Letters: August 18, 2013

Looks matter

During my school years, I had always noticed that teachers gave more preference to the children with good looks. I wondered many times if being beautiful is essential. People treat you differently if you are attractive. I remember a classmate who was plump. She was the laughing stock of our school simply because she was fat. People called her names and never took her seriously. It made me think that people judge you by what is on the outside rather than what you are on the inside. At times even my close friends made me feel bad about myself simply because I had a tan complexion. However, I couldn’t change who I was, could I? Yes, my self-esteem was a little shaken up and still on many occasions I feel that I should look my best when I step out of my house. However, today I think that we as young adults should take such criticism in a positive way because it eventually helps us define who we are. Looking my best is important to me, but my abilities and talents are far more superior.

From Ms Sumera Malek

Sharjah

Ignorance is not bliss

I feel that Islamophobia has its roots in ignorance — the ignorance of people who choose to acquire their information from biased media sources and from people with ulterior motives who link any negative incident or crime committed by a Muslim to his or her faith. Many people I meet on a daily basis and on social media base their accusations on statements on Islam stated by both Muslims and non-Muslims, who do not have enough or any knowledge about Islam beyond ‘jihad’. Muslims have also contributed much to Islamophobia by reacting in a way that is contrary to the teachings of Islam. Many have used religion for their benefit and caused confusion amongst Muslims and others alike.

From Ms Mahnaaz Shaikh

Dubai

Something old, something new

I have been an ardent fan and user of BlackBerry for the past five years and I am sad to read about its demise, but it was not inevitable (“Struggling BlackBerry considers outright sale”, Gulf News, August 14). Research In Motion (RIM) was slow in responding to challenges posed by the iPhone and later, Android-based smartphones. It was too late in releasing the Z10 with the new operating system. The smartphone market in particular is ruthless. Either you improve and provide something new to your customers or perish.

From Ms Kirti Vagher

Dubai

Website comment

Strike back

The fall of the BlackBerry was expected since their services became less relevant to the customers. The company’s policies and the way customers think had started to move in two different directions. Earlier, people considered owning a BlackBerry device as a sign of being a dignitary. Many people did not even know what the BlackBerry was capable of doing. However, in the IT, electronics and telecom industries we should consider the power of existence in the long run rather than immediate reaction. Many mobile phone companies are struggling compared to emerging and fast growing companies who have new tactics. I hope BlackBerry can strike back with innovative ideas and new gadgets.

From Mr Rajesh

Ajman

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Relationships

Money is not as important as your relationship with parents (“Daughter fools mum and vanishes with 20kg gold in Sharjah”, Gulf News, August 13). It is such a shame that she was trying to deceive her parents for a new relationship. A man who can’t afford to support his wife should not start a relationship based on stolen money.

From Mr Saif

Sydney, Australia

Website comment

Take the gold

Hats off to the Sharjah Police. But, they also need to look at the 20 kilograms of gold her mother owns and whether it is authentic. The truth is that the man will simply take the gold and leave the daughter behind.

From Mr George

Dubai

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Casual attitude

Great job by Sharjah Police. However, there is so much gold in question and both the mother and daughter seem to be handling it so casually!

From Mr Jay

Dubai

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Our saviour

I would like to thank an Ajman Police officer, Mr Khalifa, who helped me when I was in need. Recently, I was waiting outside Khalifa Hospital, in Ajman, with my family at 2am. We were waiting for a taxi, but couldn’t find one as it was late and so we decided to walk all the way in the summer heat. Upon seeing us, the police officer stopped his car and asked us where we were going. He then offered to drop us home, as he wasn’t on duty. I was desperately looking for a taxi and he was our saviour.

From Mr Shaikh Abdullah Attari

Ajman

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