‘Instant fame’ is not worth it
T his is an extremely important move from Dubai’s Environment, Health and Safety Control Authority (“Local order against daredevil selfie takers”, Gulf News, March 21). They are curbing the recent craze of ‘selfie-adventurists’ doing dangerous stunts on top of highrise structures. Not only is this a death-defying act, but also creates negative motivation for others to follow and receive ‘instant fame’ on social media.
In fact, people don’t just perform these kinds of stunts in Dubai alone — it happens everywhere. In one of my trips to Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, I witnessed a family encouraging children to jump repeatedly from the guard rails for a picture-perfect opportunity, while someone else kept clicking pictures on their camera.
This happy excursion could have become tragic any time one of them fell down the side of a steep slope. I hope there will be more awareness programmes to constantly alert and remind people of any imminent danger. Safety should be our priority at all times.
From Mr Ramesh Menon UAE Facebook comment
Hard to handle
N owadays, there is too much peer pressure in academics (“3 tragedies in 3 years shock students”, Gulf News, March 22). Children are not able to handle it. A few minds are made that way — not everyone is strong enough to deal with so much pressure. So, I would ask all parents to please talk to your teenage children. Failing is still okay, but losing your life certainly isn’t.
Critical thinking
M aybe we should look at the exam system and culture. Not everyone is suited to exams. Perhaps it is time to look at written assignments on set topics, which more often than not, reveals children’s ability for critical thinking and can be an eye-opener for change.
Change in mindset
M ore than children, I think parents need counselling. Some parents put a lot of pressure on children to study. From Mr Prakash Manokumpuzha Jacob Dubai Facebook comment
Wrong focus
S adly, all this happening mostly because parents seem to concentrate only on their children’s grades rather than their actual growth and development as individuals. I hope the authorities will spread awareness regarding this matter, so that they can help save the lives of the next generation. From Ms Joy Fatima Octaviano UAE Facebook comment
New-age parenting
N o doubt, a lot has changed (“Speak Your Mind: Modern motherhood”, Gulf News, March 24). Perhaps due to people’s needs, or in order to build a career, it has become a necessity for many mothers to work. Experience shows that working women can raise more successful children than some housewives. I am a teacher myself, and have a three-yearold daughter.
Barbaric act
A nd we call ourselves civilised (“Police: Chicago teen apparently gangraped on Facebook Live”, Gulf News, March 22)? What is this world turning into? People do all sorts of evil for likes and popularity, and there is nothing as bad as a person who watches someone commit a crime without doing anything! I am afraid many people have lost their humanity and this world is meaningless if people no longer have empathy for their fellow human beings. I hope this young girl finds peace, to deal with such a traumatic experience. From Ms Cassandra Jr Sandra Dubai Facebook comment
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