Focus: Selfie debate

A picture of US President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt taking a photograph of themselves or a selfie during South African peace icon Nelson Mandela’s memorial service went viral on social networking sites, and people around the world reacted to this. Gulf News asked readers on Facebook and Twitter what they thought about taking selfies during sensitive occaasions such as a memorial service or a funeral. Do you have a view on the issue? Share it on our Facebook page or post a comment on gulfnews.com. You can also email us on readers@gulfnews.com

I think there are other more important matters that need attention as this isn’t news to worry about and pictures can be misleading.

From Ms Maria Cardozo

UAE

Facebook comment

I would like to think of it as though they were enjoying the moment and there is no need to bother about the media or what people think.

From Mr Reiner D’Souza

UAE

Facebook comment

Why is everyone saying this was a funeral? It was a memorial, an opportunity to celebrate a life and why should that be a miserable occasion? When my time comes, I would have no issues if people want to take pictures, have a party and enjoy the occasion.

From Mr Mark Atkins

UAE

Facebook comment

Before mobile phones with cameras were born, taking pictures of yourself was not a social issue. What’s wrong with ‘selfies’? That is everyone’s right.

From Mr JF Guarino

UAE

Facebook comment

For all those saying that they are only human beings, well humans don’t smile and take pictures at a funeral.

From Mr Muhammad Zubair Mirza

PAKISTAN

Facebook comment

It’s an occasion where the busiest leaders come together, so obviously no one wants to miss the chance. They are making the most of the occasion.

From Mr Aju Jacob

UAE

Facebook comment

My question is: why isn’t Michelle Obama participating and why has this caused such an uproar in the media? Yes, they are human beings but they are heads of states and role models and this is like validating a misstep!

From Ms Sabin Muzaffar

UAE

Facebook comment

If they aren’t human beings, what are they - aliens? Yes! Aliens don’t have funerals and don’t smile at all.

From Mr Ronan Ledesma Lalis

UAE

Facebook comment

The photographer said the atmosphere was more of a carnival versus a sombre funeral. He thought they were acting normal.

From Ms Sarah Charles

UAE

Facebook comment

It can’t be worse than the woman who took a selfie with a suicidal man on a bridge and that is more selfish. Trust me people, you are not that good looking!

From Mr Omar Dakhane

UAE

Facebook comment

This is disrespectful and undignified. Shame on all of them but I’m particularly unhappy with our American president.

From Ms Elizabeth Parry Miller

UAE

Facebook comment

When leaders behave like 15-year-old cheerleaders, this says a lot about their countries. Congratulations!

From Ms Hanna Bernadett Bojtor

UAE

Facebook comment

This is disrespectful to the deceased. It is shocking and unexpected to witness such behaviour from people serving important roles. Selfies or photographs of any kind should not be taken at funerals and memorial services, and this is something we should all be aware of. By doing this, the trio have not only hurt the sentiments of people worldwide but also disgraced themselves.

From Ms Fatima Suhail

UAE

Facebook comment

So what? What’s wrong with that? That is their personal and social life, why mind them? Is the body of the deceased behind them? Did they think of making fun of the deceased? That is their intimate friendship, love and peace among their countries! It’s better to make love than to make war and besides, I’m sure Nelson Mandela is happy with this.

From Mr Jr Aurelio Ballad

UAE

Facebook comment

I don’t find this disrespectful. Mandela fought for so many things and one of which is equality. The trio in this photo are a living proof that the great man somehow succeeded. The ceremony was to celebrate Mandela’s life and he would be delighted seeing the trio taking selfies.

From Ms MigzSophie Vidal Calindas

UAE

Facebook comment

It wasn’t only a memorial service; it was also a service to celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela. South Africans were crying and dancing, so, no harm was done and besides Bishop Tutu fell asleep but no one is talking about him being disrespectful.

From Ms Manon Broekhoff

UAE

Facebook comment

We can’t judge people by photos!

From Ms Krizzytwyla Shaffina

UAE

Facebook comment

Stop being so judgmental

From Mr Sri Vishnu

UAE

Facebook comment

This demonstrates an appalling lack of respect and insensitivity.

From Ms Tricia Buchanan

UK

Facebook comment

This is a very bad example before others as world leaders. They are representatives of their nations and need to live up to the hopes of the public.

