The scourge of intolerance
I think the problem with racism, in its broader sense, is ignorance (“Facebook debate: Is racism the world’s most destructive problem?”, Gulf News, March 26). Adding ‘ism’ onto the end of everything and declaring it unwaveringly wrong is not the answer. There is a lot of subjectivity at work when it comes to race, religion, gender, disability, political views, and so on. A lack of willingness to engage in open, honest discussions to learn about the other side of the story is the world’s most destructive problem and, I think, at some point or another, even the most enlightened of us is guilty of this from time to time.
From Mr Ben Adamson
UAE
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Design laws and policies
Look at how Singapore implements its anti-racism law. The Constitution of the Republic of Singapore promises equality to all persons before the law. Racism is all over the world, but when strict laws and penalties are put into effect, many will abide by them.
From Mr Jonjon Zenitram
UAE
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Money makes a difference
Racism springs from economic inequality, though I must say that economic inequality is not the main cause of racism. Try to racially profile a person who has a better economic status than you, then you will realise what I mean. Which race has a better economic status? Which nationality has better economic advantages? Economic inequality is more widespread than you think. In the battlefield or even in real life, no one would dare to bully or discriminate a much larger opponent, and that is a fact.
From Leo A Mamaclay
UAE
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What do bigots notice?
Perhaps economic inequality is one contributor to racism but, to say it is the main cause, ignores a much more complex issue. Racist people do not see money; they see the colour of your skin. Look at the US, for example. You have black people all over the country being profiled by police and others, regardless of their income or standard of living.
From Mr Jack Grisham
Los Angeles, US
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In harmony with others
If every person follows his religion exactly the way he/she is supposed to, racism would slowly come to an end. I believe no religion in the world supports racism, and every faith teaches peace and equality. I feel sad that most followers of various religions are not fully aware of the teachings of their faith, and are just influenced by some racist agendas. Never be swayed by preachers who are out to spread hatred.
The Quran mentions that if someone kills even one person, it is as if he has killed the whole of humanity. Unmistakably, there may be some political leaders/preachers who share wrong definitions or interpretations, and spread inaccurate information instead. In my opinion, currently, Muslims are more affected by this kind of thinking, because there are non-Muslims who believe that Islam hates other religions and their followers. However, the best and truest version of Islam is free from racism. In the UAE, for example, we see Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and people from other religious denominations living in harmony and peace.
From Mr Abood Al Romancy
Abu Dhabi
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Frame of mind
Discrimination is also about a state of mind — when a group thinks they are the best.
From Mr Midhun Dharmaraj
Dubai
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Actions speak volumes
Racism is everywhere. Once, my friend and her colleagues were having lunch in their company’s pantry, when their manager walked in on them and commented that their food stinks. It is such statements that are unwarranted or uncalled for.
From Mr Eric Vergara
Laguna, Philippines
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Just a distraction
I believe the concept of racism was created by weak-headed leaders as a distraction technique to help them deal with major political or economic problems.
From Ms Pramila S. Raj
Dubai
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Society’s malaise
Racism cannot be eliminated at any cost. Many people, depending on their race or origin, have been denied an opportunity for job interviews due to the existence of racism.
From Mr Phaizol Mukfai
UAE
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What Islam says
One of the things I love about Islam is that it forbids racism. Muslims are one big family that look out for each other. Prophet Mohammad [peace be upon him] said: “An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; also a white person has no superiority over a black person nor does a black person have any superiority over a white person, except by piety and good actions.”
From Mr Ameen Ali
UAE
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Diverting attention
Nowadays, the world’s most destructive problem is corporate greed that causes wars, and diverts the focus of humanity from priorities such as health, food, security and development.
From Mr Sultan Kingji
India
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Make connections
We need bridges around us, not walls. A person who sees another human being as being inferior to him or her is just sick. People like these need to get their heads checked.
From Mr Stephen Tomusange
Kampala, Uganda
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Parent’s advice
I am a parent and I know quite well what children go through emotionally (“School in shock after three deaths in three years”, Gulf News, March 21). Let me, first of all, state that the pressure is often on the part of the school. Every teacher in every class tries to tell students how tough their subject is. It is very clear that the education system creates much pressure for our children.
From Mr Jikky Renji Mathews
Dubai
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What if it is stolen?
Would airlines reimburse passengers for a damaged/stolen laptop or tablet (“Daesh plot fears prompted device ban, says US”, Gulf News, March 23)? The handheld gaming devices usually keep small children from running amok during 13-hour flights to John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York, US.
From Mr David Bozetarnik
UAE
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Makes no sense
I do not understand this ban. So far, we were told that we could not carry power banks or laptops in our checked-in baggage because of the lithium batteries. Now, this reverses the current practice.
From Mr Mukesh Vijaywargi
Mumbai, India
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Causing inconvenience
Travellers on long flights would get bored without their laptops and mobile phones.
From Mr Mohammad Asif
UAE
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Safety in all airports
Since direct flights from the Middle East to the US and UK ensure safety, shouldn’t this ban apply to all airports worldwide, so that every single passenger on a plane is safe?
From Ms Ann Tak
UAE
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Let’s face it
Safety comes first. I understand why they have implemented a ban like this. Either take it or leave it.
From Ms June Aisha Wolf
Dubai
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That’s the way
Every country has the right to take steps to boost their airline industry and their economy. What is the big deal?
From Mr Malik Gulzar Zeb
UAE
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Renewable energy is the future
The Dubai government and the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) deserve kudos for opening the world’s largest single site solar park (“Mohammad opens world’s largest solar park”, Gulf News, March 20). What makes this initiative all the more praiseworthy is that it is a source of clean energy, devoid of carbon emissions. Fossil fuels are fast depleting — they cause environmental pollution, which leads to global warming. Other nations should emulate this initiative, as electricity produced from solar energy will be relatively cheap.
From Mr Rajan VK
Dubai
Snake on plane
How did a snake pass through the security scan, undetected (“Pilot: We have a loose snake on the plane”, Gulf News, March 22)?
From Mr Khaled Khan
Dubai
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