Speaker's Corner: May 18, 2008

From us to you

If you were omnipotent for one day, what would you do?

Many would give you impulsive answers right away, many would contemplate and think thoroughly about the answer.

Now pause for a second and think of what you would do.

You might find yourself overwhelmed with this power that you have, many things flying here and there, many wishes that have been haunting you since that very first incident that happened to you, and to that very last one where you found yourself helpless, hopeless or weak.

Maybe it is time to get back at the person who once let you down, or the other who misused his/her power to inflict pain and unfairness.

Let us face reality: many of us have faced this, that is why these thoughts may be the first thing that come to one's mind. However, don't let the negativity take over your world or even rock it. Think of the many things that you can do that might benefit you and cleanse the world of those parasites, or from this flu that is contagious and spreading everywhere, could it be at work, home, university, or even in the most pure, spotless, uncontaminated place.

Many times doors were shut in our faces and many other times we were deprived of basic human rights — the right to speak up, to have a shelter and food. That should not turn us into insensitive and irrational people. On the contrary that should make us better citizens and humans equipped with love, care and good intentions.

Through good will and compromise one can overcome any problem and get rid of any impurity. From here it is not that easy to let go or forget any bad, humiliating, unfair incidents and accidents that have once happened to you. But through practice and willpower you can learn how to turn the negative energy into a positive one, you can learn how to depersonalise all the unnecessary, subjective, rather biased comments.

So at the end if you had all the power in the world, take a minute to think of your previous experiences, and learn how to use them to better the world and your actions.

Rania Al Hussaini
Notes Deputy Editor
education@gulfnews.com

Letters to Notes

Youth of the nation
By Mona Girish

Today's youth is really not given enough credit. The 21st century youth is only known for their bad behaviour, their increasing bad habits and their failures. Why not acknowledge the ones who are excelling for a change?

The youth have really been stepping up their game in the recent past. They are smarter than ever, proof of which is all the emerging child prodigies and young champions in various fields. They are actively participating to make a change in this world. Let's take the example of teenagers in Dubai itself. Recently, various students took part in the Model United Nations where they came up with creative solutions to solve the world's problems (Notes, May 11). This is the first step to shaping young leaders.

Young people today are ready to take up any challenge — be it creating a robot, or helping the underprivileged. They are jacks of all trades and don't settle for anything but the best. Youngsters today have transformed into leaders rather than mere followers. They have their own beliefs, dreams and visions. However, the most important quality they have is the confidence to pursue their dreams, however far-fetched. They show everyone that everything doesn't have to be so complicated. They add a new carefree and simple flavour to life. Their motto of "take life as it comes" is almost enviable. Their undying energy and eagerness to learn is what gets them ahead of the competition.

People say, "Winning isn't everything". But for the youth today, "Winning isn't everything. It's the only thing". The need to achieve their goals and leave their mark has become insatiable. They are going after their dreams full speed. So watch out.

— The writer is a mass communications student at Mount Carmel College, India

Trying to be someone else?
By Jija Jose

To be proud of your culture is one of the most essential qualities in a person. But can we see it now among the new generation? Before you point the finger at others, why don't you question yourself? Are you really proud of your origin, your ethnicity and most of all are you embarrassed to speak in your mother tongue? If yes, you would definitely find yourself as one among the lot trying to bury their true identity.

Many of us would be able to relate to ourselves the book Namesake, which talks about identity crisis. This is common among children brought up in a foreign country like most of us. Being brought up overseas, we tend to showcase ourselves as one among them pushing away the fact that we belong somewhere else. All the while we try our level best to please others by pretending to be someone else.

There are people who take pride in saying that they are unaware of their mother tongue. Maybe it's because they feel that their culture is not up to the mark that it might be a barrier for them to be accepted by the rest. It's true that when you have to live in a foreign country among many nationalities one wouldn't be able to live abiding by the exact traditions of one's culture. But this shouldn't be an excuse for one to deny one's own identity and be someone else that you're definitely not. Parents should take the initiative to convey the knowledge of their culture to their kids.

One thing all of us should understand is such characteristics come out of children because of society. As a society we should respect all cultures. There is no point in creating a fuss that most of the "Mallus" (Keralites from India) have an accent. Would you prefer a friend with a great accent than a caring and loving pal? I'm sure no one would want to be friends with a fake character. As long as we can communicate with each other, that's what we should be glad about.

— The writer is a mass communications student at Christ College, India