Racism only exists when you use its tools

A s an American, I can tell you exactly why racial injustice exists in the US (‘US democracy based on racial injustice’, Gulf News, July 11). First, there was the simple and degenerative thinking in the 1800s that set the course for a mentality of division. This was caused, of course, through racism and social acceptance that it was normal for anyone who wasn’t white to sit, eat and drink in places other than those reserved for the white community. Bear in mind, this was an institution perpetuated by both black and white slavers in America’s early years.

Move up 150 years and, even though equality and social norms now included women, they still excluded the African American community. Around this time, the Emancipation Proclamation had made its way to the ears and eyes and some people started to adapt the idea that “all men are created equal.”

Move ahead a bit more. Through Vietnam and public displays of hatred, ignorance and blatant racism by those who still can’t grasp the idea that a black woman should make as much as a white man, anger now sets in. Not to say it never had before, but now the black community had freedom of choice, speech and religion – something that was denied from them for nearly the entire duration of the founding of the country.

We love to categorise and segregate everything. From our dishes and silverware, to our politicians and stereotypes. We do it so naturally, that we weaken ourselves to believe everything that’s categorised for us. That’s how a shallow-brained ignorant desk clerk in Ohio, US can assume something terrible and racist about a man in a kandoura walking through the lobby of a hotel. It’s all very simple. We love simple thinking.

Racism only exists when you use its tools, knowingly or unknowingly. So know. Learn what you don’t have to do anymore. Think about the peaceful freedoms and friendships that would blossom when two people can look into each other’s eyes and not see the racial label hanging from their necks.

Try it. It takes a conscious effort, but I can promise you’ll be surprised with yourself. From Mr Drew Thomas UAE Facebook comment

Dubai takes care of us

I ndeed Dubai is one of the best places to live due to good infrastructure, services, rule of law and safety (‘Dubai is beating to a strong pulse’, Gulf News, July 12). The cost of living is high compared to most Asian countries, but we shouldn’t forget that we are earning a reasonable salary at the same time. From Mr Mani Butt UAE

Education allowance

D ubai is a wonderful place, but something needs to be done about the cost of living, which is too high, especially rent and school fees. It’s too bad that not every company gives an education allowance. This additional support would help expatriates dearly. From Mr Osman Humayun UAE Facebook comment

Family oriented

I agree, it’s because Dubai is a safe and family oriented place. Unfortunately, the cost of living is too high and doesn’t match with our income, especially if you are trying to raise your family here. From Ms Mariam Allam UAE Facebook comment

We can learn a lot

I t just shows that we can all learn a lot from innocent children like this Portuguese boy who hugged the crying Frenchman after the big Euro 2016 match (‘Facebook video: Does this restore your faith in humanity?’, Gulf News, July 12). How can we not be moved to tears by this act of kindness? From Mr John Arscott UAE Facebook comment

Prejudice is a disease

I t reminds me of a story of how children are innocent, but we make them racist, neo-nationalists without tolerance. Discrimination, stereotypes and prejudice are manmade diseases. From Mr Taj Khan UAE Facebook comment

A great sadness for all

T he death of Abdul Sattar Edhi was a great disappointment for everyone as he was a one of the great humanitarian workers of modern society who alone did what a country failed to do (‘Geeta expresses grief over Edhi’s demise: ‘Edhi Saheb loved me like a father’, Gulf News, July 11). He helped mankind irrespective of their castes, colour or religion. From Mr J. A. UAE Full name withheld on request

He began a vision

T he Pakistani nation was in shock and grief after the death of country’s most respectable charity worker, Edhi. He was the most respected personality in Pakistan. He was also called the Mother Teresa of Pakistan since he was a born social worker.

He was born to a poor family and started his charity work in his childhood. Edhi kept living a very simple life despite the million-dollar budgets of his foundation and he wore ordinary clothes.

Edhi was serving humanity without distinguishing between caste, colour, culture or religion. Due to his expanding charity work, he travelled to several other countries and his name was a symbol of humanity in Pakistan and abroad. The Edhi Foundation even provided aid after the New Orleans hurricane in the US. What started with only a few rupees in front of his house with one small tent now is a massive community project crossing countries. From Mr Khawaja Omar Farooq Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Made the world better

E dhi’s social and charitable works tempt us to regard him as something more than just a mere philanthropist for the less privileged. Dedication and integrity were so woven into the fabric of his life and the projects that his foundation undertook. This man taught the world that honesty, trust and wisdom, and not mere wealth, were incumbent to begin philanthropy. What struck me the most was the simplicity he maintained even in his burial. Indisputably, he was a man much ahead of his times. The world mourns him, but nevertheless salutes this hero who was on a mission to make the world a better to place to live in. From Ms Syeda Amena Dubai

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