Race has no relationship
The majority of the royals throughout history were never white to begin with. Most Americans are of a mixed heritage, asides from the recent immigrants (“Is Meghan Markle the first mixed-race royal?”, Gulf News, November 29). I am, based on my family tree, biracial. I have several family members that have parents of a different race than me, including my little sister. It’s not at all sensational or abnormal. Many celebrities like singer and rapper, Drake and actress Halle Berry, are biracial and it’s not made a big deal of. Civilisation started on your side of the Earth and as our ancestors made their way here, our bloodlines became mixed.
From Ms Jasmine Williams
UAE
New royalty
Prince Harry announced his engagement to American actress Meghan Markle and the whole world was in a bit of a frenzy. While I’m happy for the couple, I am disappointed that Markle has chosen to give up her career. I understand that she will have more international duties on her plate but I’m sure she could make time for her passion. While she has been a spokesperson for women’s rights and empowerment, I feel like this decision comes as a contradiction because it seems like she is giving up something to get a seat at the high table. I hope once married, she will use her position to help women and lead, like Princess Diana once did.
From Ms Shalini Mathur
Dubai
Safe place
The UAE Commemoration Day is an occasion to pay homage to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for this country (“Nation observes a minute of silence to mark Commemoration Day”, Gulf News, November 30). We do salute and express our gratitude towards this country. As an expatriate, I have been here for the past 26 years and this is my second home. I feel safe secure and comfortable here.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
A part of the progress
I have lived in the UAE for 36 years, and I was born and raised in the city of Al Ain. I have the best memories living in this quiet city. My mother was a nurse and my father was an engineer. I still travel to Al Ain to meet my cousins, friends and visit my church. My other great memories have been cycling to various locations, going to school, overseeing the mountainside and various other events. The progress in the country’s development has been happening really fast, and I’m proud to be a part of the new change.
From Mr Jessin Tom James
UAE
Proud to live in the UAE
I have lived and worked in Dubai for 50 years, since 1967. Of course the development and changes that have taken place are beyond anyone’s imagination. But more than that, for me the generosity and welcoming attitude of the people and the Rulers are why I am proud of being part of this country.
From Mr Yusef Shalabi
UAE
Part of the progress
I love the spirit that surrounds National Day weekend every year. I think the activities that the government had for the people really got families together. It’s nice to see everyone genuinely happy and celebrating the progress the country has made over the years. The Rulers aim high and achieve whatever they set their minds to. I’ve lived in the city of Dubai for almost 21 years, and I am proud to see the progress and change that has happened in this city.
From Ms Alia Mathur
Dubai
A great and deserving victory
The article, not only gives a vivid description of the journey of this year’s winner of the Miss World title, Manushi Chhillar, but also illustrates as to how the format of such beauty pageants have also evolved over the years (“Manushi Chhillar on the power of women”, Gulf News, November 29). Chhillar is from the state of Haryana and became the most sought after person of the year. The Miss World pageant has done away with the cringe-worthy swimsuit competition and has stressed on its beauty with a purpose segment. Since 2001, each contestants is required to undertake a project in their home countries, which is then evaluated during the pageant, and accounts for 50 per cent of the points in the final. This shows the zeal and devotion of Chhillar, that she chose a menstrual hygiene project, which a vast majority of rural and even urban Indian women suffer from. Her concern for the needy is worth appreciating as even Unicef’s assessment says that more than 75 per cent of women still do not know what material to use when menstruating, which leads to various diseases and infections. This Miss World has done every Indian proud by winning the title.
From Mr Ghanshyam N. Singh
India
Editor’s note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet to us @GNReaders.
