A perspective of love
I would say that Valentine’s Day is both relevant and overrated (“Facebook debate: Is Valentine’s Day pressurising?”, Gulf News, February 11). With all the negativity in the world today, we could all use a bit of love. One could argue that every day should be about celebrating the ones you love but realistically, it doesn’t happen. So, what’s the harm in setting aside a day to do so? In terms of the pressure that people feel to buy presents, I feel like it dilutes the real meaning of the day. Valentine’s Day should be about celebrating the people you love in your life, not equating how much you love them with chocolates and flowers.
From Ms Rohini Gopal
Singapore
Make time for love
Valentine’s Day is a day of love. While every day can be celebrated, having a day in honour of love is nice, because people spend time with their loved ones and make them feel special. It allows people to take a break from the routine and do what matters, with those who matter. I think it is sweet that some people go out of their way to buy presents and make the day special. It is the thought that counts.
From Ms Ria Raja
Dubai
Marks matter!
When the assessment system all over the world, whatever be the syllabus or system of study, is based on marks, points or grades, the hue and cry about marks is unjustified (“Focus: Do marks really matter?”, Gulf News, February 2). Yes, intelligence cannot be measured by marks. But, the understanding of the students, the effort they put into their work and their hard work can only be assessed by relevant exams, for which marks are given. While this statement does not bother the students who can score more marks, the students who have to put in more effort into comprehending and practising subjects, are carried away by this statement, which even some educationists support without a second thought. The whole world of education functions based on marks only.
The world has become so competitive and in an age where job opportunities are decreasing due to various reasons, one has to work hard to stand out. In such a situation, when this statement is constantly repeated, students become misguided. For sure, academic excellence has not much to do with a successful life. But there are many aspects to consider. First, all teenagers are not mature enough to decide their future at that age. A great percentage of them are not sure about what career they should choose. Most of them are under false notions and do not understand reality. Secondly, student life is a period in which, they must learn and get trained to become studious and smart enough to face the real world. If they were told at this stage that marks are not important, does this not discourage them and cause them to lose the spirit to do better? I am not asking to force them to score high marks so as to become doctors or engineers; but to learn about facing life. This is not about putting pressure on the students, but about not making them careless about their precious future.
From Ms Yousufa Mohammad
Abu Dhabi
Consequences
I felt quite upset, reading about how some aid workers had paid for sex while on a mission to help those affected by a 2010 earthquake in Haiti (“UK threatens to cut off aid cash to charities after Oxfam sex report”, Gulf News, February 11). Now, the UK might stop aid to the charity organisation. Due to the actions of a few disreputable staff members, hundreds, even thousands of people in need could now be affected. People, especially those who are in a position of authority, must ensure they follow the rules and codes of conduct. Their actions have far-reaching repercussions, and could ruin lives.
From Mr Anil Manohar
Dubai
One step at a time
I completely agree with the comment on the benefits of ageing naturally (“Why I want to age naturally”, Gulf News, February 12). When I spotted my first grey hair in my late 20s, I thought to myself: ‘This is it, it’s the end of an era.’ Nothing hit me more strongly about how rapidly time was flying, than seeing that single, grey strand. Like the writer of the comment piece, I too, asked myself if I had lived wisely enough, if I had taken enough risks and if I had enough stories to tell. Did I have a fulfilling youth? From there to here, at 31, I’m still asking myself the same questions. But the difference I’ve found, over the past 10 years, is that I am now comfortable with time, more aware of its limits and okay with missing out on some events. My priorities are clearer to me, and my time is more valuable, so I’ve left behind some habits and people that I know are not good for me. Most importantly, I know that the years stack up in the blink of an eye, so all I can do is take it one day at a time and enjoy every minute of it.
From Ms Sophie V.
Sharjah
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