Will we always need feminism?
I became a feminist very recently, probably two or three months ago. Becoming a feminist was like having a sudden epiphany about the condition of our society. It made me see the world – every little aspect of the world – in a different way.
Many of my friends don’t believe in feminism. They think that it involves the encouragement of the growth of women, but also oppresses men. Much to the contrary, feminism is just the sentiment or belief that women are created equal to men and should be treated in the same way. It is the hope that one day we won’t be bound by the limitations that were imposed on us because of our gender.
I’d like to believe that in today’s modern world there is no need for feminism. Then I think about regions where women cannot leave their homes without a male family member, and I realise that we are still very much in need of feminism.
In the past century, women have gained recognition and an almost equal status as men in many countries. But some of the recognised equalities are just constitutional or superficial and aren’t actually followed.
Feminism is a stand against gender-based discrimination, and I am taking that stand. Maybe sometime in the future, hopefully sometime soon, more people will become feminists and a time will come when feminism won’t be required any more.
From Ms Paakhi Bhatnagar
Dubai
Unnecessary
What a silly controversy! Fox shouldn’t have apologised for the X-Men poster (‘‘X-Men’ poster controversy, Fox apologises’, Gulf News, June 5). It’s a fictional movie, and it doesn’t condone violence against women!
From Mr Siva Nadar
UAE
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Real for others
Mr Siva Nadar, it may be fictional for you, but it’s not for others. There are people who like to bully, mistreat and abuse women, as is happening around the world! Don’t be so naive, please. Some people do what they see!
From Ms Elize Vols Quaint
UAE
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‘Slacktivism’
I have nothing against feminism, but in this day, where anyone with a laptop is an activist, modern movements for social causes just come off as plain trolling.
From Mr Jaqen H’gar
UAE
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Fighting intolerance
These women just need to try their best to answer some of the people with their loud voices and millions of made up stories about Islam, the Prophet Mohammad [PBUH], the Quran and Muslims (‘Muslim women push for change in US politics’, Gulf News, June 4). The whole political arena will change automatically in that process. Fighting the rumours and fears about Islam by intolerant Americans are a greater threat to American Muslims than the Donald Trump phenomenon.
From Mr Shamir Mrimmoy
UAE
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A beneficial time for all
The UAE being an Islamic country, Ramadan is a way of life. It’s an annual observance that every Muslim ought to do in their life to secure salvation. Ramadan can be a challenge for newcomers, as Middle Eastern countries have certain laws during this time period. But, the sooner the non-Muslim expatriates can prepare themselves to make the minor adjustments required, the faster they can begin to take advantage of the major benefits of the month-long period. Apart from the festive atmosphere, another feeling prevalent during this time is charity.
Charities receive more donations than ever in Ramadan. Mosques host public iftars and are open to all. It’s often donated by members of the community. A lot of charity drives are organised by those who wish to help and give back to the community. Time spent during Ramadan can be a life changing experience. While there is superficial side to it that dabbles in excess of food and shopping, there’s also the heart-warming side that makes one proud to be living here. Most non-Muslim expatriates enjoy Ramadan as much as Muslims and are affected in a positive way.
From Ms Shivani Singh
Abu Dhabi
A time for charity
This year will be my 16th year in the UAE, and every Ramadan I admire my Muslim brothers’ devotion and discipline during this period. Many give charity to needy. Evening iftar celebrations are not only colourful, but also with a variety of items including dates. Every year the celebrations of Ramadan grow in the UAE and many children participate in cultural activities. Happy Ramadan to my UAE friends.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
Cleaning our bodies and souls
When I was a child, and I started to understand what Ramadan is and how my parents and elders fasted this month, I asked my mother how we fast. I thought that you got up in the early morning and kept something safe in the wardrobe and then take it back by evening. She told me that this is the month to make our bodies and our souls more clean and fresh by fasting.
I remember that conversation still so clearly. I have never missed a day of Ramadan.
From Mr Mohammad Sarmad
UAE
Taking care of employees
Companies needs to think about the labourers who are coming to work in the Gulf countries away from their families just to make money to send home (‘Companies told to follow midday break rule’, Gulf News, June 5). They need to be taken care of by companies.
From Mr Gitesh Asangaye
UAE
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A little goes a long way
Excellent work by the Ministry of Labour. These labourers are the most hard working people. They work hard under the tremendous heat and such care for them goes a long way. God bless the authorities.
From Mr Govind Nayak
Dubai
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What is happening?
Gone are the days when humans migrated due to natural disasters like, earthquakes, floods and tornadoes (‘Bodies of more than 100 migrants wash up on Libya beach’, Gulf News, June 4). Today humans are running away from their own kind to seek shelter in countries far away. It’s easily predictable that humans won’t last long on this planet. We keep thinking science will save us, but our time is wrapping up on this Earth as long as greed, envy, hatred and racial segregation is passed on from one generation to the other.
From Mr George Evans
Nebagamon, US
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Saying goodbye
When I read the quote by Muhammad Ali: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. The hands can’t hit what the eyes can’t see”, I remembered the boxer’s face who won the heavyweight title three times, who was humorous and treated everyone as equals (‘Poll analysis: How will you remember Muhammad Ali?’, Gulf News, June 6). He was a man who tried to unite all humankind through faith and love. He was Muhammad Ali! He was the one of the few boxers who would help youngsters and often train with them. Even during practice, he was a determined soul. Many will remember him for a handful of bouts, especially the ones with Joe Frazier, but even for a low-profile match, Ali would prepare equally hard. It seems boxing and Ali were made for each other. With a sigh, I say goodbye to him.
From Mr Sunny Joseph
Mala, India
A mess to fix
I’ve been a victim of fraud, too (‘Expat claims to be victim of Dh21,000 fraud’, Gulf News, June 5)! My debit card was used even when the card was in my possession. It was a mess to fix the problem and to get my money back. I sent a long email complaining to the bank and after that they assisted me well. The investigation is still ongoing.
From Ms Airish S. A.
UAE
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Doing our part for the environment
The environment has a special place in my life and whatever I do to help – big or small, it makes me more happy and satisfied. There are plenty of things that people of all ages can do to contribute in protecting the environment. We should follow some rules and make a habit of not throwing trash on the streets. Always use the bins.
More greenery will definitely make the environment more beautiful and healthier. We can help by using less paper and not throwing old newspapers in the bin, bringing them to a recycling centre instead. The UAE is encouraging us to plant trees. There are plenty of nurseries, so whenever you get an opportunity, plant a tree.
Throwing away big items, like old furniture, near the garbage or in the desert dangerously affects the environment. We need to be more careful.
One more easy way to protect the environment is recycling. We can recycle plenty of things. Please do not throw the aluminium cans, glass bottles and plastic bottles once you are done with them. We should be disposing them in the correct bin to help the municipality workers dispatch it to the recycling departments.
All living things are dependent on the environment, so we need to protect it and do our best to save it for the future generations.
From Ms Neola Castelino
Dubai
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