of spreading the proper message. When I first came to Dubai, I would not have predicted that I would embrace Islam. But, I made some friends who would often talk about why they do things or why they don’t do things, the logic to it, the peacefulness of it and the love. I liked what Islam was about and then a few months ago, I just felt like I wanted to convert and that I was ready.
I truly don’t think that would have happened had I not been taught about the true meaning of Islam.
From Ms Lili Maria
Dubai
Facebook comment
Don’t deflect societal issues
If something wrong has happened in Pakistan or anywhere else, bringing out the faults of another country is not going to make it right (‘Three women in one family murdered for ‘honour’ in Pakistan’, Gulf News, May 12). If your house is on fire, you try to extinguish it, and not stand and compare it to the fire next door. What has happened is very wrong, and we should all strive to make sure that things like this don’t happen. No matter which country it happens in, it doesn’t necessarily reflect the whole population’s belief, but justifying it or being in denial is more detrimental to your own society. We should feel the pain of the victims — irrespective of such incidents happening in India or Pakistan, or anywhere.
I think we should just forget the divisiveness between Indians and Pakistanis, and just unite against these heinous crimes, as we all know good people are there on both sides of the border, and we all want peace and security.
From Mr Mahnaaz Shaikh
Goa, India
Facebook comment
No one deserves this
It’s horrible, no matter where it has happened. No one deserves this. I agree that we should be praying for those girls or women who are at risk, but we also need to fight.
From Ms Karolinka M.
Prague, Czech Republic
Facebook comment
Freedom being exploited
India’s High Court Justice Kamal Pasha asked the political parties of Kerala not to drag the murder of Jisha into the Kerala Assembly elections, which were on May 16 (‘Letters to the editor: India needs to take action’, Gulf News, May 12). It was a tragic incident in which, the Kerala Police need time to investigate the case and nab the culprits.
In most of the murder cases in the state, the fourth estate conducts an investigation and finds the culprit before the police do. The media often announces the final verdict before the court does. No other country would give such freedom to the press, like Kerala does.
From Mr Sunny Joseph Mala
Kerala, India
Obama will be remembered
We can describe this as a visit without apology, a visit with a mission and prejudice, a visit with the head of a nation that has suffered, and a visit to those who have been inflicted (‘70 years after Hiroshima, Obama to pay historic visit’, Gulf News, May 10). The enemies of the past are close friends now. Even though there is no explicit apology, with this historic visit, US President Barack Obama is actually trying to liberate his country from the sins of past commissions and omissions in more ways. He constructed many relations worldwide that were destroyed by his predecessors in the name of imperialism. Obama will be well remembered, even after he leaves office, as his words and deeds are sincere and concurrent.
From Mr Girish R. Edathitta
UAE
Inaccurate allegations
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s degree being authentic, made for an interesting read (‘Modi degree ‘authentic’: DU Registrar’, Gulf News, May 11). The recent allegation made by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) about Modi’s credentials and the New Delhi University registrar’s clarification is the latest development in Indian politics that will put the matter to rest. I hope this clarification will silence the AAP, before they put forward further allegations on this issue.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
Great commentary
It is really painful to know that the voice of West Indies cricket, Tony Cozier, has passed away at the age of 75. Definitely, after Australian commentator Richie Benaud, Cozier had a captivating voice, one that caused cricket lovers to become glued to their radios and television sets.
Of course, India too, had enthralling commentators like A. F. S. Thalyarkhan and Narottam Puri, who unlike the present lot, were unbiased in their narration. We definitely miss sincere commentators like Cozier and Talyarkhan. May they rest in peace!
From Ms Janaki Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
Improper disposal of garbage
People, nowadays, whether they live in a city or small village, don’t dispose waste properly. Due to this, several countries are seeing infections spread, with potentially deadly diseases, thanks to overflowing landfills and improper drainage systems. Life has changed and it’s the 21st century.
Lots of fires take place due to overflowing landfills and animals are becoming endangered and becoming extinct day by day. I would suggest that governments and citizens of every country work together to decrease the amount of waste created. This is possible, as unity is strength. Maybe we have the privilege of a clean and tidy environment, but just think about the poor, unfortunate people and animals living in areas overflowing with garbage. How would they feel? Just take some time and think about this situation, which the majority would consider to be a petty issue.
A small deed can make a huge difference.
From Ms Manasvi Madhumohan
Dubai
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