#MeToo, too late?
The recent global #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault is being supported by many rational members of both sexes (“Varun Grover calls #MeToo allegation baseless”, Gulf News, October 11). However, the question on most people’s mind is: Why now? Why suddenly? It may be a political step for some.
Like all living beings, men and women interact. However restrictions came up as the society refined itself with norms and ethics. Now the social culture is diluting itself all over the world, and family values are being erased in the name of modernity. The concept of mutual respect, morals and spiritual love is being replaced in all age groups. Elders and parents are losing their respect rapidly. There are no holds barred in the whole spectrum of behaviour in the human race these days.
Why have the women who have come out revealed all these intimate details in public? There is no objection to seek justice if a person had been wronged, however, one should do it in court and not in public. Sorry to say, the women coming out with their stories are affecting the dignity of those accused without thinking. Those accused have not been proven guilty yet. Empowerment of women does not mean that they should cast away modesty shamelessly in public. They should command respect not demand it.
From Mr Aftab Ahmad
Dubai
Resilient and headstrong
This is in reference to the recent allegations made by Indian actors and journalists as part of the #MeToo movement. Apart from this, politicians have also been blamed for being inappropriate and harassing others. The present union minister of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and former newspaper editor M. J. Akbar has come under fire for his behaviour towards women in the past. Those journalists who boldly complained against Akbar are very courageous and are not bothered about their reputation. This shows that their allegations might be true. The NDA government should act against Akbar immediately and take care of the women who have told their stories to the world. It is a sad state of affairs. This is highly shocking and unacceptable in our civil society. Women need to feel safe in their workplace and not be threatened by their boss’ behaviour.
From Mr K. Ragavan
India
A true hero
The article written by Nadia Murad, Nobel Peace Prize winner, about her traumatic experience in the hands of terrorists, is heartbreaking (“Nobel laureate Murad to speak at Sharjah event”, Gulf News, October 16). The article jolts us out of the comfortable cocoon most of us live in. It is so difficult to believe that there is a world out there, which is so fraught with danger and exploitation. I feel so blessed to be lucky enough to live in such a safe environment. More strength to survivors like Murad, and I hope and pray that this world becomes a safer place for all human beings.
From Ms Shama Mohammad
Abu Dhabi
Brave women
After reading about Nadia Murad’s story, I was horrified. We live in a bubble and often forget that there is a dangerous world outside, where people are hungry for power and want to exploit others. Murad, who is a Noble Peace Prize winner, is the true face of the struggle women face in conflict zones. Taking sex slaves has been a practice in wars for many years. However, Murad has shed new light on the subject by talking about the subject. It is devastating to think that there are so many women still captive, being abused. It takes a special courage to fight circumstances and emerge from them stronger. I hope her efforts help save those women. She is a beacon of light in a world that is drowning in darkness.
From Ms Sameera Ajwani
Dubai
All about character
I lost my phone in a taxi once, but when I realised that I had misplaced it and called my number, the driver never answered (“Visitor forgets phone in Dubai taxi, driver returns it”, Gulf News, October 11). After sometime it was switched off. Everybody is not the same.
From Mr Shahab Zain Al Deen
UAE
Facebook comment
Not at fault
In reply to Shahab Zain Al Deen’s comment, I think he is correct, but sometimes, even if a customer manages to leave something in a taxi or bus, another passenger could have taken the belonging. It is not the fault of the driver. The driver might not have done anything wrong.
From Mr Humayun Kabir Himu
UAE
Facebook comment
Good deeds
This happened to me in 2014, while I was travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by taxi. Once I reached my apartment in Abu Dhabi at night, I realised that I had forgotten my mobile. I called my mobile number and the taxi driver told me that I had left it in his car. He then got my phone to me the next day, while coming to Dubai. He was also from Pakistan.
From Mr Bassha Shencottai
UAE
Facebook comment
Muscle without exercise
Any weight loss is useless without gaining some muscle over the fat you lose (“How I lost 10kg on a keto diet”, Gulf News, October 13). Without any exercise you will look thinner and lean but you need to put on some muscle.
From Mr Sif Usman
UAE
Facebook comment
Day for girls
October 11 is celebrated as the International Day of the Girl every year. In 2012, the day was observed for the first time. The observation supports more opportunity for girls and increases awareness of gender inequality. It encourages young girls to get educated and be independent. Even at a young age, girls already fear that they’re growing up in a world where simply being themselves isn’t going to be good enough. They shouldn’t feel that way. No girl should ever feel that way. At a young age, parents bring up their children classifying certain toys, colours and things for boys and girls. All girls on this planet are beautiful in just the way they are and they don’t have to change for others, because beauty comes from the inside. Women are outspoken, driven, certain and courageous, the epitome of a feminist.
From Mr Rafa Ashiqe
Dubai
Borrowing and lending
I read your article regarding borrowing money from friends and I found it interesting (“Borrowing from friends: Till debt do us part”, Gulf News, October 17). My father always advised us that if asked for a loan by anyone, lend only that amount that you can forget about without worrying about them paying you back. Secondly, he has a poem he follows when he has to lend money to a friend: “I had my money and my friend; I lent my money to my friend; I asked my money off my friend; I lost my money and my friend!” I think this is excellent advice from my father!
From Mr Faisal Hasnain
Dubai
Expect nothing in return
I think lending money to people is tricky business. A lot of factors need to be cosidered, such as how well you know the person and what do they want the money for? I think when you give money to a person, you have to consider it like charity and expect nothing in return, not even for them to pay you back. If they do, it is a bonus. Having no expectations does not lead to disappointment. Also, one should give how much they can. No one is under any obligation to give a person the full amount they are asking for. This is something I have learnt with experience.
From Ms Ruhi Manchanda
Dubai
Good choice
The selectors of the Indian cricket team have done a good job in picking the right players for the team, to face West Indies during the first One Day International matches (“India rout West Indies for 2-0 sweep”, Gulf News, October 14). But definitely, we feel sorry for cricketer Dinesh Karthik, who, though not so aggressive as he used to be, has done reasonably well during the Asia Cup, for a change. He played,the entire tournament. I think captain Virat Kohli should have got some more rest before embarking on a strenuous tour, and Karthik should have got another chance before deciding his final fate.
From Mr N. Hariharan
India
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