From Mr George Zacharia

UAE

Facebook comment

Why don’t you ask what’s on everyone’s mind instead: Were Obama and Cameron completely selfish for taking photographs at Mandela’s funeral? The answer is a resounding YES!

From Mr Mubasher Sheikh

UK

Facebook comment

That shows what kind of inconsiderate people they are.

From Ms Sophie Riz

UAE

Facebook comment

Irresponsible meets disrespectful meets unprofessional.

From Ms Claire Ord

SAUDI ARABIA

Facebook comment

They are normal human beings and I see nothing wrong. The media has to run its business and people who generalise have to say what they like. Remember what goes around, comes back around.

From Ms Sidney A Soares

UAE

Facebook comment

That proves the fact that the selfie is a popular word and can be done, too, by popular people.

From Ms Rowena Alcantara

UAE

Facebook comment

I don’t think there is anything wrong and selfies are as cool as handshakes nowadays.

From Mr Akash Athrey

INDIA

Facebook comment

Show some respect please, you’re not at a party!

From Ms Maureen Lapitan Suarez

PHILIPPINES

Facebook comment

Those that came all the way from their home countries have great respect for Mandela. Everyone reacts to situations in different ways and I don’t see anything bad in this.

From Mr Steve Lahhrry

UAE

Facebook comment

It’s a funeral and not a party for them to take pictures of themselves... no manners nor respect! From Ms Sumera Malik

PAKISTAN

Facebook comment

Only Michelle Obama is attending Mandela’s memorial.

From Ms Hina Tabassum

UAE

Facebook comment

To think that such people get the Nobel Prize for Peace ... awesome.

From Mr Malik Khan

UAE

Facebook comment

That just shows how selfish they are.

From Ms Shahida Majgaonkar

UAE

Facebook comment

Look at Michelle Obama’s face...

From Ms Asma Mazhar

UAE

Facebook comment

Michelle does not look pleased with her husband’s behaviour.

From Mr Stewart Mackay

UAE

Facebook comment

Just put your focus on the first lady also.

From Mr Rahul Dutt Sharma

UAE

Facebook comment

It’s a memorial service. These are our leaders who show no respect, so what can we expect?

From Mr Niaz Abdul Kader

UAE

Facebook comment

This is all about perceptions, so, let media prove it was a selfie but either way it was inappropriate behaviour. Will Obama continue? America will decide.

From Mr Cajetan D’ Souza

UAE

Facebook comment

Hold on, that is Cameron showing an old picture of her with Mandela to Obama. What’s wrong with that? Except the part of Schmidt, peeking into their privacy!

From Mr Aju Jacob

UAE

Facebook comment

It’s funny yet inappropriate behaviour.

From Mr Ronald Miura

UAE

Facebook comment

The first time in history sitting US and Cuban presidents have shook hands. Why is a silly selfie getting all the attention.

From Mr Shivam Manghnani @shivamLM

UAE

Twitter comment

Come on that would be a dumb n most disrespectful thing to do

From Mr Zahid Noor @zahidnoor2

UAE

Twitter comment

OMG I am horrified! That is in extremely poor taste!

From Shan Fazelbhoy @ShanFazelbhoy

UAE

Twitter comment

It is a day about the deceased, and not about you. Therefore, it is highly inappropriate to take a selfie during such circumstances. People are there to mourn the loss of a loved one and to pay tribute to the life of the deceased, rather than to be selfish and take pictures of themselves.

From Mr Saif Al Mazroui

Abu Dhabi

It is disrespectful if the purpose is to have fun, however, if it is taken to keep as a memory, then it is fine. Overall, I don’t see any point of taking selfies during a funeral and if necessary, at least take permission from family of the deceased.

From Mr Eisa Al Bannai

Dubai

It is inappropriate in a sense, but it also depends on the intentions. A memorial service or funeral is a chance to commemorate the life of the deceased. It also depends on the person who has passed away and whether or not he or she would appreciate such actions.

From Ms Afra Atiq

Dubai

I’m not a fan of selfies to begin with and at a memorial or funeral it is very disrespectful. People go to funerals to pay respect and not to take pictures of themselves in order to upload on social networking sites. It is not a suitable time nor place to engage in such activities.

From Ms Rayan Moghrabi

Sharjah